The "Great Scale Model Train Show in Orlando, Florida Nov. 5-6

[mondotrains]

Hi Guys,
I'm going to Florida on November 2nd and just saw the add in "Model Railroader" for the Orlando train show Nov. 5-6. I wondered if any of you folks may have been to this show in the past and whether it might be worth my while to get to the show, at least for one of the 2 days.

Any input would be appreciated. I should tell you that I've already decided to drive up to Ocala and go to "Dan's Train Depot" where I'm told there are thousands of items to look at. If his store in Florida is anywhere close to his store on Ebay, I'm sure it will be a worthwhile trip. Have any of you folks been to Dan's in Ocala, Fla.?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Mondo

[onetrack64]

I don't anything about the Florida show...but if it is anything close to his shows in Timonium Maryland, it will be more than worthwhile. Howard Zane has been hosting his shows in Maryland for YEARS!!! He knows what he is doing.

I am already working on my shopping list for the Timonium show this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Well, I've never been before but I saw the same ad. Living only about 20 minutes from the fair grounds, I'm sure we'll pass eachother if you're there on Saturday. My wife has to work so I'll be bringing my son down.

Can anyone tell me about these types of shows? Are they usually display shows, or are there vendors there as well?

[Anonymous]

No-one can tell you anything solid about this show because it's the first time it's been held. No track record.

It is being held on the same weekend as the always-on-that-weekend Greenberg show in Atlanta [:(!], so some vendors with long term committment to Greenberg won't be there.

I'll be doing the New York Marathon that weekend.

Mike Tennent

[rrinker]

It's a brand-new show - but if they do anywhere near as good a job as they do in Timonium every year, it will be a GREAT show. Howard Zane and his crew put on the best show around.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Randy,

Although it has Howard's name on it, I believe someone else is actually organizing it. The fact that they chose to go head to head with a well established show in the other best market in the southeast was not viewed too favorably by many vendors.

It will probably be a good show and well worth attending, but a date not conflicting with another major regional show would have been more appropriate.

Mike Tennent

[CNJ831]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

It's a brand-new show - but if they do anywhere near as good a job as they do in Timonium every year, it will be a GREAT show. Howard Zane and his crew put on the best show around.

If indeed a new location/spin-off of Howard Zane's MD show, it will be most interesting to see how it does. Quite a number of years ago Zane tried a spin-off of the show in New York State, where one might have expected a lot of old, collectible, historic models to be available, plus lots of attendees...but it turned out to be pretty much a flop, both for dealers and customers...no more than an average train show with latest products at list prices! Needless to say, the show was very short-lived. Time will tell.

CNJ774

[ProtoWeathering]

I've been to other train shows at that location and they seem to be well attended, which surprises me because Orlando only has two decent HO clubs in various stages of development.

99% of of these shows will be vendors. Not too much to learn, clinic wise, unless this one is drastically different than the last few.

I moved down here from the suburbs of Chicago where every month we had the GATS run shows at the Du Page fairgrounds. The shows here in Orlando reminds me of those.

[onetrack64]

Of the few shows I attend every year, I like Howard's the best. There are lots of layouts of all scales. Vendors ranging from the average fellow trying to get rid of a few unwanted items up to the guys with 10 tables of merchandise. And there are some clinics.

A new show can go both ways. If the buyers don't show up, there will not be a next year. If you are able to attend, go and lend your support. Regardless of our expectations about the a new show, we will have a direct input for future shows based on our attendance. Many regular vendors are on speaking terms with each other and will be discussing their plans for future shows, if there are to be any more shows.

So... throw a blank tape in the VCR, tape the game, and go support a new show.

And come back here to report how everything went. As for me, I'll be at Timonium this weekend.