I plan on going tomorrow. I usually do the same thing at all the shows I go to. First, I do a kind of quick walk thru looking only at the HO tables for that rare gem I might happen to be looking for, and try to compare prices at the different tables. Then I do my second walkthru, taking my time and looking at everything, no matter what scale. Finally, I spend the last part of my day looking at the layouts and wondering why I wasn't born with the talent everybody else seems to have. If I don't find anything, that's okay too. I still enjoy myself.
Tom
Pittsburgh, PA
Milepost 266.2 wrote: Andies Candy wrote:You forgot to tell him to not take a shower. Personal hygiene is frowned upon at such events.
Andies Candy wrote:
You forgot to tell him to not take a shower. Personal hygiene is frowned upon at such events.
Very useful advice when you're reaching Past someone to get that box car they've been mentally debating about..
One serious one I did forget.. If you have a list of what you already have, it can be handy in avoiding buying repeats (if that matters to you).. If all you have is a few items then chances are pretty good you'll remember what you have. When you get to the 1000+ train cars (as I once was) without any doubles, It got a little difficult to remember what I already had that I just Could Not live without. If you collect a given item, have a list of what you need to finish the collection (different from the general wishlist).. I use to collect the Train Miniature Tobacco road cars. Finally got all of them and then asked myself Why?? Anyway, it helped (with shows as well as ebay) to know What cars belonged to the 48 piece collection.
Andies Candy wrote:Make sure you talk condensending to all the people you come in contact withBuy the first thing you see and likeALWAYS pay retail+ for any items you wantAlways tell people that you have what they have but ONE or TWO more than theyNever try to talk anyone down in price no matter whatBump hard into every old man that is not looking where they are goingWalk around with a blank stare to startle othersLastly Go around telling people what they should have bought when they operating their quipment. People enjoy that whole lot and appreciate your opinion.If you follow these handful of simple rules it will guarantee a successful day at ANY train show!! Good luck!!
Make sure you talk condensending to all the people you come in contact with
Buy the first thing you see and like
ALWAYS pay retail+ for any items you want
Always tell people that you have what they have but ONE or TWO more than they
Never try to talk anyone down in price no matter what
Bump hard into every old man that is not looking where they are going
Walk around with a blank stare to startle others
Lastly Go around telling people what they should have bought when they operating their quipment. People enjoy that whole lot and appreciate your opinion.
If you follow these handful of simple rules it will guarantee a successful day at ANY train show!! Good luck!!
jeffers_mz wrote: In addition to what's already posted:1. Pick your clothes for indoors. A base layer, a fleece pullover, and a nylon shell wil keep you warm to the teens while walking in from your parking spot, and the nylon shell will pack real small, leaving you comfortable, not sweating bullets inside the show.2. Wear a backpack big enough to hold the thing you plan to buy, plus your nylon shell. 3. Jerky or some nuts might save you a trip to the ER over a bad hot dog that costs $27 at the "lunch stand".
In addition to what's already posted:
1. Pick your clothes for indoors. A base layer, a fleece pullover, and a nylon shell wil keep you warm to the teens while walking in from your parking spot, and the nylon shell will pack real small, leaving you comfortable, not sweating bullets inside the show.
2. Wear a backpack big enough to hold the thing you plan to buy, plus your nylon shell.
3. Jerky or some nuts might save you a trip to the ER over a bad hot dog that costs $27 at the "lunch stand".
That's good advice Jeffers, one thing to add to your post that I just remembered is to wear good shoes since you're on your feet for quite a while. Just a suggestion.
There is a way to go to a show and have some success...if deferred. Ask vendors who have something you'd like, but can't/won't buy outright at the time, if they would take a deposit. You could make a deal to give him 50%, say, and that you will forfeit it all if you don't pay up after a certain period of time. Some of them may accept, especially since they get a free 50% of the item's retail price if you don't follow through, and they can sell it later.
I agree that you should go anyway. It does two things: it gets you the experience and a frame of reference, but it also can help you to set concrete goals if you see something that you missed because you tend to be a poor saver or an impulse buyer. As we say in the military, time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.
Robby P. wrote: I am still wondering to go or not. The problem is the are cuttting hours at work, and the pay check will look bad. Plus, I just spent $75.00 on eBay getting cars. I think I rather go when I have some money. The wife already said "I know you will be mad if you don't go with alot of money , and don't get to buy alot." So...... I guess it depends on the money for bills and etc. I've never been to a train show. This one is about a hour away. I would love to go and see what goes on and maybe when it comes back in July I know what to expect. I think this is a good topic, as far as to what to look for, and what to ask about.
I am still wondering to go or not. The problem is the are cuttting hours at work, and the pay check will look bad. Plus, I just spent $75.00 on eBay getting cars. I think I rather go when I have some money. The wife already said "I know you will be mad if you don't go with alot of money , and don't get to buy alot." So...... I guess it depends on the money for bills and etc.
I've never been to a train show. This one is about a hour away. I would love to go and see what goes on and maybe when it comes back in July I know what to expect. I think this is a good topic, as far as to what to look for, and what to ask about.
RP:
The thing to remember is that every train show has pretty much the same stuff. As long as you keep that in mind, you can resist the urge to buy EVERYTHING. You can always get what you missed later on.
Just take $10 or so to spend and have some fun. Attempt to engage the socially inept train loonies in conversation (I can say this because I am one), observe the operating layouts, and so on.
Sometimes I find it helpful to set a goal for merchandise acquisition. This year, I was looking for cheap tank cars and possibly a caboose, and I was busy enough trying to find some I liked that I didn't really notice the boxcars etc. that I passed up.
I don't usually buy new stuff. I leave that to people with more money. I can always get that at the model shop or online, anyhow.
Possibly the best thing you can spend $10 is 10 back issues of MR or RMC from the 40s-70s. You will be amazed at the useful information contained therein. That alone is a good reason to attend shows.
If your train shows are like ours (Utah) I think you'll find it worthwhile to attend even if you don't buy anything. Our next one is in Utah County at Thanksgiving Point on January 26. Last year there were about a dozen layouts and a gazillion model railroaders. I feel like the best thing I get from attending these is the advice and perspective of the other modelers.
Some things that I've found at bargain prices are craftsman structure kits - at the shows they often sell for about half of what they sell for on eBay. Also, Kadee couplers are often half the catalog price. Old MR issues are usually about 50 cents (good reading). Brass detail parts are often priced well, but there aren't too may to be had.
Be careful about bargain priced tools - often these look good, but the quality is not there and they don't last. I did find one guy selling brand new dental burrs for a buck each - I love those! At a buck each, I was thrilled. In case you've never tried dental burrs, let me tell you - my Dremel has done some amazing work with these in the chuck; they are super sharp and cut like a laser through everything from plastic to brass. They stay sharp and provide terrific control.
Go to the show and have fun. Don't overspend. Talk to everyone you can!
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.
I wish to emphasize the advice to not buy anything until you have been through the whole show... not one dime until you have seen all the sale tables. PLEASE!
That way, when I get there late, I can have access to the good deals while you are still wandering around not buying anything, yet. THANKS!
Semper Vaporo
Pkgs.
Hey Robby, I'm going with less that $200 and I live over two hours away, and although I have stuff in mind that I would like to get, I'm really going just be there. Just to see everything, maybe pic some brains, basically ingulf myself in it all for a day. Can't get enough ya know? So I would say if you can spare the work time to at least go and check it out, especially if you haven't made this one yet. It's only a couple bucks to get in too. I've been looking forward to this all week.
secondhandmodeler wrote:Make sure you don't ask any stupid questions!
I thought there weren't any stupid questions.................just stupid people. LOL
"Rust, whats not to love?"
selector wrote:Might be a good idea to at least get a business card if you buy something "hand-made" or unusual from someone. I had a skeleton car turn out to be a dud, and it cost me exactly what it looked like it was worth....a lot. Trouble was, who ya gonna call?
Very good idea!
Andies Candy wrote:The rules I stated are really funny but even funnier is the fact that some people actually do alot of those things and it is so annoying you know? Still it is funny advice to take. LOL
Yeah..But,you forgot one important thing..
Baby buggies!
You know how they smash into your ankle while holding a $250.00 engine?
Seems to me there must be a point system to "ankle bashing" and there is two classes.Double wide and single.
Let's see then:Look! There's stands a guy with a bad right paw holding a $250.00 engine! 50 points for the first boucing baby buggy ankle basher to bash 'im!
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
ctyclsscs wrote: One small suggestion...every show at the Expomart draws a number of dealers who bring the same old or used items that they've had at the last ten shows. It seems to me that they're always asking way too much and many don't seem the least bit interested in making a sale. My friends and I wonder how they even justify their expenses when you rarely see them sell anything! I would suggest being careful about dealing with those folks. At the same time, there are a number of very good dealers who bring a lot of new products at very good prices. I've found most of them to be reputable and willing to help potential customers. It's pretty easy to see the difference between the dealers with brand new products compared to the ones selling used stuff that I mentioned earlier. I'd suggest going to the far end of the hall where the layouts are and work your way back to the front since it gets very crowded there when the show opens. Are you looking for anything specific?Jim
One small suggestion...every show at the Expomart draws a number of dealers who bring the same old or used items that they've had at the last ten shows. It seems to me that they're always asking way too much and many don't seem the least bit interested in making a sale. My friends and I wonder how they even justify their expenses when you rarely see them sell anything! I would suggest being careful about dealing with those folks.
At the same time, there are a number of very good dealers who bring a lot of new products at very good prices. I've found most of them to be reputable and willing to help potential customers. It's pretty easy to see the difference between the dealers with brand new products compared to the ones selling used stuff that I mentioned earlier.
I'd suggest going to the far end of the hall where the layouts are and work your way back to the front since it gets very crowded there when the show opens.
Are you looking for anything specific?
Jim
Thanks for the insight to this particular show Jim. Nothing too specific. I need a few buildings and some Code 83 RH and LH switches.
At least this year I'll be armed with better knowledge of the different manufacturers and prices. I do a lot of shopping around, because I'm not rich enough to buy what I want all the time, so I have a good idea of what prices should be. I guess I'll just take my list and see what else catches my eye.
Eat BEFORE you go. Check
Take more $$$ than you can possably spend. Eh, I could always have more.
Leave anyone NOT interested in trains at home. Check, just me and the boys
Tell all the vendors you can get that item for 1/2 price on the Internet!(they love to hear stuff like that!" border="0" width="15" height="15" />) Check, LOL
If you need any oddball stuff, make sure you take a list and measurements of what you need. No Check, need to measure some spaces on the layout for building spaces
Eat BEFORE you go.
Take more $$$ than you can possably spend.
Leave anyone NOT interested in trains at home.
Tell all the vendors you can get that item for 1/2 price on the Internet!(they love to hear stuff like that!)
If you need any oddball stuff, make sure you take a list and measurements of what you need.
That is definitely one that I missed!!! I am the same way maybe that is why I missed to mention that one. I am so impatient that when I go to a train show I am naturally Always in a hurry. When a couple or family is lolly gagging walking and then blocking the way for me to pass I make loud noises to startle them and make them aware I am TRYING to pass by. Well you know what they say
IMpatients is a virtue, or something like that.
Andies Candy wrote: Make sure you talk condensending to all the people you come in contact withBuy the first thing you see and likeALWAYS pay retail+ for any items you wantAlways tell people that you have what they have but ONE or TWO more than theyNever try to talk anyone down in price no matter whatBump hard into every old man that is not looking where they are goingWalk around with a blank stare to startle othersLastly Go around telling people what they should have bought when they operating their quipment. People enjoy that whole lot and appreciate your opinion.If you follow these handful of simple rules it will guarantee a successful day at ANY train show!! Good luck!!
You forgot to add:
Be completely impatient with anyone in your way, especially those that are trying to make an enjoyable family day out of it and just happen to have a small child in a stroller. (Like I did last year) But people were nice, at least I didn't see any sour faces.
So that was You?
AltoonaRailroader wrote: Tomorrow I'm going to the Great Train Show at the Pittsburgh Expo-mart and I could use some advice. I went to this same show last year with the wifey and my 2 yr old, but there was SO much to see that I feel I missed most of it because we got there late and having family in tow distracted me from taking my time and talking to people. Just SO much to see, this place is hugh. Anyhow, I'm looking for some advice for going to these train shows. I really don't even know what I'm looking to find out, maybe just some experiences, pit falls to watch out for, is haggling prices common practice? Any advice anyone could give will be helpful I'm sure. Thanks people.
Tomorrow I'm going to the Great Train Show at the Pittsburgh Expo-mart and I could use some advice. I went to this same show last year with the wifey and my 2 yr old,
but there was SO much to see that I feel I missed most of it because we got there late and having family in tow distracted me from taking my time and talking to people. Just SO much to see, this place is hugh.
Anyhow, I'm looking for some advice for going to these train shows. I really don't even know what I'm looking to find out, maybe just some experiences, pit falls to watch out for, is haggling prices common practice? Any advice anyone could give will be helpful I'm sure.
Thanks people.
Thanks for the great advice everyone, especially Andies Candies, LOL. Just to clarify the little princess and the wifey will NOT be going this year for some and most of the reasons you all posted here. I think my wife would like to go but sometimes I just need some time with the guys. Myself and a long lost friend I just found out was in to MRR ( YES!!!) and a buddy of his are starting out at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning for Pittsburgh, should be a nice day. I already have a "wish list" started to try and keep me grounded, I am an impulse buyer so it's kinda of tough. I have learned on my own that great bargins can be found on the floor right at your feet. This is a giant place and I have all day so I will be sure to take my time and take it all in before buying, and I need to remember my camera. Maybe the wife will let me take her good one so I can get some good pics of the displays.
Wish me luck, I'll report on how I make out if you're interested.
I found this to be true for most shows.
1.Take your time! Don't rush through the show overlooking the better buys.
2.Look under the front of the dealer's table..That's where you will find the deals..Remember tables cost the dealer money.He/she wants you to see his/her higher price items that's why they are on the table top.
3.Comparision shop between dealers.Never,ever buy the first time around.Make 2 trips looking over the mechanise while comparing prices.The first trip your eyes take in all the "eye candy" and overlooks the better buys.
4.Relex and allow the excitement to wear off...Have a cup of coffee or soft drink maybe a bite to eat.
5.Start your buying round and be sure to haggle with the dealer..Remember a discount sale beats a no sale.
6.Be realistic in your first and counter offer.In other words don't insult the dealer's intelligence.He knows exactly how much he has in that item and how much he can sell it for.
7.Don't be afraid to offer a locomotive you no longer want as a trade in.The dealer just might have a customer looking for that engine.
As I mention I found the above works 99% of the time.As a former part time dealer I fully believe a "haggled" deal beat a no sale especially on a slow day and a dealer can have a slow day at the larger shows just like he/she does at the smaller shows.
What I like to do is make two trips to the show, one with wife (I don't have kids) and a return trip, alone. This is only if my wife wants to go at all. That way I can enjoy some model train time with her at her pace and level of interest; when I return I engage in conversations about how to make a railbus out of a Jordan school bus, or painting a brass shay, or...
The key here is to remember that if you bring guests, they have to be your primary interest; that alters the train show experience. My wife likes cute stuff, and she points out little cottages and "gingerbreadish" passenger cars. I find it is best to validate her and respond that they look sweet, and that they are well made. I'll point out details that I admire and thus help her to understand what I like in the hobby. I assume that it would be similar with kids; validate their interests and also show them how things are done at a more advanced level - but don't lose them in the technical details. Never ignore them while you converse with other adults.
One other thing, be very respectful of the work that is on display. These are modelers who have the courage to put it out there for God and everyone to see (I'm not sure I could do that). Make them feel good for having done so. Simply saying "Nice work" goes a long way; it's even better if you ask them to share their methods - that's real validation (and you can learn a lot).
Regarding haggling, I ask the seller if the price is negotiable. Their answer determines my next step. I do think price negotiation is common, because they usually give me a discount if I don't suggest negotiation; my sense is that the marked price includes room to be talked down.