Is it me or are virtually all train shows the same -- a number of modular club layouts in the middle surrouned by various local retailers peddling the usual crop of Atlas, Athearn, Walthers and Thomas the Tank Engine?
Seems that no matter what town I go to, if I've been to one show I've been to all of them. And if I go to the same show the following year, I see pretty much what I saw the previous year.
Just once, about 8 years ago, I recall going to show and finding all sorts of small "garage" manufacturers with unique and interesting products for sale. Haven't seen a show like that once since.
So my question is two-fold: i) has your experience been the same as mine? and ii) if so, what would you do to liven up the shows?
Craig
DMW
I have attended various shows over the past 18 years or so and they all have had the same look and feel that your mentioned....club modular layouts, various local and national retailers, local rail fan clubs, and this varies from location to location.
I enjoy going because it is fun to meet fellow model railroaders and kibitz with the retail folks and the club folks.
What I really like that livens up a show is when they offer free clinics, they could really turn most ho-hum shows into a real nice event with some scheduled clinics or "how-to" sessions.
The last one I attended was the Great Train Expo in Winston-Salem, NC a couple weekends ago, and the Central Carolina NScale Club had a clinic that got me jump started on making trees on my layout, even posted a mini clinic a couple days ago about what we did. I got more out of that clinic in the way of future motivation than I had expected!
I just wish that I could attend the show coming up this weekend near Boston, the Amhearst one! http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/
Ryan BoudreauxThe Piedmont Division Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger eraCajun Chef Ryan
Maybe, but I find some neat older stuff. and prices can be competitve. That;s the only place I;d heard of the Tracks in the Sand. 1 booth. And if you might be working on a project, you can get soem decent cars to fudge.
My only complaint is that they all come in the same 5 months and then we get nothing for the entire year almost.
-Morgan
It's been a long time since I've been to a train show. What you describe has been my experiences also. Because of this I currently have no interest in attending train shows as they aren't worth my time or money when you consider the admission fee.
I'd like to see more cottage industries and hobbyists, who aren't dealers, selling or displaying their wares - especially discontinued or hard to find items. As far as dealers and items that are currently in production go, I can usually get those items online for cheaper and with a lot less hassle. Layouts, from modular to micros, in a variety of different scales would also add a lot of interest. Free clinics, especially the "how-to" kind that are pertinent to all scales, would also be a welcome addition.
I pretty much have seen the same thing. Every once in a while they get some new vendors. I like to go for the ones that are selling used or older stuff. I model 1900-1905 era and the only people making models for that era are the laser kit and resin outfits, the major manufacturers have pretty well abandoned that era so I have to rummage through the older stuff, mostly for parts and kitbashing fodder.
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
The Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium Md is worth going to IMHO - I'll drive up from Virginia for that one. Greenberg's less so - I only go to those when they are local. But I still go regularly, my LHS is very small, only half trains, and no S scale - so shows are the way I get to see stuff and where I do most of my buying. Plus I just enjoy the layouts. - even if I have seen them before.
Enjoy
Paul
I tend to agree, very few of the traditional shows feature much I am interested in. I always come away wondering whether it was a waste of time and money. I do enjoy looking at the layouts the most. I usually get several ideas from them. But as for buying anything, very few dealers ever seem to have any Tyco/Mantua and/or Roundhouse out-of-production kits that I am interested in. And if they do, the prices are usually (but not always) higher than eBay or LHS with new old stock.
A different kind of show that impressed me the most by far was the HOn3 Symposium in Occidental, CA. Clinics by well-known "names" in the HOn3 world, manufacturer's displays, and a functioning HOn3 modular layout all made this much more meaningful than the usual GATS. But would a modern era model railroader with a mostly RTR layout have enjoyed the HOn3 Symposium? Probably not.
Based on my experiences, I will probably focus more of my show attendance on the latter type of gathering.
Similarly, I find myself more drawn to the specialized web sites and magazines. While I still have an active foot in this forum and "The Gauge", I am fascinated by some of the Yahoo groups and Carl Arendt's micro layout site. I have started to suscribing to the NG&SL Gazette, and often will choose an issue of Light Rail Digest or a Fine Scale Annual over the latest RMC or MR at the LHS. I find many issues of Scale Rails to be worthwhile reading.
I think it's really a reflection of how my interests have changed over the years, and not so much that the shows have gone "down hill".
just my thoughts
Fred W
...if you're not growing, you're dying...
Dallas Model Works wrote: Is it me or are virtually all train shows the same -- a number of modular club layouts in the middle surrouned by various local retailers peddling the usual crop of Atlas, Athearn, Walthers and Thomas the Tank Engine?Seems that no matter what town I go to, if I've been to one show I've been to all of them. And if I go to the same show the following year, I see pretty much what I saw the previous year.Just once, about 8 years ago, I recall going to show and finding all sorts of small "garage" manufacturers with unique and interesting products for sale. Haven't seen a show like that once since.So my question is two-fold: i) has your experience been the same as mine? and ii) if so, what would you do to liven up the shows?
DMW:
The strangest thing happened here. For years, our show had a local modular club's display, until enough of the members retired or lost interest, and the layout was no longer available. The next year, suddenly, instead of the big modular layout everyone expected, people brought in half a dozen small display layouts - some Lionel, some Marklin, a modestly large switching yard, and last year a small N road.
The strange part is that, instead of causing a drop of interest, the loss of the one big layout in favor of multiple tiny ones seems to have caused a jump in interest - the show seems to get more people and better dealers now.
I don't say this would be the effect everywhere, and I haven't made any statistically valid survey, but it's not what I'd have expected to see happening.
Speaking of clinics, there was one thing in particular at the WGH show in Fort Worth last year that impressed me.
Woodland Scenics had a guy actually building scenery using WS products. He had a huge crowd gathered around at all times.
I personally use a lot of WS products so it was nothing new to me but I still found it very inspirational.
The most important thing I think, though, is that for the casual train-show going public it showed how it easy it could be to get magnificient results.
fwright wrote: I tend to agree, very few of the traditional shows feature much I am interested in. snipA different kind of show that impressed me the most by far was the HOn3 Symposium in Occidental, CA. Clinics by well-known "names" in the HOn3 world, manufacturer's displays, and a functioning HOn3 modular layout all made this much more meaningful than the usual GATS. But would a modern era model railroader with a mostly RTR layout have enjoyed the HOn3 Symposium? Probably not. Similarly, I find myself more drawn to the specialized web sites and magazines. While I still have an active foot in this forum and "The Gauge", I am fascinated by some of the Yahoo groups and Carl Arendt's micro layout site. I have started to suscribing to the NG&SL Gazette, and often will choose an issue of Light Rail Digest or a Fine Scale Annual over the latest RMC or MR at the LHS. I find many issues of Scale Rails to be worthwhile reading.I think it's really a reflection of how my interests have changed over the years, and not so much that the shows have gone "down hill". just my thoughtsFred W...if you're not growing, you're dying...
I tend to agree, very few of the traditional shows feature much I am interested in. snip
I think it's not so much that the traditional shows are going downhill as that more knowledgeable and experienced modelers have gone uphill. Many shows seem geared to the newcomer/toy train set, which leaves me cold.
I agree that well-organized shows featuring clinics and available advice from experts would be closer to meeting my 'givens and druthers,' as would a little advance notice of what might be new and unusual. In truth, I'm on the wrong side of a wide ocean from shows that would really meet my needs.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
The first train show experience was probably the best ever for me. All of the shows after that were just repeats in most ways and I have stopped going. The best thing about Train shows now is going with some other people and enjoying the show and discussing the products.
The major name show tends to display more of the G scale and Lionel displays than HO. It is a rare occasion that I got to visit top HO manufacurers. It might be different now, but I lost interest in the shows some time ago.
I do plan on helping set up one of the Major HO display modular layouts at the upcoming LA NMRA show this summer.
I quit going to all but one show in the Detroit area. For me, they have become a complete waste of time and money. Here is why:
Dealers who stubbornly and stupidly refuse to lower their prices. I had one guy offer to knock .50 off an $8.00 used freight car.
Table after table filled with junker Tyco freight cars with missing trucks for $10. $2.00 Walmart cars marked up to $5-6, usually with the old price crossed out.
NOS Katos with the boxes worn out from being transported for the last 7 years, priced more than original MSRP.
Atlas Rocos from the 70s and 80s priced for $50 that sell on ebay for ½ or less.
Replacement wheels from P2K and Intermountain for MSRP.
The money spent for 2 tickets, parking and a breakfast are better spent at the LHS. At least they give me value for the money. I am convinced that some of these guys are using the table and transportation fees as tax write offs.
Jim
Not Me
We as a club have been attending shows for 8 years now,we look forward to it,the Vendors,the layouts,setting up,Seeing old freinds makeing new freinds,and then the Lunch or Supper together to go over all the neat things we found or awesome deals we managed to secure,it never gets old and we always look forward to planning the trip and getting to the actual show, It is what you make it.
Mike
loathar wrote:(that, plus all the HOT train groupie chicks!)
Loathar, you really don't get to many shows, do you?
I've always enjoyed the NMRA division shows more than the national shows. They just seem to be better.
About 8 years ago I went to a gun show in Hara Arena in Dayton, and there was a big train show in the other half (Greenberg's or Great American - don't remember). It was fantastic. I haven't seen anything close since.
I make it to NMRA Div 7 show at Lakota High School about every other year. Same old, same old, but most of the folks are nice and it's close.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I attend about 9-10 Train 'flea markets'(no layouts) each season, and at least 6 'train shows'. These shows vary from 'Mall Shows' to Trainfest in Milwaukee. One of the problems in the MN/WI area is the State sales tax for all sellers(even personal stuff). Many of the events require a state sales tax permit. This has reduced the number of private sellers and all of the neat stuff they are unloading. What has happened is a large increase in Train Show Dealers and not much else.
Train shows have balance the 'mix' of vendors to layouts. Sunday is 'after church' family time at many shows(and a lot of revenue). What we modelers consider junk layouts areclassic 'train sets' for the general public. Some of the layouts at the shows are a little 'tired', and a lot of the venders really are 'well worn'. Most 2 day train shows have the best selection of merchandise early on Saturday, and the active modelers are out in force before lunch. Large show have manufacturers(like Trainfest) and I really enjoy looking/talking with the manufacturers. The layouts vary from junk to a few new 'gems' every year, and I usually spend some time after my buying/talking to look at the new ones.
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Virginian wrote: I make it to NMRA Div 7 show at Lakota High School about every other year. Same old, same old, but most of the folks are nice and it's close.
I usually make it to that one myself. I generally can come out of there with some pretty good buys. For some reason I always hate to leave a show "empty handed". I usually can find something I want or need with enough browsing.
I tend to agree. You see the same vendors and same stuff year after year how ever some shows have at least a couple of people selling off or thinning their collections. Then you get some good deals. This weekend I will be going to one of the good ones in my opinion, the one at Anncaster Ont. ( near Hamiton ). Some of my model railroad friends and I will go together, it provides a time to get caught up with each other. Nothe rgood locale show is the Lakeshore Model railroaders show, twice a year in Toronto.
Dave
The club I belong to does about 7 shows a season. We bring our modules set up run trains and talk to people. We recently did a show at a library to comemorate an opening of a new commuter line where we were the only modelers and no venders. It was great!!! They fed us good and carpeted floor and all the moms and dads looking at the modules. Best show ever.
The Hub show in Marlboro Ma is great to go to. Clinics, Build a car for the kids, Incentive for scouts for their Merit badges. Most of the venders are great but some are jerks. Even to modelers they see all the time.
I think if you just go to shows then they can get boring. If your running trains and setting up and taking down then the day goes fast.
<> I wish I had more disposable income to go to the Amherst show this weekend. I have been invited to bring my modules to incorporate into the ABLE layout. I consider this a great honor. They set up the greatest layouts. But I have to work.
Pete<>
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Have Fun.... Bob.
The shows, for the most part, haven't changed much in the 20 years I've been going. When you're new to the hobby even the most lame and crappy show seems great. I guess the novelty just wears off.
Year after year and show after show, Maybe we are the ones that are "stale". I will always go to the Big E, Springfeild show though. Great for those once a year meetings and to see what the major manufacturers have in the works. Do find some new products and/ or methods in building.
Last year, I noticed the Cripplebush rubber rocks. They solve a problem on scenicing an extremely long cut. Actually, I'm stopping by to pick up a few more of those Santa Fe's to finish the spot.
Looking forward to Springfield once again this weekend. One of the highlights of the trip is dinner at the Steaming Tender in Palmer.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
It's true the local shows seem to be same-o same-o from year to year.
However one show that never gets stale for me is the National Train Show. There's always lots of new announcements and product purchasing opportunities galore.
I get to an NMRA National Convention every few years, and one of the real highlights is the National Train Show. It's almost worth the trip just for that part alone.
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
fwright wrote:I tend to agree, very few of the traditional shows feature much I am interested in. I always come away wondering whether it was a waste of time and money. I do enjoy looking at the layouts the most. I usually get several ideas from them. But as for buying anything, very few dealers ever seem to have any Tyco/Mantua and/or Roundhouse out-of-production kits that I am interested in. And if they do, the prices are usually (but not always) higher than eBay or LHS with new old stock.A different kind of show that impressed me the most by far was the HOn3 Symposium in Occidental, CA. Clinics by well-known "names" in the HOn3 world, manufacturer's displays, and a functioning HOn3 modular layout all made this much more meaningful than the usual GATS. But would a modern era model railroader with a mostly RTR layout have enjoyed the HOn3 Symposium? Probably not. Based on my experiences, I will probably focus more of my show attendance on the latter type of gathering.Similarly, I find myself more drawn to the specialized web sites and magazines. While I still have an active foot in this forum and "The Gauge", I am fascinated by some of the Yahoo groups and Carl Arendt's micro layout site. I have started to suscribing to the NG&SL Gazette, and often will choose an issue of Light Rail Digest or a Fine Scale Annual over the latest RMC or MR at the LHS. I find many issues of Scale Rails to be worthwhile reading.I think it's really a reflection of how my interests have changed over the years, and not so much that the shows have gone "down hill". just my thoughtsFred W...if you're not growing, you're dying...
I think they are.
I stopped going to most of them around here because of that. Once in a while I find something that I want, but mostly it's crap or over priced.
I think the only reason I'll go to one now is because my son is old enough to enjoy it or if TA462 is going to be there with the club layout.
They should start doing clinics, they don't have to be free, but reasonably priced. Such as say, $10 to learn how to make trees or something reasonable to learn how to weather a boxcar etc.
Just my 2 cents
Gordon
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
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