There is a train show this weekend, a little out of my area, but I think I am going to go since I haven't been to one in a couple of years. I have a few things that I am specifically looking for. Couplers and scenery stuff right now, and maybe more.
So what do you buy at Train Shows?
Do you have a list of things to look for, or are you an impulse buyer?
Do you go by every booth?
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
gandydancer19 wrote: So what do you buy at Train Shows? Do you have a list of things to look for, or are you an impulse buyer?Do you go by every booth?
Yes, I usually have a list. But even if it is on the list and I can't find it at an excellent price I don't get it.
Yes, I am an impulse buyer. For an example when I see a Proto-2000 SD9 for $10, I buy it. I've gotten Stewart F7 units with DCC installed for $20, Proto-2000 tank cars (built-up not the kits) for $5, Intermountain covered hoppers for $10, Atlas #6 turnouts $2, etc. None of these were on my "list".
Yes, How could one find the good deals if they didn't go to every booth?
"Rust, whats not to love?"
I buy anything and everything if the price is right. Mostly smaller items because some of the sellers I do mail order business with are at the shows so if they have some things I need, like wheels or couplers, I'll grab them. Works out the same, tax vs shipping, for the most part. SInce you are from Virginia I assume you mean the Timonium MD show this weekend? Well worth attending, it's HUGE and there are soem awesome display layouts to see as well as all teh vendors. I usually walk the entire show, then go back to areas of interest, there's plenty of time to take it all in and then go back to the most interestign vendors. For example, the Russian prototypes are really neat, even if I will never buy one and build a Russian layout.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Interiors and people figures make such a difference. Especially the people.
Robby P. wrote:I hunt for deals. Last train show I went to I found some I really liked. Like.....flex track for $2.50 each, and a guy sold me some Atlas switches (2 of them) $12 for both. I just look for deals. Don't really have a list to go by. Theres one coming to Monroeville, Pa this weekend but I probably won't make it.
I was going to try and make this one since it's the last one at the Expomart. But one, it's like a two hour drive for me, and two I don't really need all that much right now. Maybe I'll go anyhow, who knows, you always find something you don't need. LOL
Depends...generally Train Shows (like Great American Train Show) don't have much in the way of bargains. If I see something that's out of production that I want I'll buy it, or if I do happen to find a good deal I'll go for it. But mainly at train shows I just go to look around at the company's displays and the operating layouts and such.
However, at RR flea markets, I'm much more likely to buy something since the sellers there usually have better prices, more in line with online or mail-order houses...though in recent years our local flea markets have fewer sellers than they had in the past, partly due to tougher application of sales tax laws.
I went to a show yesterday. My layout is "mature," meaning that there isn't much room for anything else. So, anything I buy generally means that I'll have to remove something else to use it. As a result, I bought a 56 Ford pickup truck, and a used 40-foot flatcar (with Kadees!) that doesn't look used enough for me, so I'll have some fun with it.
I do go by every booth. I still like to see what people have available. I can walk by the non-HO booths pretty quickly, but I always walk a little slower when I see older Lionels. Any time I lose there I make up by hurrying around the Power Rangers and dollhouse people. I still smile back at Thomas, though.
I didn't see any this weekend, but the places where I spend most of my time are the ones with lots of figures, or detail parts. It's just fun to go through the bins and find stuff. The pictures on the Web never do justice to the figure sets, so I like to see them up close.
Somehow, I always end up with a sausage sub or a couple of hot dogs, too. Even though those things don't go on my layout, somehow they make my benchwork seem wider...
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I keep kind of a a mental list of items I'll buy if there is a good deal. I'm always looking for standard gauge short-line sized brass, figures, arch bar trucks, tools that look like they'll help me to do better work, craftsman kits, floquil paint, scenery material, and Kadee #5s. I usually have to look past a lot of cheap stuff and plastic stuff to get to the few "gems" that are there.
I usually buy a hotdog or two and a diet coke (balances off the hotdogs, right?), and I have great conversations with the guys who are showing off their work - I've learned so many tips and techniques from these guys, I owe them a lot.
The Wasatch Rails '08 Model Railroad Exposition will be held on November 1 and 2 in the Utah State Fair Park. The hotdogs are good and the trains are even better. I can hardly wait!
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.
rrinker wrote: I assume you mean the Timonium MD show this weekend? Well worth attending, it's HUGE and there are soem awesome display layouts to see as well as all teh vendors. --Randy
I assume you mean the Timonium MD show this weekend? Well worth attending, it's HUGE and there are soem awesome display layouts to see as well as all teh vendors.
Well, we'll see about that. Last show I attended there this year was dismal. So bad that I didn't bother going to the next show they had. The number of vendors was way down. In fact, the adjacent room where they were putting all the hi-rail stuff was closed off, and the main hall area off to the left when you came in the door had all the display layouts. I'd never seen that done before. I also see according to the card I got in the mail that the entrance fee is now $9 instead of the usual $7. Yeah, yeah, I know it's "only $2", but when you add that fee onto the cost of getting there, it starts to make a difference. There is supposed to be some deal where the entrance fee gets you $10 worth of coupons to be used at selected dealers. We'll see what that's like! If the coupons are something like "get a dollar off if you spend $100", I'll be a little peeved. But I'll reserve judgment until I see what they are offering.
Train suff.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
maxman wrote: rrinker wrote: I assume you mean the Timonium MD show this weekend? Well worth attending, it's HUGE and there are soem awesome display layouts to see as well as all teh vendors. --Randy Well, we'll see about that. Last show I attended there this year was dismal. So bad that I didn't bother going to the next show they had. The number of vendors was way down. In fact, the adjacent room where they were putting all the hi-rail stuff was closed off, and the main hall area off to the left when you came in the door had all the display layouts. I'd never seen that done before. I also see according to the card I got in the mail that the entrance fee is now $9 instead of the usual $7. Yeah, yeah, I know it's "only $2", but when you add that fee onto the cost of getting there, it starts to make a difference. There is supposed to be some deal where the entrance fee gets you $10 worth of coupons to be used at selected dealers. We'll see what that's like! If the coupons are something like "get a dollar off if you spend $100", I'll be a little peeved. But I'll reserve judgment until I see what they are offering.
I find that the October and January/February shows are the biggest. April tends to be smaller and June very small.
I go to most of them, sometimes with a list. I usually visit every booth and then make purchasing decisions based on what I can afford - some shows all I buy is a magazine or two. Since my LHS's have no S (and 2 have closed), the train shows and mail order are all I have.
Enjoy
Paul
Train shows mean two to six hours driving time to get there, so I only go to 4-6 per year. I do have a list and try to avoid impulse buying of "bargains", since I usually regret them when I get home. Example, a new BM 4-8-4 for $30 that would need relettering to my railroad name. I never got around to repainting it. Bought some passenger cars for $4 each that I needed to repaint, also; they are still sitting there.
I prefer the smaller shows. Went to a WGH show last spring and stayed less than two hours [after driving six hours to get there and paying $20 for parking]. Couldn't handle that crowd! Got some printed information, saw a couple of demonstrations, and left without buying a thing.
What do I buy? Items that I want to see before I decide. Scenery supplies. Modelling tools and electronics. And reasonably-priced rolling stock. No locomotives [usually] -- I buy them from regular dealers so I am assured of a good running model.
Visiting the layouts and other modellers is a big draw for attending shows, since there are so few model railroaders in this area.
I guess I'm lucky, (even though I'm 12) theres one thats a half hour away and they have it every spring and fall, anouther that take place in the spring and fall but its 45 minuts away and theres one more, once agin every spring and fall thats 1 1/2 hours away
I normaly just look for good bargens (I proly spelt that rong it's bar-gins), like I had been wanting an ATSF 2-8-8-2 sooooooooo bad but from proto its was $400 and I cant aford that but I found a rivarossia ATSF 2-8-8-2 for $85.
The one thats 1/2 hour away normaly has two ho layouts one that looks like four shelf layouts (only the tracks are straight) put together to make a box, and the outher a self with turns at the end.
The one thats 45 minuts away always has an ho layout, an O scale but all it is a loop and it never is running, a z scale, (amazing aint it?) and an N scale.
The one thats 1 1/2 hours away has a couple ho's and, I don't know how to disribe it, but like a christmas tree but with rings aroungd it, and it has a circle of ea. scale: G, O, S, HO, N, and Z.
Well thats about it.
P.s. I prof read this, aren't yall prod of me? (just letting ya know because I've been catching a lot of fire for spelling mistakes.)
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I go to Pine Bluff every april, I have some ideas on what I would like to get at the show. But nothing specific.
There is one Dealer I always try to buy from at his large tables because sometimes his pricing is very good indeed.
I check over all the tables several times before returning to the items under consideration. I never impulse buy and resist the sales patter. Once in a while something shows up and you bought it on sight knowing full well that it wont be there when you get back to look it over.
I always spend a few nights per week soaking into the walthers catalogs and hobby shop inventory before a show. that way I can pass up that wanted item that I know is availible for less money in a retail situation away from the show. A bit of study really curbs the impulse to grab that commonly availible today item.
These last few years I have carried money to the show and shopped but returned home with only pictures, video and memories without spending a cent other than the admissions.
I find myself participating in the show with a modular layout with others from my area and less so as a buyer.
I recall Timonium as a child and we would take a few hours to visit each and every table. Usually there is something good in there and you would buy it on sight because someone else will certainly get it if you pass it up. Best to bring a want list to such a large show.
Sometimes the pricing on a desired item is outrageous. I once recognized a toy shovel which was good for the clamshell in a box for 15 dollars. I figured I could get a similar toy for 3 bucks at wallmart. And that was what happened.
I spend less time these days at show tables. It takes a long time to get to the show in the morning on what I consider bad pavement and it's time to return before sunset in a dangerous area.
Last but very important.
Dont utter the words "Ebay" in a show. You are going to rile some folks.
I buy what ever I like, if my parents will let me. Before I had no central time or place or anything but now i'm focusing on BNSF and moderen day stuff around me, but if I like it I'll try to get it(can't wait tell Marshall, tx train show...thats where i'm going for my b-day)
Have fun with your trains
I usually go to see the model competition displays and layout tours if there are any associated with shows near where I live. I wouldn't travel too far to attend a Train Show or fair.
I am holding well on the equipment I need for my small layout and the road I model and the only stuff I really need to replenish are consumables, glue, paint, drill bits and so forth. I am fortunate to have a LHS/model railway specialist - no bargains here - about a ten minute walk from my house and so there ain't much I would want from a Train Show therefore my purchases are generally very light if any at all. Impulse buying of stuff I don't need, even at a bargain price, is no bargain at all.
Over the years, and because of cost considerations, but more about availability, I have got into the habit of buying what I need over the internet from mail order train specialists, small tool suppliers and eBay. Not eBay anymore - too many crappy experiences but, there has been items I have bought that have not been available anywhere else or were previously unknown to me, a Bev-Bel HW set painted for the Orange Blossom Special as an example, until I saw them listed on eBay so it served a purpose for a while.
Cheers
Bruce
Greetings,
I make a list first of all of things I need. Next on the list is things I would like. Since I model N-scale I can tell by walking by a booth if the small boxes are present. I hit the booths with N scale first. Look in the boxes on the floor too. If the show is small I make three rounds of the vendors. Books and railroadiana is later. Ho and O is last. You never know what somebody may have. I take a break and grab a drink after the vendors. Finally I get out my camera and visit with the people who are running layouts. I also bring a "binder notebook" with me. It has three rings inside for paper and zippered pockets on the outside. I collect business cards as people hand them to me in one pocket. In another pocket is a magnifying glass. My eyesight isn't what it used to be. If I like something on a layout I take a picture and make notes.
At the vendors what has worked well for me is asking the person next to me what they are looking for. Then I tell them what I am looking for. Since I look primarily for passenger cars now I can tell by the size of the box what might be there. They can see the specifics of what I need and I can see what they might need.
Helping others works both ways. Recently a gentleman I was next to was poking through the freight cars. I happened to mention that I had picked up a couple cabooses. They were the same kind he wanted. I was able to direct him where to get two for himself. He was telling me how he could not find a Swift reefer car, how rare and often expensive they were. I looked down and pointed out one right below my hand, at a fair price. I made his day. He then mentioned he had something in his trunk I might like to see. He did....most of the Kato Santa Fe Super Chief and some other Kato passenger cars. I could not afford what he was asking for all of it, but some of it did come home with me and I got to cross it off my wish list. He gave me a nice price. I was grateful and the last couple of cars on two different consists were finally acquired. I didn't find my last engines but that is ok.
Having said all that my points are:
1) Make a prioritized list based on your layout's theme and needs.
2) Help others because it is the right thing to do.
3) Talk to people and LISTEN.
4) You cannot do anything but be blessed for helping others.
Have a good time at your show,
Bob
Modeling in N scale: Rock Island freight and passenger, with a touch of the following; Wabash Cannon Ball, CB&Q passenger, and ATSF freight and passenger. I played in Peoria (Heights).
I never use a list or anything..At train shows I look over each dealer's offerings and see what he has I might be interested in-use HO or N Scale,odd road name boxcars,Micro Train cars,vehicles,structures,decals,books etc.
I spend close to 2 hours at a show looking and buying (if I see anything I like or need)...I may spend another hour or so talking to guys I know and haven't seen for awhile.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I look for anything, and be money ready, quite often you find really good deals, even if its a new product, one of the last shows I went, there was one of these animated light up signs for the Illinois Central, and I went WHOA!!! I remembered that sign in Chicago and I am modeling the area.. wowsers, I bought it, about 39 bucks or so, that was nifty rare and will compliment the layout fabulous. Now if the maker would make that huge beer sign....
I visied a Grand Rapids show, it was very small, but there were some unique items there, I bought some narrow gauge turnatbles and a power drive for one. Nice price.
A Kalamazoo show a vendor was selling a North SHore MD car, I saw it and went whut?!?!? Marked at 25 bucks he went down to 20 bucks, found out it was a Walthers kit, built. I didnt expect that they made those, later I found a kit on ebay unbuilt.
I go to expect the unexpected and be ready but do also look for stuff I need.
You mean you're supposed to buy something? After paying parking fees, the admission fee, and the exhorbitant price for a soda and a Polish who would have money to buy anything?
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
We had a show like that a few years ago. That was the very last one of it's kind in our area.
I hit the subway for a foot long sub, packed and ready to go. Pour a thermos of coffee in the morning with additional provisions for the day. I cannot recall buying anything that is intended for human consumption these last few years LOL.
Once in a while you find something and buy it. I think once I paid 20 dollars for a warehouse made from a walthers complete and with all it's parts installed. I was very happy until I learned the spot I planned for it was not big enough. Well, it went onto Ebay and sold for 50 bucks plus. So, that eases the loss a little. LOL.
Nothing specific. I just look for out of the ordinary items and bargains.
Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I get to go in on Friday afternoon with the club and set up our layout. Then play trains all weekend. It's a lot of work, but you have to keep the patrons happy
Stop by the BANTRAK layout and say Hi.
Martin Myers
I go to 8-11 train shows a year as a dealer with either the NHRHTA (www.nhrhta.org) or with my club (www.ssmrc.org):September - Taunton, MAOctober - Hingham, MANovember - Brockton, MANovember - North Haven, CTDecember - Marlboro, MAJanuary - Fall River, MAJanuary - Springfield, MAFebruary - Foxboro, MAMarch - Hingham, MAApril - West Barnstable, MAMay - Waban, MA
I go early and stay all day for each show. Fortunately, since I'm with my friends, it makes it easy to hang out and talk New Haven with the other guys. We also have seats, which helps a lot. Some of these shows are huge (Springfield - 2 days, 4 buildings, probably the largest in the USA), while others are very small (Waban - 2 hours on Fri. night with maybe 20 tables). Sometimes I get lucky, and sometimes I don't buy a thing. But I always have fun. It's like the old saying, "A bad day at a train show is better than a good day at work."
I always look at every table at all shows. I'm always looking for a deal on something I want, but that's not the only factor. If I see something I just gotta have even if it's priced over what's on eBay or online, I'll buy it. I'm always interested in NH paperwork (not just TT's, but drawings, booklets, etc.) as well as NH railroadania (lanterns, signs, etc.), NH videos, etc.
It's also fun to find stuff for your friends at the these shows. I've become quite the finder of things my friends just have to have. They often curse me while getting out their wallets!
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
OK I have a related question:
How many have had this happen to them. If you see something you really really want but walk away trying to decide whether to buy it or not, by the time you return to look at it again, it's sold.