Thanks all. Seems like all the best shows are a long way from me up north or to the east. More than I prefer to drive. I just completed a two week rail trip (via railpass) to the west coast. Sounds like I need to plan another rail pass trip for next year that will take me to some of the larger shows mentioned here.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
maxman,Well, true enough. But if West Springfield didn't want to be mistaken as being a part of Springfield, then maybe they should have picked a different name when they separated from Springfield? Just sayin'...
Tom,Trainfest may have the most operating layouts during one show, but they only have 200,000 sq. ft. of display space while Springfield has 400,000 sq. ft. They also have just 40 dealers at Trainfest vs. Springfield's ~400.
What's wrong with Springfield's facilities? Is it because it's in 4 buildings, or just the age of the buildings (3 of which are 50+ years old).
Paul3
My issue with Springfield was #1 parking #2 the bathrooms and a distant 3rd is the 50 year old buildings that seemed older and dark. This was 5 years ago and things may have changed. The size is nice. As for vendors, no doubt Springfield has greater representation. I was stating my opinion. I spent quite of bit of cash in Springfield, I just felt closed in Springfield.
Tom
tloc52 Paul3 My issue with Springfield was #1 parking #2 the bathrooms and a distant 3rd is the 50 year old buildings that seemed older and dark. This was 5 years ago and things may have changed. The size is nice. As for vendors, no doubt Springfield has greater representation. I was stating my opinion. I spent quite of bit of cash in Springfield, I just felt closed in Springfield. Tom
I don't know what you found objectionable about the bathrooms, but they did recently renovate one of the men's rooms in the Better Living Center.
And what upsets you about the parking...the distance from the parking to the door, or the parking fee? The earlier you get there the closer you park.
The folks putting on the show have no control over the fee, and don't profit from it.
I used to make the St Louis area one every year Thanksgiving weekend. It was always a great show. Haven't been in a while, hope it's still a good one.
Look at the Spring Creek trains web site. They are vendors at a lot of shows, and are based out of Nebraska. Their web site lists their show schedule and links to the different shows web sites. I use it as a potential source of shows. If they go as a vendor, then it might be worth while for me.
Plan the trip to go along with other enjoyable things.
.
If you go to the Atlanta show, you can include the Southern Locomotive Museum and see the General on the same day. Then drive just a little more on Interstate 75 and eat at Henry's Louisiana Grille in Acworth.
-Kevin
Living the dream.