Train Show Question

[tpd0418]

I am seeking advice about train shows. Does anyone have an opinion about the Great American Train Show versus the Greenberg Train Show? Do you consider one better than the other? If so, why?

I have never attended either one, but both shows are scheduled for Atlanta in November and I would like to attend one, but am not sure which one to choose. Any guidance will be appreciated.

TPD

[joeyegarner]

To tell the truth I would just go to both. I know i've been to the Great american show, but not sure if I went to the Greenberg show. Either way it's a great place to see new things and get your hands on some real bargains. Haven't been to one in about 5 years or so(took a break from the hobby) but who ever gets to North Alabama first gets my money !!! And of course the next one two. Joey

[rrinker]

I've never been to the Greenberg show, but they did run one near me and based on the literature I chose not to attend. Looked lie way too much tinplate and toys to me. The Timonium show used to be 2 seperate shows, one for scale, one for hi-rail/tinplate, but they have since combined them into one giant show. BUT, unlike the other shows around here, they seperate the vendors into different areas. At Timonium, and I suspect at this new show in Florida, they keep things seperated so you don't have to wade past table after table of MTH and Lionel if you are looking for scale HO, and vice-versa.
The people who run the Allentown Fairgrounds Ag Hall show twice a year could learn a few things from Howard Zane and company. I'll stop before I go on about their horrible business practices.

--Randy

[cwclark]

haven't been to the greenburg show but do try and make all the great american train shows and any local club shows that i can make...be sure to take lots of money and make a list of everything you need because chances are you'll find whatever you are looking for there at all the booths set up...I go to the train shows for specialty items like pin vises and old used rolling stock which you can pick up a lot cheaper at a train show than your LHS....chuck

[Anonymous]

I usually do both of those shows as a vendor. They each vary from year to year and it all depends on what you're looking for.

Randy is correct that Greenberg has more tinplate and "toys" such as autos, collectibles, etc, but in Atlanta they also usually have more layouts set up.

Both generally have a decent mixture of N and HO dealers.

I'd really suggest you go to both, along with the Piedmont Division club show in Cobb County in March.

Mike Tennent

[IRONROOSTER]

I go to the Greenberg's every year in No.Va (they used to be twice a year). The last GATS in the area was several years ago and was not well done, the ones before that were about the same as Greenberg's.

I would go to them if they are close, but would not drive an hour to get there as they tend to be very heavy on 3 rail O gauge and G. Try both out and then next year go to the one you liked better.
Enjoy
Paul

[MisterBeasley]

We don't get GATS in Massachusetts, at least not in the past year, but we've had a couple of Greenbergs. I enjoy them, and it's worth the price of admission just for the ideas in the layouts. Lots of vendors, too, but be prepared for lots of stuff in "other guages" because they have a good representation of everything.

Ours is at a Shriners' hall, so the rent money is going to go to a good cause, too.

[Adelie]

I've been to both, but not in the same area. When I lived in California, GATS were more common. They were decent shows (the ones in Pleasanton, CA, outside of Oakland). Since moving to Northern Virginia (same general vicinity as IronRooster), Greenberg is the regular yearly visitor. Greenberg here is more of a hunt as there are some good vendors and a lot of dollhouse stuff and out-and-out junk (the kind of stuff that has spent the last 30 years in somebody's attic and they are now trying to sell it, some of it in very bad shape). Lots of 3-rail O, some G and a fair selection of old Tyco. All that said, I make the yearly 30-minute pilgrimage to Greenberg's every year, sometimes shaking my head and grumbling as I leave that it is not worthwhile as I leave, only to come back. After all, a bad train show is better than a good day at work!

One thing I have noticed in both train shows and computer shows, the quality of the show tends to be location specific. What is not good in one area can be very worthwhile in another.

[Anonymous]

They're all pretty much the same. Most of the vendors work both events. I would go to both. You never know what kind of deal you'll get. One extra hint: Go early the first day. Get all of the stuff you really need, then go back about 2 hours before closing on Sunday. Some of the vendors will drop prices even more so they won't have so much stuff to carry back and restock. I walked away with two brand new engines for half price last year right before they shut it down.

[Wdlgln005]

There are a couple of ways to check out the train shows. One is to note the arena,and the co$t to park. Both shows tend to be in public convention centers,wyou get to pay the city to park. also, food can be a poor choice. Get your hand stamped so you can leave & come back later. You may be able to scout the area for a fast food chain. Otherwise, plan on a big breakfast & skip lunch till you are done shopping. If you have special needs, you may need to pack a lunch. A neat trick may be to get a packet of Crystal Light & add it to a bottle of water. Soda gets expensive, & the arena may not let you bring in a can.

It's hard to compare the 2 shows. Many of the same vendors may appear at both, especially local ones. With the high gas prices, I don't now how far some vendors may want to travel. THey have to make enough to be worth their time.

Bring a camera & lots of film. There should be plenty of space for the local clubs to set up a modular layout. Ideas come free. There may be time to ask querstions.

[jrbernier]

I have been to GATS in the Mpls/St Paul area; not much of a show. I think they need local help to make it a big sucess, There are no 'Greenburg' shows here, and from what I understand they are more toy/tinplate.
The problem with large traveling shows are they mainly seem to have a lot of vendors that travel or follow them. The prices ae not real good from what I have seen. They tend to pay 'show' money to modular clubs to display, and like I mentioned; most of the vendors you will never see again.
The Mpls/St Paul area really has NO train shows at this time. There are 9 scheduled 'flea markets', and a MN-RPM type of meet. Most 'train shows' happen outside of the metro area - strange! I attend several nice shows that range from small to large in size:

La Crosse/Madison/Trainfest in Milwaukee/Eau Claire/Hutchinson and various regional/division events.

Jim Bernier