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Post by rockymountaineer on Apr 20, 2024 13:10:43 GMT
"Anyone know why Trainworld wasn’t there? They’re having a “10% sale” at Trainworld.com. But it felt strange not seeing them in their usual corner spot in the Orange Hall. Were they somewhere else that I didn’t see? Even with a few tables containing small odds-and-ends stuff scattered around the perimeter, that corner looked vacant and cavernous without Trainworld's O-Gauge trains." Kenny Juniors wife is having a baby at any minute He was read the riot act if he went and they didnt have enough to cover the booth So all the conspiracy theories about the sky falling are wrong
Thanks, Ben. I was just gonna chime in and let everyone here know. One of my O-Gauge friends saw my post here and sent me an email offline. Wishing Ken Jr., his wife and the Bianco family all the best!!!
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 20, 2024 14:08:39 GMT
"Anyone know why Trainworld wasn’t there? They’re having a “10% sale” at Trainworld.com. But it felt strange not seeing them in their usual corner spot in the Orange Hall. Were they somewhere else that I didn’t see? Even with a few tables containing small odds-and-ends stuff scattered around the perimeter, that corner looked vacant and cavernous without Trainworld's O-Gauge trains." Kenny Juniors wife is having a baby at any minute He was read the riot act if he went and they didnt have enough to cover the booth So all the conspiracy theories about the sky falling are wrong Just another example of a lack of forethought and planning by the younger generation. 
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Post by Adam on Apr 20, 2024 14:37:27 GMT
LOL! I guess I fall into that category as well. I keep missing the big events in both the model train and ham radio hobbies because of work trips, family trips to Florida (in-laws and parents are getting older and need our help more often), and other things.
Poor planning or life getting in the way. Hopefully I can do more of what I love as the second and last kiddo goes to college and the wife and I have more time to ourselves, less money but more time.
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Post by david1 on Apr 20, 2024 16:46:06 GMT
York was great, saw lots of trains and friends. The orange hall is my favorite and spent most of my time there. The other halls had lots of old stuff but if your in to the more modern trains most of the other halls are a waste of time and I did not spend much time there. But in saying that if your into the older trains there are lots of trains in O, HO and std gauge.
Its a great day no matter what you like so go and have a great time.
Dave
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 20, 2024 17:26:07 GMT
While most of the comments about York dwell on material issues of importance, let me address the incidentals.
The opening announcements in at least the Orange Hall are nearly unintelligible. By the time everyone realizes that the announcements have begun and quiet down they are about 25% over. On Friday it was worse as the din bled into the Lee Greenwood song and some folks were yelling to remove your hats. I had no idea what was playing and whether or not it was music or further announcements. Is it customary to remove your hat for a patriotic C&W song? I have no idea of the etiquette, I am just asking.
Regardless of what you believe the merits of the announcements to be, it would be nice to be able to hear them. Perhaps the announcer could give a blast of an air horn or yell "Shut UP" or Quiet/Attention Please at the top of his or her lungs before making the announcements.
Now let's discuss the interior double doors to the Orange Hall. Is it really necessary to close one of the doors when the meet starts? I suppose it makes the person monitoring entrants badges an easier time of it, however on many more than one occasion, I saw folks leaving the hall with large boxes trying to navigate through the single open door while people were trying to enter the same door. Neither one could see the other until there was almost a collision.
Now to the consumables, and I am speaking here about the soft pretzels. To me they tasted sweet indicating sugar or at high fructose corn syrup. The vendor did not represent them as Philadelphia Soft Pretzels and to mind they were definitely not in that league. While certainly edible (and the yellow mustard helped) a let down of sorts. Too bad the Philadelphia Pretzel Factory Company cannot get a foot or pretzel in the door at the Fairgrounds.
Let's give a shout out to the Rest Room attendants! A job few of us would volunteer for, done quite well by helpful and upbeat even cheerful individuals. The cleanest, and neatest rest rooms that I have encountered at any hobby show.
Fed Ex replaced UPS. After last year's UPS debacle a very good call.
Are the meet hours too long on Friday? Many of the member and dealer sellers that I spoke with at the show and at one hotel brought up the subject of the Friday hours as being grueling and not looked forward to very much. While the attendees may enjoy the up and at em early hour of 9:00 AM perhaps a little consideration is due our sellers especially as a number of member sellers are getting well up in age. Sorry I score high in empathy tests.
The You Tube Meet and Greet event cancellation was a bit puzzling to me as when the announcement was being made I saw at least 6-9 folks that I recognized as fitting that YT description gathered around the Trainz booth to catch the action around Chris' for sale items. Does anyone have any insight into that cancellation?
It is unfortunate at many of the hobby meets that I go to that the table placement leaves the seller nowhere to position themselves other than in front of their table(s) in the aisle with a chair or worse no place to sit down/rest on a long sales day. This is not a problem unique to York and I did note some wider aisles, but again is consideration of the sellers being overlooked in this regard?
Last but not least me recognize with much appreciation the spouses who if not exclusively female are certainly the majority of caregivers who assist their husbands not only in and around the fairgrounds but at restaurants and hotels. I witnessed first hand the devotion, patience and effort needed to navigate a task as simple as a checking in to a hotel, let alone getting in and out of a vehicle then navigating the halls.
Now that is what I call a true labor of love.
How many more days until the next York?
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Post by Traindiesel! on Apr 21, 2024 3:50:24 GMT
While most of the comments about York dwell on material issues of importance, let me address the incidentals. The opening announcements in at least the Orange Hall are nearly unintelligible. By the time everyone realizes that the announcements have begun and quiet down they are about 25% over. On Friday it was worse as the din bled into the Lee Greenwood song and some folks were yelling to remove your hats. I had no idea what was playing and whether or not it was music or further announcements. Is it customary to remove your hat for a patriotic C&W song? I have no idea of the etiquette, I am just asking.
Regardless of what you believe the merits of the announcements to be, it would be nice to be able to hear them. Perhaps the announcer could give a blast of an air horn or yell "Shut UP" or Quiet/Attention Please at the top of his or her lungs before making the announcements. The announcements are a ton less frequently than in the past. They bordered on obsessive with a lot of phony and weird requests. “Bob Grubba will be holding the model train ethics seminar in the Blue Hall at 2pm!” And “Whoever owns a blue 1948 Chevy New York license number 234B67, your doors are locked, the keys are in the car and the engine is running “. And follow the arrows in the aisles. Nah, we don’t need to hear the announcements.
The only time you are required to remove your hat is for the playing of our National Anthem. And for my arrival to the Meet.Now let's discuss the interior double doors to the Orange Hall. Is it really necessary to close one of the doors when the meet starts? I suppose it makes the person monitoring entrants badges an easier time of it, however on many more than one occasion, I saw folks leaving the hall with large boxes trying to navigate through the single open door while people were trying to enter the same door. Neither one could see the other until there was almost a collision. I didn’t notice this. Every door I walked through had both doors open. I’m guessing they had to for my Red Carpet and the band announcing my arrival.Now to the consumables, and I am speaking here about the soft pretzels. To me they tasted sweet indicating sugar or at high fructose corn syrup. The vendor did not represent them as Philadelphia Soft Pretzels and to mind they were definitely not in that league. While certainly edible (and the yellow mustard helped) a let down of sorts. Too bad the Philadelphia Pretzel Factory Company cannot get a foot or pretzel in the door at the Fairgrounds. I cannot confirm or deny this as only Philadelphia Pretzel Factory fresh baked pretzels will cross my lips. But I’ve never tasted a sweet pretzel except for an Auntie Ann’s cinnamon pretzel.Let's give a shout out to the Rest Room attendants! A job few of us would volunteer for, done quite well by helpful and upbeat even cheerful individuals. The cleanest, and neatest rest rooms that I have encountered at any hobby show. Absolutely!! Those people do a fabulous job, especially when having to deal with curmudgeon train guys! Their efforts are truly appreciated!Fed Ex replaced UPS. After last year's UPS debacle a very good call. Not so much. I spoke with a gentleman in the Purple Hall on Friday who informed me that he tried shipping some items with the FedEx vendor and they had trouble printing the shipping label, telling him to ‘take a picture of it’ for his receipt. Also, they were working from a tablet that was giving them trouble rather than a laptop computer connected to their store network. No thanks! I wasn’t going to take that chance again.Are the meet hours too long on Friday? Many of the member and dealer sellers that I spoke with at the show and at one hotel brought up the subject of the Friday hours as being grueling and not looked forward to very much. While the attendees may enjoy the up and at em early hour of 9:00 AM perhaps a little consideration is due our sellers especially as a number of member sellers are getting well up in age. Sorry I score high in empathy tests. No empathy from me on this. The Friday Meet hours have been unchanged for at least the last forty five years. No different since. Besides, it was the vendors themselves at the time the Eastern Division added Thursday opening to combat the bandit shows from eating into their profits that requested the change. They wanted more sales time. But it had a counter effect. More days meant thinner crowds throughout the Meet. A lot of members couldn’t attend on Thursdays and Saturdays remained lightly attended because those that could go on Thursday finished their shopping. Seems the work ethic isn’t what it used to be.The You Tube Meet and Greet event cancellation was a bit puzzling to me as when the announcement was being made I saw at least 6-9 folks that I recognized as fitting that YT description gathered around the Trainz booth to catch the action around Chris' for sale items. Does anyone have any insight into that cancellation? I didn’t see any announcement that it was being held or canceled. I heard a conversation that one of the organizers couldn’t make it and the others one by one also bowed out. Don’t know the level of truth but either way it didn’t happen. I got to briefly meet Chris on Friday and he is a gentleman and he obviously loves this hobby. I enjoy watching all their videos when I can, I think it’s a great way to share and promote the hobby while having fun doing it. Hopefully they can reconvene in October.It is unfortunate at many of the hobby meets that I go to that the table placement leaves the seller nowhere to position themselves other than in front of their table(s) in the aisle with a chair or worse no place to sit down/rest on a long sales day. This is not a problem unique to York and I did note some wider aisles, but again is consideration of the sellers being overlooked in this regard? It’s a slippery slope for the vendors. There are chairs available if they want them but from what I’ve seen they are moving around a lot answering questions and making sales. I’ve also seen them sitting when not busy or out hunting for the great cuisine at the concession stands.Last but not least me recognize with much appreciation the spouses who if not exclusively female are certainly the majority of caregivers who assist their husbands not only in and around the fairgrounds but at restaurants and hotels. I witnessed first hand the devotion, patience and effort needed to navigate a task as simple as a checking in to a hotel, let alone getting in and out of a vehicle then navigating the halls. I couldn’t agree more! I have great appreciation for my wife joining me at the York Meet and any other train show. She does a great job carrying my purchases out to the car, driving me to and from the shows, opening doors for me and getting me food to fuel my quest to purchase trains for our railroad. I don’t think I’m high maintenance but she makes it look that way.Now that is what I call a true labor of love. Yes, it’s unavoidable!How many more days until the next York? Too many!!!
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Post by bluelinec4 on Apr 21, 2024 12:35:27 GMT
Now to the consumables, and I am speaking here about the soft pretzels. To me they tasted sweet indicating sugar or at high fructose corn syrup. The vendor did not represent them as Philadelphia Soft Pretzels and to mind they were definitely not in that league. While certainly edible (and the yellow mustard helped) a let down of sorts. Too bad the Philadelphia Pretzel Factory Company cannot get a foot or pretzel in the door at the Fairgrounds. You should have tried the Italian ice You could get more taste out of an ice cube Worst I ever triedLet's give a shout out to the Rest Room attendants! A job few of us would volunteer for, done quite well by helpful and upbeat even cheerful individuals. The cleanest, and neatest rest rooms that I have encountered at any hobby show. I agree Most people think they just hand you towels Saw the guy in the orange hall on his knees cleaning a toilet bowl Gave him a fiveFed Ex replaced UPS. After last year's UPS debacle a very good call. Brian had alot to do with that one I believe
The You Tube Meet and Greet event cancellation was a bit puzzling to me as when the announcement was being made I saw at least 6-9 folks that I recognized as fitting that YT description gathered around the Trainz booth to catch the action around Chris' for sale items. Does anyone have any insight into that cancellation? Who cares! Only one worth anything is Nick with his great opening humor I also think they should have a separate day just for the scooter people I don't mind waiting for them sometimes but this year I got stuck behind an extra wide scooter just sitting in the middle of the aisle while the rider non-chalantly looked at his phone
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Post by ron045 on Apr 21, 2024 12:44:05 GMT
I went with my son on Saturday. It was deader than DEAD. Pleasant to walk around without crowds, but the venders must have suffered. Many were packing up by noon.
Certainly not how I remember it in the early 2000's where you were packed in like sardines the arrows on the floor actually meant something and you were just praying the fella in front of you did not start crop dusting.
I was a reliable die-hard member back then attending both Yorks annually with my son as he grew up. Post COVID the TCA president and I exchanged a few emails which turned me sour and now I only renew my TCA membership if my son wants to attend a meet. And even though Saturday is open to the public, we renewed our memberships for the privilege of going through all of the halls.
And speaking of halls... What they heck happened to the Purple hall? Remember when that was the 2nd best hall after Orange? Wow! Besides the layouts, it was sad to walk through.
Even the Orange Hall seemed empty. There were some good quality vendors who looked like they brought half the store, but there were also a lot of empty tables.
Seeing Atlas and MTH who used to occupy large sections of real estate now with a 10x10 cube was sad.
My son did well, scoring three freight cars and a vintage box for his postwar Trainmaster. He also picked up a large order from Trainz to avoid the high cost of shipping. He got his money's worth.
I purchased a metal ladder from an old curmudgeon member in the Silver Hall for $2.50. He had a junk box with odds and ends in it. I fished out this 4-inch metal ladder I thought I could use for this kitbash project I'm working. The tag said $2.50. I said, "Would you take $2?" In a nasty response he said the tag says $2.50. So I paid him and wished him a good show. My son said I should have walked away. Maybe I should have. But I actually felt sorry for him. He lugged all of these boxes from home to sell and my guess is near everyone was asking for a deal. By Saturday with lack of crowds and the lack of money in his pocket, he was probably in a foul mood.
In reality with TCA membership and admission to the Eastern TCA show, that ladder cost me $67.50. However, on the bright side it was a quality day with my son... and that is priceless.
On the way home, my son and I were already talking about Allentown First Frost next Fall. The ATMA shows in Allentown are now our favorite.
Ron
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Post by david1 on Apr 21, 2024 14:07:29 GMT
Hey Ben I have used a scooter for the past three meets and I Dont want a special day for me. I enjoy the crowds. Yes there are inconsiderate people who may block the aisle with there scooters but they are the minority. I always pull off to side when I see something I like, too bad most people on scooters don't.
Ron,
Saturday has never been a good day to go to York even back in the 80's when I started going. The purple hall was consolidated into the other halls. Too many complaints of it being dirty, too cold or too hot. Plus with some vendors not coming especially in the orange hall they had more room to add some others like Just trains and others.
The best day for York is Friday especially if your interested in modern era trains . I Used to go for three days but now a days I only go for one because of physical limitations and the use of a scooter. Since 1984 I have gone twice a year and will continue till the end,its still the best show for O gauge. Allentown is second for me, no place to sit and no scooter rental close. I may stop going till I can get a scooter. Ah! The price of getting older.
Dave
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Post by dennym57 on Apr 21, 2024 15:20:46 GMT
I have to use a scooter too. They are so busy looking they don't pay attention to scooters and you have to yell 'excuse me' several times and they still don't move!
Not to mention people have farted as I go past them.😕
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Post by Sir James on Apr 21, 2024 15:36:52 GMT
Don't complain about the people. Scooter are necessary but I can't count the times I have been bumped by one. And bruised.
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Post by redjimmy1955 on Apr 21, 2024 17:48:21 GMT
I thought York was sparse in attendance although I only attended Friday. Did go through 5 halls and saw many familiar faces. Snagged a pair of signs that not only add to my sign collection; they are a pair that fit space on my lil barn precisely......a great York. Hope yours was too!! Attachments:
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 21, 2024 22:03:34 GMT
Oh and one more thing about The Wyndam Hotel.
It was reported elsewhere that the rates for this hotel would be the same in the fall as were available this spring. To which I say they darn well should be or less.
The hotel property is in need of a serious refresh inside and out. The finishes on lamps and other metal fixtures show signs of rust and they are not in the bathroom/sink areas.
How do you have rust stains in an ABS tub?
Speaking of the tub, there were no appliqués or other nonslip features molded into the tub floor. The surface is as slick as an ice rink once water hits it. Do you wear a bike helmet in the shower? I thought not. Neither do I.
Vacuuming indicates the lack of a crevice tool for the corners.
But the bed linens appear to be well cleaned.
On another positive note the breakfast was reasonably well stocked and tasty in its' simplicity.
As I am only looking for one good nights rest and then back to the halls I will likely rebook.
However with two Motel 6s right up the road, on either side of US 83 I may look for alternatives.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 21, 2024 22:07:14 GMT
I have to use a scooter too. They are so busy looking they don't pay attention to scooters and you have to yell 'excuse me' several times and they still don't move! Not to mention people have farted as I go past them.😕 Aging is not for the squeamish! Remember the Movie 10 when the elderly lady passed gas the vicar punished the great Dane! Were there any service dogs in your vicinity?
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Post by atsda on Apr 22, 2024 1:02:34 GMT
Dave (Dave1), Chuck, Ron, glad you had a good time.
By the way is the wheel configuration on a scooter 0-4-0 or2-2-0? Alfred
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