Reports From York

Hmmmm

How many older members have pasted away since April 2008?

Here’s the thing, the current and recent attendance numbers are still 50% of the membership showing up to the Meet. Just as it was when 14,000 members were attending. The TCA just needs more members. If they turn it into a complete public Meet then there’s not as much incentive to join TCA. It’s quite the dilemma. The non member attendance hasn’t been overwhelming either. 

Correct! But this issue isn’t unique to the TCA. Just about every hobby organization is experiencing the same problem. I don’t think there is less interest in model trains. The TCA Eastern Division York Meet is a different animal than typical train shows. It’s run by its members for its members. No matter the attendance numbers it’ll continue because of that. 

York is not dying but the people who used to attend are dying!!

The car clubs in my are area really dying, they can't get enough cars or guys to join their clubs or put on shows. We used to have 6-7 shows in our area during the summer this year so far 0 are scheduled.

Dave

Several factors also affect train meet attendance like York.

Especially York this year.

1. The calendar shifted/reset so people hadn't gotten their taxes
done and gotten their refunds to spend at York. This will, as in the
past, eventually correct itself over time again.

2. The economy in general is in the dumpster (remember in November!)
So people have less "discretionary money" to spend on luxuries.

3. Train prices (new ones) have increased DRASTICALLY! even
outpacing the out-of-control inflation brought upon us.

4. Easter/Spring Break did not coincide with York (see item #1) so
families couldn't attend York conveniently, thus dropping attendance
of Family Members and purchases/interest by younger people. Parents
didn't want to take their children out of school and miss work.

5. Many layouts and operating clubs were absent, thus less attendance
to see them. Both the children and the public, in general, want to see
these and they are EXCELLENT recruiting tools for both TCA and the hobby.
Remember the other "modular clubs" and "Lego Layouts"? Where are they?

6. Most manufacturers no longer exhibit at York so less people to see 
new product offerings in the flesh and maybe place orders/spend money.

7. Interest by TCA with "Trains for Kids" seems to be on the wane again,
so noticeable lack of younger people at York. This needs to be addressed
not only for York, but the very survival of the TCA and the hobby itself.

8. Fuel, travel, lodging and food costs have shot through the roof (see item #2)
and (remember in November!) so people are not traveling like they used to.

9. And sadly, members are aging out, moving on and passing on. Witness
some of the "greats" like Tony Lash and his huge magnificent collection. We
need to recruit harder for new/replacement members.

The above are readily observable items that are affecting not only York but
the hobby in general. And there are other more personal reasons like health
and mobility problems of members who are still around but no longer able to travel.

Just some thoughts on the subject, not criticism.