1st Time TCA York Meet Attendee Questions

As a first timer myself- great questions. I too intend to buy or at least hope to find a few new things from vendors, and then the sky is the limit to what I see that catches my eye and budget. I need to go back and read, is a typical small canvas shopping bag OK? Or are we stuck with whatever vendors give us (plastic bags)?

"For safety reasons, no Handcarts/Dollies/Suitcases or large backpacks permitted in the halls during show hours."

What defines large backpack? Nothing angers me worse than a badly written policy or rule that leaves it open to interpretation.

Give examples and measurements or get rid of the rule. 

I'll answer a few questions, hoping others will add:

Dealer halls are Purple and Orange - where most of the new stuff is and where those who make a living selling train stuff will be.

Rest of the halls are member halls - anything goes, new used, the most variety. 

Read your info pack and plan a strategy. Park near the building(s) you're most interested in.

Cash is King, comfortable walking shoes a real must. I carry my treasures in a large canvas bag. 

Don't be afraid to dicker over prices. Some vendors actually expect it. Not so much in the Dealer halls though.

Make sure your badge is visible at all times, and you can simply walk into any hall.

Stand proud and sing the National Anthem at the start of the festivities.

I haven't found that arriving super-early has any advantages. I can usually find decent parking. Thursday starts at noon.

I bring some extra soft-drinks and snacks to revive and re hydrate as the day goes on.

Watch the weather forecasts and bring extra gear accordingly.

Make time to attend some of the seminars.

Make new friends.

I park as close to the entrance of the Orange Hall as I can. Just my preference. That's where the meet "Starts" for me.

You get your badge holder at the Silver Hall. That's my first stop when I get there (to get my badge). 

Clem has it pretty well covered.

Once you have your badge. Have at it. No special order.

I'd suggest joining us at the Breakfast at the Round the Clock diner. No sense in getting there too early. 

The whole point of parking close; if I buy something big I go straight to the car.

cubalz posted:

Where is a good place to park? Any tips?

 

 

 

For old farts like me, park near the hall you expect to end up at when the day is done. For me that is the Blue Hall. I start at Orange, make the loop in one day, and end up in Blue...near my car. By that point, I've done ENOUGH walking.

I'm excited for you.  Lots of great advice above.  Here goes my 2 cents...

Bring as much cash as you can.  Many sellers will take checks.  Don't plan on using credit cards, but before paying  a dealer, I ask if there's any difference between using cash, check, or plastic.  If there's no difference, I'll use plastic and get the points.  Most dealers will "pay the tax" if you use cash.

Where you should park depends on what you intend to buy.  If you plan to buy large locos or sets from a dealer, park near orange.  If you plan to buy individual postwar items, park near one of the member halls. 

If you see an item you want at a price you're comfortable with, buy it.  Don't wait - if you hesitate in the hope of a better deal, the item will be gone when you come back, if you can even remember where you saw it.  Of course, if you buy it, you'll see it for less in the next aisle.

Re backpacks - if you think it might be too large, it is too large.  The aisles can be narrow, and we train folk generally aren't, so leave the pack in the car.  Carry a tote bag for small items (and your water bottle), and make frequent trips back to the car. 

Carry some change in your pocket to tip the restroom attendants.  It's an odd custom, but they work hard and keep the facilities very clean.   

And say hello when you see me - I'll be the slightly overweight, gray-haired guy wearing a train shirt - can't miss me.

One more thing - please shower every morning, wear clean clothes, and use deodorant.  By Friday afternoon, you'll understand why. 

Bring a mini screwdriver to remove diecast cars from display cases.  2 shopping bags if you don’t remove from cases.  That was my “wish I had” during my 1st York.  Plus more cash never hurts.

You will feel like the proverbial “kid in the candy store”.  You are in for a blast.

Bring cash. Lots of it. Cash is king. 

You can always redeposit when you get home. I ALWAYS bring a TON more than I need and I ALWAYS go to the bank to get rid of it. Do NOT rely on the ATMs on the fairgrounds. I've ALWAYS seen them empty by the end of Thursday. 

Jetguy posted:

"For safety reasons, no Handcarts/Dollies/Suitcases or large backpacks permitted in the halls during show hours."

What defines large backpack? Nothing angers me worse than a badly written policy or rule that leaves it open to interpretation.

The answer back from the TCA.

We have a backpack at the Registration Desk as a sample of what is considered an acceptable size.  Please stop by and take a look.  It's a neon orange.

To me, if I'm standing at the registration desk- we've totally missed the point haven't we? I can't be the only person who reads this, uses the logic I'm traveling out of state, what bag should I bring, only to show up and find out when it's too late I'm standing at the show with the bag suddenly that cannot be brought in.

A small "day pack" is OK. Not a mountain trekking pack.

Just to add to this advice as far as what time to get there, I usually get there by noon on Thursday and 9 on Friday. If you just hangout for a little bit the lines will disappear and you can walk right in and the fun will start. Enjoy the time there it’s a ton of fun.

If you are a long time TCA member, you don't need a lot of cash. Most everyone will take your check.  A check is the same as cash.

eddie g posted:

If you are a long time TCA member, you don't need a lot of cash. Most everyone will take your check.  A check is the same as cash.

I agree with Eddie on this one. Packing a large wad of bills can be a bit risky at York or anywhere else. Having a decent amount of cash with you is fine, but a good many sellers--especially those in the dealer halls--will accept checks or credit cards.

I would:

Bring cash.  Twice as much as you think you could possibly spend and still be sane.  Friday morning plan to hit an Atm at some bank to re supply.  Have a variety of bills so you can pay quickly and not wait for change.  Restock your cash supply when you drop off packages at the car.   Bring a dark sheet or blanket to cover the purchases with.  Make sure they are not in the sunlight. 

Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing you can strip off as the day wears on. 

If you see it and it's high on your list and it's reasonably priced buy it then.  If its a steal, just pick it up with a extended handful of cash.

My places to park are 1) between the orange hall and grandstand, 2) between the purple and red ( covers black, purple, red & white) 3) between blue and silver.  Use the shuttle if its sitting outside the hall you come out of

Keep a cooler with drinks and some snacks/ fruit at your car.  Snack quickly while you drop off purchases or layers of clothes. 

Get your badge/ badge holder before noon on Thursday at the silver hall.

If you are worried about the lines at the opening bell at orange hall, then  go around to the side or back entrances.   At the red it takes about 30 seconds for all to get inside.

A lot of vendors have bags to give you. If its really large take it straight to the car.

If you are primarily interested in the dealers in the orange hall, look up their locations on the table layout maps outside the front lobby and plan your attack. 

If you've never been before, then plan to be in awe of the sheer size and diversity of product.

Don't be afraid to negotiate price, all they can do is say yes or no.

Don't sweat the small stuff and have a good time.  If you miss a deal, just put It on your future wish list.  York is an experience you won't soon forget. 

By all means stop, face the flag, hand over your heart every morning when they play the opening music.  It's just good taste and respect for the people who sacrificed to give you this and other opportunities that you are about to enjoy.  

No one is taking a knee at York .

Mallard4468 posted:

 

If you see an item you want at a price you're comfortable with, buy it.  Don't wait - if you hesitate in the hope of a better deal, the item will be gone when you come back, if you can even remember where you saw it.  

Re backpacks - if you think it might be too large, it is too large. 

YES!

A word to "new" folk. Money-wise, you do NOT have to spend a lot to have a great time. Many a meet I only spent around $80. total.

cubalz posted:

I am all ready to attend my first York TCA meet and have a few questions:

Where is a good place to park? Any tips?

Park near the Halls your are going too.   Most folks hit the manufacturer halls (Orange/Purple) on day 1.   I remember my first York - it was 3 pm and I still had 1/3 of the Orange Hall to see.  I imagine your experience may by similar.   If you wish to visit these halls first then park anywhere in front of the Orange Hall as there will be plenty of parking.

On day 2 - if you want to see the member halls (which I recommend - always seem to find something every York) then start your day there.  Park over by the Silver/Blue Hall and if no parking you can park behind the Black Hall.  This way you are central to the member halls.  When you are done at the member halls you can drive over and park by the Orange Hall.  

Where exactly can I purchase my badge holder?  There is a table on the left side of the lobby in the Orange Hall where you may purchase badge holders - no need to go to the Silver Hall and wait in line with those picking up their badges.

What are some things that I need to bring that Clem's Primer may have not addressed?  If you have a medical condition I would write down names and contact information for family/friends and place in your wallet in case something happens.  

You may also want to bring some bottles of water and snacks for periodic breaks during the day.  I know I will take 15 minutes to sit and recline in my car from time to time.

While folks do take checks you will get the best price with cash from the dealer halls (no tax with cash).   Here's what I did many years ago - there is a Santander Bank less than a half mile away from the fairgrounds leaving from the exit by the Orange Hall.  Get an account at the branch local to where you live for your slush fund and you can use the branch by the fairgrounds to withdrawal money if needed.  This way you don't have to carry a lot of cash and you will have to stop and think before making an impulse purchase.  If you want something and don't have the cash on you I have NEVER had a vendor in any hall refuse taking $20 to wait 30 minutes to get to and from the bank.

What halls are the train vendors located? I have a long list of things I want to look to purchase first.  Orange and Purple are the manufacturer halls with the Orange being the larger by far. 

Do I need to enter at a specific area/hall when I already have my pre-purchased badge in my possession?  No.  You can enter any hall at the marked entrances.

How early should I arrive on Thursday to enter? I am there all 3 days.  Come to the Round-the-Clock diner around 7:30 for breakfast and hang out with a bunch of us.  See Peter Condro's thread on the York forum.  Seriously, don't be shy - it was everyone's first time once.   After breakfast many of us head over to the fairgrounds around 10:00 am and socialize in the lobby of the Orange Hall.  Since it's your first York, take 10 minutes and drive around the fairgrounds to get a feel for the layout.

Also, on Thursday night fellow forumites gather at Quaker Steak and Lube on Kenneth Road beginning at 5:30 or so for dinner.  We pretty much take over most of the restaurant for dinner but then congregate in the back to socialize once everyone is done eating.   Please join us - just sit in an open seat at a table.  As long as it's not being saved just sit right down and get to know folks - we all do it.  I usually don't leave until around 11:00 and will talk to anyone..lol.   I'll have a NJ-Hirailers shirt on with my name so I'm pretty easy to spot if I've taken off my York badge. 

I understand that we cannot take carts with us so how does everyone handle carrying around your purchases? Trains and the like can be big, heavy and long.  We make trips back and forth to our cars.  Most dealers are glad to hold purchases as well so you can complete a circuit in the hall you are in and circle back to pick up all your purchases to make as few trips to the car as possible.   Most dealers will have plastic bags but some folks bring their own backpack or canvas tote bag.   A standard backpack (18.5") is fine to bring,

I am beyond excited!!!!!

Thanks!

John

Thanks to everyone for their answers! Keep 'em coming! I just can't wait to get there.

One of the best parts of the York experience is getting the opportunity to put faces to some of the names you've seen here and making new friends.  And at subsequent Yorks, seeing old friends and making more new ones.  Like Joe Hohmann said, you don't need a lot of money to have a good time.  My first York, I had sensory overload.  I had never seen that many trains at one time in my life.  And, if you're there on Thursday, join the guys at Quaker Steak and Lube.  That's where a lot forumites go for dinner and conversation that night.  Another good way to introduce yourself around.  But, most of all, have a ball.

Hi,

1) If you are buying an item like a locomotive, or anything of value, ask for a receipt right after you make the deal.

If you get the item home and it doesn't work right, you will not be able to get free warranty repairs without a receipt from an authorized dealer.

Some are reluctant to give a receipt, to me its a deal breaker.

2) Bring cash and or checks, some dealers charge more for a credit card purchase. Also check and credit cards give you some leverage if things go wrong after unboxing the items at home.

Have fun, I might see you there on Thursday.

Greg Houser posted:

cubalz posted:

I am all ready to attend my first York TCA meet and have a few questions:

What are some things that I need to bring that Clem's Primer may have not addressed?  If you have a medical condition I would write down names and contact information for family/friends and place in your wallet in case something happens.  

 

 

 

Oh NO! It looks like I'll have to write an essay 

Thanks to all of you for the replies. This will also be my first time so this info is helpful.  I’m bringing my son who is 7 years old and my father who is 77 years old. Any advice on good places to rest? What about kid specific train stuff? I saw they have some children’s stuff but was thinking maybe that was aimed at the really little ones? 

We can’t wait.  We leave in a week, so hope to see you and meet you all soon!

Gerhardt posted:

Thanks to all of you for the replies. This will also be my first time so this info is helpful.  I’m bringing my son who is 7 years old and my father who is 77 years old. Any advice on good places to rest? What about kid specific train stuff? I saw they have some children’s stuff but was thinking maybe that was aimed at the really little ones? 

We can’t wait.  We leave in a week, so hope to see you and meet you all soon!

7 is a tough age for York - probably too old for the kiddie area, too young for much of the other stuff.  A couple of layouts (based on past meets) that might be interesting for him - one is the LCCA modular layout in the lobby of the orange hall which is oriented towards kids, and the other is a group that has set up the past couple of times in Purple - includes Thomas and dinosaurs.

Tables and chairs are in the lobby of Orange and in Black, where there will be a couple of layouts.  Black can be a very low-key place to relax.  Depending on weather, there are some benches outside several of the halls.

It's a LOT of walking, and the amount of things to see will be overwhelming.  Just pace yourself.  Have fun!

Mallard4468 posted:

Gerhardt posted:

Thanks to all of you for the replies. This will also be my first time so this info is helpful.  I’m bringing my son who is 7 years old and my father who is 77 years old. Any advice on good places to rest? What about kid specific train stuff? I saw they have some children’s stuff but was thinking maybe that was aimed at the really little ones? 

We can’t wait.  We leave in a week, so hope to see you and meet you all soon!

7 is a tough age for York - probably too old for the kiddie area, too young for much of the other stuff.  A couple of layouts (based on past meets) that might be interesting for him - one is the LCCA modular layout in the lobby of the orange hall which is oriented towards kids, and the other is a group that has set up the past couple of times in Purple - includes Thomas and dinosaurs.

Tables and chairs are in the lobby of Orange and in Black, where there will be a couple of layouts.  Black can be a very low-key place to relax.  Depending on weather, there are some benches outside several of the halls.

It's a LOT of walking, and the amount of things to see will be overwhelming.  Just pace yourself.  Have fun!

There is a shuttle bus which runs between the halls.  It's free of charge and may be of use to you with a 7 yr old and with your dad, depending on how strong his legs are   It stops in front of every hall.  It runs Noon to 6 pm on Thursday, 9 am to 6 pm on Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday. I agree though that a 7 yr old is a bit young due to all the walking and they probably aren't going to have the patience to follow you and your dad around for multiple days why you shop.  Probably better to leave him in school

There is a kids corner in the open area connecting the Blue and Silver Halls which has wind-up trains, wooden push trains, and a small train ride. 

By your comments it seems you will be in town on Wednesday.  If so, the Toy Train Museum has day long events and is just down the road from the RR Museum of PA and the Strasburg RR where N&W 611 is presently visiting.  All are worthwhile sights to see and are about an hour from the fairgrounds.

-Greg

Greg Houser posted:

Mallard4468 posted:

Gerhardt posted:

Thanks to all of you for the replies. This will also be my first time so this info is helpful.  I’m bringing my son who is 7 years old and my father who is 77 years old. Any advice on good places to rest? What about kid specific train stuff? I saw they have some children’s stuff but was thinking maybe that was aimed at the really little ones? 

We can’t wait.  We leave in a week, so hope to see you and meet you all soon!

7 is a tough age for York - probably too old for the kiddie area, too young for much of the other stuff.  A couple of layouts (based on past meets) that might be interesting for him - one is the LCCA modular layout in the lobby of the orange hall which is oriented towards kids, and the other is a group that has set up the past couple of times in Purple - includes Thomas and dinosaurs.

Tables and chairs are in the lobby of Orange and in Black, where there will be a couple of layouts.  Black can be a very low-key place to relax.  Depending on weather, there are some benches outside several of the halls.

It's a LOT of walking, and the amount of things to see will be overwhelming.  Just pace yourself.  Have fun!

There is a shuttle bus which runs between the halls.  It's free of charge and may be of use to you with a 7 yr old and with your dad, depending on how strong his legs are   It stops in front of every hall.  It runs Noon to 6 pm on Thursday, 9 am to 6 pm on Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday. I agree though that a 7 yr old is a bit young due to all the walking and they probably aren't going to have the patience to follow you and your dad around for multiple days why you shop.  Probably better to leave him in school

There is a kids corner in the open area connecting the Blue and Silver Halls which has wind-up trains, wooden push trains, and a small train ride. 

By your comments it seems you will be in town on Wednesday.  If so, the Toy Train Museum has day long events and is just down the road from the RR Museum of PA and the Strasburg RR where N&W 611 is presently visiting.  All are worthwhile sights to see and are about an hour from the fairgrounds.

-Greg

 

Thanks to you both for the tips. Yes we will definitely be at the TCA museum Wednesday, that’s a great suggestion. We will be down all week to take it all in. Look for the orange Canadian National Railway shirts and you will find us!

Thanks, G

Have a safe drive.  What part of Canada are you from?  I ask because you may pass worthwhile RR sites on your way (like Horseshoe curve).  

And please - join us for breakfast and/or dinner on Thursday!  There's a thread for breakfast and dinner is at the Quaker Steak and Lube on Kenneth Rd starting at 5:30 or so. Just show up and head to the back of the restaurant.

And if you are around on Sunday there is this little club in Paterson, NJ that's having a birthday party for OGR and has a layout of some renown.

-Greg

Greg Houser posted:

Have a safe drive.  What part of Canada are you from?  I ask because you may pass worthwhile RR sites on your way (like Horseshoe curve).  

And please - join us for breakfast and/or dinner on Thursday!  There's a thread for breakfast and dinner is at the Quaker Steak and Lube on Kenneth Rd starting at 5:30 or so. Just show up and head to the back of the restaurant.

And if you are around on Sunday there is this little club in Paterson, NJ that's having a birthday party for OGR and has a layout of some renown.

-Greg

Thanks Greg,

We are flying down to Baltimore from out  west where we live in Edmonton. We are planning to come to the dinner. Disappointed we will miss the OGR open house on Sunday (have been reading a lot about that ) as we didn’t know about it when we booked flights way back in January. There are so many things to see in your part of the world  in only a week, I guess we will just have to come back another time! See you all soon and safe travels!

G

Gerhardt posted:

 I’m bringing my son who is 7 years old and my father who is 77 years old. Any advice on good places to rest?

In your case, the best place to rest will be the White Hall. It has a row of seats, plus 2 or 3 modular layouts for your son to see. Other halls have some seating...Orange (with food and tables), and the area between Blue and Silver ( with food and ice cream). 

What is the OGR open house on Sunday??????????

eddie g posted:

What is the OGR open house on Sunday??????????

Greg Hauser explained it in his post yesterday.

Good points above re the TCA museum.  Also in Strasburg are the Choo Choo Barn (your son will probably enjoy it), the railroad museum of PA (one of the best), and the Strasburg Railroad (which will probably be a zoo because of the 611's visit).  All of these are within a few hundred yards of each other.

On Wednesday and Thursday nights, the Red Lion club has an open house - well worth a visit.

eddie g posted:

What is the OGR open house on Sunday??????????

Eddie - it's the OGR 50th Birthday Party.  All are welcome.  We spent several hours beautifying the club today.

-Greg

Gerhardt posted:

Greg Houser posted:

Have a safe drive.  What part of Canada are you from?  I ask because you may pass worthwhile RR sites on your way (like Horseshoe curve).  

And please - join us for breakfast and/or dinner on Thursday!  There's a thread for breakfast and dinner is at the Quaker Steak and Lube on Kenneth Rd starting at 5:30 or so. Just show up and head to the back of the restaurant.

And if you are around on Sunday there is this little club in Paterson, NJ that's having a birthday party for OGR and has a layout of some renown.

-Greg

Thanks Greg,

We are flying down to Baltimore from out  west where we live in Edmonton. We are planning to come to the dinner. Disappointed we will miss the OGR open house on Sunday (have been reading a lot about that ) as we didn’t know about it when we booked flights way back in January. There are so many things to see in your part of the world  in only a week, I guess we will just have to come back another time! See you all soon and safe travels!

G

Wow - Edmonton!  That is the great white North. I was there 30 yrs ago and except for the Flyers losing game 7 to the Oilers, I had a great time.

If you do make it back to York or the area in the future and would like to visit the layout please let me know and we can make that happen.  

-Greg

I'll put a plug in for the Special Interest Group meetings that take place throughout "York week." Among them are gatherings devoted to Marx, American Flyer, Ives, Plasticville, and the one that I help organize, Toy Train Paper & Memorabilia -- shamelessly promoted here.

If any of these topics are of interest, you'll be able to meet like-minded collectors and see some neat stuff in an environment that's much more relaxed than the meet itself.

Details on all of them can be found on Page 9 of the York mailer.

TRW

My advice is don't sit behind this guy at the forum meeting...

How far from York is the NJ highrailers layout? Thinking about the OGR party.

JDFonz posted:

How far from York is the NJ highrailers layout? Thinking about the OGR party.

It's 3 1/2 hours away.  The address is 185 6th Ave, Paterson, NJ 07524.  I know I'm biased, but it's well worth the trip.  The layout is 185.5' long and has an average width of 30'. 

-Greg

PaperTRW posted:

I'll put a plug in for the Special Interest Group meetings that take place throughout "York week." Among them are gatherings devoted to Marx, American Flyer, Ives, Plasticville, and the one that I help organize, Toy Train Paper & Memorabilia -- shamelessly promoted here.

If any of these topics are of interest, you'll be able to meet like-minded collectors and see some neat stuff in an environment that's much more relaxed than the meet itself.

Details on all of them can be found in the York mailer or on the TCA Eastern Division's website.

TRW

That's an excellent point.  I've attended a few of these meetings over the years and they are informative and folks are friendly. 

-Greg

As far as cash goes, have a good breakdown of it. Ones, fives, and tens. This will be helpful to everyone. Sure large bills spend good, but when you need the others, sometimes that is the best thing for both you and who you're purchasing from.