A couple of first-timer questions.

Here's my $0.02:

1.  Most of the used stuff is in the member halls (Red, White, Blue, and Silver), but you will find some in the dealer halls (Orange, Brown and Purple).  Don't count dealers out, as they may have stuff priced to move.  All of the halls have test tracks (I think), so make sure any engine is tested before buying, and it is a good idea to get the contact info of the seller when making a big purchase.  Make sure to visit the Orange Hall - I know you will find Army stuff there.

2. I use my semi-smart phone for the same purpose, and so far have not been asked to stop or take it outside of the hall.  Just make sure that when you go to check it that you are not blocking the aisle (some of the aisles in the member halls are fairly narrow with dealers sitting in chairs in the aisles themselves).  Using it as a phone is not permitted, but you may answer a call as long as you ask the caller to hold while you make your way out of the hall.

3. Many vendors will take personal checks (remember to write your TCA membership number in the note area), but you should always ask first to make sure.  At the meet, cash is king, though, and there are some ATM's on the fairgrounds.

I would also add that if you see something you really want, and the price is good, grab it.  It will rarely be there if you pass it up and then try to find it later.  I learned this the hard way (but I was able to find something else to spend the money on pretty easily ).

And don't forget the Thursdays at Fridays OGR gathering at the TGI Fridays on Kenneth Road on Thursday evening (fun usually starts around 7pm and many of us go there for dinner earlier).  And the OGR gathering in the grandstands (at the end closest to the Orange Hall) on Friday at 2pm.

Hope to see you there!

Andy

I will just add one thing..Most tca members will take checks from other tca members, but in your case some may not because you just joined. I just checked the directory & see that you joined in '08, so you may be OK with most. Ed

Thanks men....

What I am hearing very clearly is that if you see something you like and are strongly considering just buy it.

Thanks guys,
As a first timer this is very valuable info . I'll be searching for 3 particular N&W items and I now know from you guys not to say let me think on it and come back later.
2 of them I think will be fairly easy to find, all Lionel. The 38095 J and the 28052 A 1218
The third one will be a little harder , it's the 18 inch passenger cars that came out the same year as the J with detailed interiors . 4 pack, 2 car add on and the station sounds diner so actually 3 items totaling 7 cars.
Now I know not to take to long to look at the horse shoe.

David

Go to Vince's Trains in the Orange Hall.  Last October Gilly@N&W told me on the ride up from Richmond that he wanted a 1218.  I took him there 1st and he had one by 12:05.

TrainPop Chuck works there during the York meet and usually gives us a head's up on what Vince is bringing.

Peter

Thanks Pete!!!!

David

Yes, Vince has caught me in his web of great prices and quality items almost every York Meet I've seen him.  He always seems to have something I didn't know I wanted until I saw it, like most of the sellers there.

Be very very careful!  Many times you'll buy something you don't have on your list, then you'll find you'll NEED that set of freight or passenger cars to go with that engine.  Or you'll find some nice rolling stock and realize you NEED a locomotive to go with them, oh, and maybe another few cars to add on too.  And watch out for those tempting and savory accessories!!

Brian ,

I have several advantages with me. I grew up around the C&O,B&O and Pennsy  but I dearly love the N&W and living down here now I'm sticking to N&W and maybe just a little Virginian that narrows the playing field a lot .
The second advantage I have is I'm bringing my ASLD that's Automatic Spending Limiting Device.... My wife

We've already discussed a budget for the 2 engines and the cars I'm looking for and are keeping my limit to around 3 grand. I know at York that'll be like bringing a nickel to a poker game but that's my limit . Doesent matter I'm still going to have a blast and the plus is I get to meet all of you guys . What else could anyone ask for?

Now if I win that lottery? I'm just going to walk into the orange hall cup my hands and yell "I want 2 of everything"

David

Just about every hall has a powered test track. As Ronald Regan once said:"Trust ... but verify." (He's going to want your TCA #; I also put the seller's TCA number on every check I write).

TCA 95-xxxxx