A Newbie Question for All of You York Show Veterans

This more than likely will be moved to the York Forum. Thursday is a big day and if you see empty tables chances are they aren't coming. By all means go Thursday.

Scott Smith

I would agree about doing Thursday rather than Friday.  In my experience, the traffic in the halls is a bit lighter on Thursday and there's plenty of time to hit the member halls before their early closing and still see the others before their later closing.  Some of this depends on if you're "shopping" or "searching"...shopping takes longer.

The only problem with "Thursday only" is it's too short to really see all the halls, unless you are REALLY fast and have laser focus on what you are looking for.  No stopping just to see something interesting, chat with anyone, etc.

I agree with Scott, empty tables are likely not an issue. (at least no more than Friday or Saturday)

-Dave

I'd recommend going for Friday, simply because you have another 3 hours to see everything. 

This really is a decision that's up to you. If you have something in particular you're looking for, or you want to get your hands on the very rare stuff, go on Thursday. If you're not looking for anything in particular and you are just going to attend the meet, go on Friday.

The only correct answer is to go Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Everything else can wait! 

I have only been to 2 York meets.  So, its from that perspective that I agree with BlueComet and go on Friday and be there before the doors open at 9 and stay until your legs give out.  There is too much to see and the space is so expansive that the added time will be give you a better chance to enjoy the experience.  

There's really no simple answer to this. You've got a better chance to find what you want on Thursday, BUT: on Saturday you can really bargain the prices down, BUT: there's surprisingly good prices on some things when the doors open on Thursday, BUT: - well, you get the idea. 

Just go and enjoy whatever day you go to.

I also prefer Friday and start at 9:00.  Take a one hour rest at 2:00 and attend the OGR meeting.

Dennis

I always go on Thursday only because of my schedule.  I have gone on Thursday and actually went thru all the halls even the Black hall (layout hall).  BUT, member halls are generally more crowded than dealer halls (I think) so that will slow you down quite a bit.  Usually, I hit the dealer halls first (Orange and Purple halls) and take my time, then do whatever other halls I can as time sees fit.

Rick  

Every response to your question has been spot on . I guess it really comes down to exactly what you are looking for to add to your collection . If it is  "hard to find items ", by all means , get there on Thursday . If you are just looking to add to your rolling stock or something to add to your layout , Friday will fill the bill nicely . If its only bargains  Saturday is best . 

       If an item is priced right  , it will be sold by the end of the meet on Thursday . No matter how rare or how common that item may be .  It also depends on  your finances . If they are unlimited , by all means ,  buy what you want when you first see . If you want an item , but pass on it at first , it will not be there when you return to purchase it .

       Since this is your first trip back in a while , take it all in and enjoy it , as it will not be your last .Wish you beginners luck and let us know how your trip went .  Jim

Depending on where you live in NY you can catch the charter buses early on Friday morning and enjoy the show and leave the driving to someone else! I've been doing this for the past 15 years and find I can sleep on the bus and enjoy a full day at the meet on Friday.       Lenny

If you are going there to buy then by all means go on Thursday. If you are going mostly to look then go on Friday. If you don't like crowds then Saturday is the day to do that, remember Saturday is a short day and a ghost town compared to the other days. Most of the good stuff will go before the end of Thursday. Then there are always the bandit meets on Wednesday but I have never been to one in my 42 years of not missing York.

If you are hunting for rare pieces or the best bargains, then Thursday is best.  As others have already said, you will have to keep moving in order to cover all the halls on Thursday.  If you are not looking for anything too specific, or if you are looking for mostly modern new production, then Friday is better as you have the extra hours to be more thorough.

Andy

Thank you all so much for your responses! Thursday trip it is for me then.

Another question while I have you all: What is the difference between a dealer hall and a non-dealer hall? Just private collectors in one and train shops in the other?

jpcanton posted:

Thank you all so much for your responses! Thursday trip it is for me then.

Another question while I have you all: What is the difference between a dealer hall and a non-dealer hall? Just private collectors in one and train shops in the other?

In a nutshell YES   If are looking for new "stuff" dealer halls are best. There will be no shortage of items. Enjoy yourself

. Check your meet notice as for hours Dealer halls are orange and purple and they maybe open latter on Thursday? member halls are Blue Red silver and white.  

jpcanton posted:

Thank you all so much for your responses! Thursday trip it is for me then.

Another question while I have you all: What is the difference between a dealer hall and a non-dealer hall? Just private collectors in one and train shops in the other?

Theoretically, and true for the most part.  There may be a small business here or there that shows in the member halls, but most are in the dealer halls.  Also, the manufacturers (most not selling too much, aside from maybe a club issue item, or small things like that) are all in the dealer halls.

It pretty much doesn't happen the other way around.  Anyone in a dealer hall is most likely running a business (maybe a small business), not just a casual member collector.

-Dave

Wear comfortable shoes!

Thanks everyone! I'm really excited about this....

jpcanton posted:

 

Another question while I have you all: What is the difference between a dealer hall and a non-dealer hall? Just private collectors in one and train shops in the other?

difference is you can buy same stuff in the non-dealer hall from 10 to 50% less than "dealer" halls...no sales tax too......

Dennis posted:

I also prefer Friday and start at 9:00.  Take a one hour rest at 2:00 and attend the OGR meeting.

Dennis

Dennis, you are right.  The OGR meeting is a good opportunity to rest.  You also have a better chance of running into many of us on this Forum.  Oh by the way, there's lots of new information shared as well!!!  

Go on Thursday.   If you cannot see everything or run out of time, then that will make you very sick.

Call in sick on Friday and go to the doctor in the blue-silver-red-white-orange-purple hall for a cure.  Then you can stay Saturday, just to make sure you don't have a relapse.

Your boss wouldn't want you at work sick on Friday I'm sure.

aussteve posted:

Go on Thursday.   If you cannot see everything or run out of time, then that will make you very sick.

Call in sick on Friday and go to the doctor in the blue-silver-red-white-orange-purple hall for a cure.  Then you can stay Saturday, just to make sure you don't have a relapse.

Your boss wouldn't want you at work sick on Friday I'm sure.

LOL

Mark Boyce posted:

aussteve posted:

Go on Thursday.   If you cannot see everything or run out of time, then that will make you very sick.

Call in sick on Friday and go to the doctor in the blue-silver-red-white-orange-purple hall for a cure.  Then you can stay Saturday, just to make sure you don't have a relapse.

Your boss wouldn't want you at work sick on Friday I'm sure.

LOL

Word has it, Peter has been handing out written medical excuses at the breakfast for years! "Came down with fever and too sick to travel" 

-Greg