Does anyone have an opinion about these two train shows? I want to go to just one this winter season ...budget concerns.... does one have more variety and dealers than the other? Is one bigger than the other?
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Allentown spring thaw for sure! You don't know what you might find. Dealers are different than the Greenberg show plus there is parking for the public- unlike the Oaks which gets packed very quickly!
No question. Allentown Spring Thaw. End of discussion!!! 
PLUS you can join a bunch of us beforehand at the Hamilton Family Diner for breakfast on Saturday -- just a few blocks from the train show. And after a morning stroll through the train show, you can walk across the parking lot driveway to the Farmers Market for all kinds of great goodies. It doesn't get any better than that. 
For trains, another emphatic vote for the Spring Thaw! However, if you have any young'uns in tow with a more general toy interest, Greenberg may be the thing...
Allentown show is second best show next to York.
I love the Allentown show but do like the Greenberg show too though it is definitely comparing apples to oranges. Allentown is more for the diehard collector or model railroader while Greenberg's has a bigger variety of items more for the general hobbiest plus more layouts on display which is a bigger draw for the younger and general public.
On a side note, our club, the North Penn O Gaugers will have our layout setup at this weekends Greenberg's show.
All joking aside... Jim and Bill raise a good point about Greenberg being more oriented toward a younger crowd and the general hobbiest. I'm speaking purely as a long-time O-Gauge aficionado... so for me, there's just no comparison whatsoever. Say the words "Allentown First Frost" or "Allentown Spring Thaw", and I'm there!!!
I go to both but if your asking which is better, Allentown first frost then the Greenbergs show, now if you have kids I would take them to the Greenbergs show if you can only go to one.
Dave
Just in case you didn't understand yet: Allentown.
I live a half-hour from Oaks, and one hour from Allentown. I go to the Allentown show on Saturday, and have breakfast with OGR folks at 6:30 am. Allentown is more for "serious" train people, Greenberg is more for a "family outing".
No Question - Allentown First Frost or Spring Thaw are 2 of the best shows around. Gilbertsville was good also, when it was around. Hamburg is a little far.
I'll be at Allentown, same as usual. See you at the breakfast Joe, and maybe Dave if he gets up early enough. 
Like Bill said, we're bringing the modular club to the Greenberg show, so I'll get a double-dose.
Thank you all for your advice...I'll check out Allentown...its closer to me as well...
gunrunnerjohn posted:I'll be at Allentown, same as usual. See you at the breakfast Joe, and maybe Dave if he gets up early enough.
Like Bill said, we're bringing the modular club to the Greenberg show, so I'll get a double-dose.
So ,you guys from the North Penn O-Gaugers unfortunately have to pass on attending Trainstock 10 this year?
Allentown show is second best show next to York.
Vic
LOL!
I take it you have NOT been to the "Big E"
I go to both. Allentown is the best, Greenbergs is a good show too depending on the area.
I go to Greenbergs here in Wilmington Delaware.
prrhorseshoecurve posted:Allentown show is second best show next to York.
VicLOL!
I have talked to a few guys and dealers in my area who go to York, Allentown and Greenbergs. They all say that Bid E is too far, too crowded, weather usually not good and not a lot of return for the distance traveled.
I go to Allentown and occasionally go to Greenbergs. If I can only make one show its Allentown as its more focused on the quality train stuff and you seldom see dolls, and other toys there. The show also appeals to the Train Enthusiast better as there is more there for the long time collector and operator. Also run into many OGR forum members there, a bunch of great guys. Since I live 1:15 from Allentown, I have not made the 6 AM breakfast as yet as I don't like rising at 4AM but the invitation is open to all..
ogaugeguy posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:I'll be at Allentown, same as usual. See you at the breakfast Joe, and maybe Dave if he gets up early enough.
Like Bill said, we're bringing the modular club to the Greenberg show, so I'll get a double-dose.
So ,you guys from the North Penn O-Gaugers unfortunately have to pass on attending Trainstock 10 this year?
Unfortunately, yes, we will have to pass on TS10. :-(
Dennis LaGrua posted:I go to Allentown and occasionally go to Greenbergs. If I can only make one show its Allentown as its more focused on the quality train stuff and you seldom see dolls, and other toys there. The show also appeals to the Train Enthusiast better as there is more there for the long time collector and operator. Also run into many OGR forum members there, a bunch of great guys. Since I live 1:15 from Allentown, I have not made the 6 AM breakfast as yet as I don't like rising at 4AM but the invitation is open to all..
Driving a long way is one of the main reasons I like the breakfast. I really don’t know anyone, but after the long ride, it is nice to relax with a good meal before hitting the show floor.
Dennis, you should get up a tad earlier and drop by, it's a good group for breakfast.
gunrunnerjohn posted:I'll be at Allentown, same as usual. See you at the breakfast Joe, and maybe Dave if he gets up early enough.
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Hey, John... I wasn't even close to being the last one there last October!
True Dave, I'm just wondering if you can do that two shows in a row.
