April 2017 York Question...

I would do Friday since you have the most hours to tour the halls.  Bring twice as much money as you think you would ever spend.  If you are dealing with large vendors plastic money usually works.  Cash always works and is faster to get you on to your next table.  Eat a big breakfast and pack some snacks in the car.  Try to park between the halls you are most interested so you can easily drop off your purchases.  Bring a dark colored sheet or blanket to hide them under and protect them from the sun if it is a warm day.  Get your badge in advance via online registering to save time and hassle.  Have an idea of what prices things are going for, so you can make quick decisions if the opportunity arises.  Don't count on good deals being there when you come back later.  Make sure you have a full understanding of the condition of the item and any return policy.  Keep your cash in various denominations so you can make exact change if needed.    Wear comfortable shoes.  The Orange hall holds about two football fields of real estate.

aussteve posted:

I would do Friday since you have the most hours to tour the halls.  Bring twice as much money as you think you would ever spend.  If you are dealing with large vendors plastic money usually works.  Cash always works and is faster to get you on to your next table.  Eat a big breakfast and pack some snacks in the car.  Try to park between the halls you are most interested so you can easily drop off your purchases.  Bring a dark colored sheet or blanket to hide them under and protect them from the sun if it is a warm day.  Get your badge in advance via online registering to save time and hassle.  Have an idea of what prices things are going for, so you can make quick decisions if the opportunity arises.  Don't count on good deals being there when you come back later.  Make sure you have a full understanding of the condition of the item and any return policy.  Keep your cash in various denominations so you can make exact change if needed.    Wear comfortable shoes.  The Orange hall holds about two football fields of real estate.

Man I'm 14 and when I'm old enough to drive I am definitely going to come down to York! It sounds like you have some experience!

Michael , Friday will be the best for you as it has the longest shopping hours of the meet . As far as food goes , I think the York area will be about the same as the rest of the country . If you are seeking Pennsylvania Dutch type food , then you will have to get over to the Lancaster area ,about 30 minutes  due East on route 30 . The closest would be Millers . The better would be the Shady Maple in Honey brook . Hope this helps , Jim 

Alex Trains posted:

aussteve posted:

I would do Friday since you have the most hours to tour the halls.  Bring twice as much money as you think you would ever spend.  If you are dealing with large vendors plastic money usually works.  Cash always works and is faster to get you on to your next table.  Eat a big breakfast and pack some snacks in the car.  Try to park between the halls you are most interested so you can easily drop off your purchases.  Bring a dark colored sheet or blanket to hide them under and protect them from the sun if it is a warm day.  Get your badge in advance via online registering to save time and hassle.  Have an idea of what prices things are going for, so you can make quick decisions if the opportunity arises.  Don't count on good deals being there when you come back later.  Make sure you have a full understanding of the condition of the item and any return policy.  Keep your cash in various denominations so you can make exact change if needed.    Wear comfortable shoes.  The Orange hall holds about two football fields of real estate.

Man I'm 14 and when I'm old enough to drive I am definitely going to come down to York! It sounds like you have some experience!

Michael, it can be overwhelming the first time but well worth it.  I always thought all the talk was exaggerated till I went in person.  Have fun. 

I usually go on Thursdays since I'm not really looking for anything special...plus the fact that most of my "great finds" have been on a Thursday, soon after the noon opening. Most years I am able to walk all the halls by 5pm. If you are in "searching mode", Friday is best. I was there for Saturday (due to being with a modular group), twice. The early pack-up by many dealers was a turn-off for me.

I'd say it depends upon what you are looking to purchase.

The crowds are smaller in Thursdays, makes is easier to get around. 
Despite the rules, any time I've attended, it always seemed that some table holders in the member halls don't show up until Friday.
The goods are fresh on Thursday.
Wait until Friday, and you will be dealing with larger crowds, which will include the public in the dealer halls. (Of course we don't know how many of the public will come.)
You will also be looking at goods that have been picked over for a day already.

In short, when I attend the show, I am there for the noon opening on Thursday.

All that said, attending any day is better than not attending at all.

Thank you all.  I have been a TCA Member since 1988..joined when I was very young.  I have been to one convention but never a York meet.  I am planning a 3 day road trip.  TCA Museum open house....Amtrak trip to Philly to record the Solari Board before its replaced with a computer screen and the amazing echo of the train announcer before replaced with a robot voice.  Friday for York it is.   

If you are looking for new go to the Orange Hall most of the big dealers are there. I spend most of the time there and then I go out to where the Layouts are. So take all you have heard and have fun. You will enjoy it.

If you're planning a three day trip, attend all three days of the Meet!

Traindiesel posted:

If you're planning a three day trip, attend all three days of the Meet!

Normally I'd agree, but if he wants to see the Open House at the TCA museum and that is day 1, and he needs to fit in the Philly stuff on a day, Thursday is the best day for that.

(I know you've gone to Flyers games during York week, but I think you have more dedication than most of us to to that commute on a day at the meet! I'm always shocked when I mention to people I live not too far from Philly and they ask me if I drive back and forth every day - no thanks! I'd probably spend half in gas and tolls that I spend on a motel within a short 1/2 hour drive of the fairgrounds.)

If the trip could be stretched to 4 days, that would work maybe a little better.  Could do the meet on Thurs and Friday, then for a short while at opening on Saturday, and then head to Philly to close out Saturday before heading home (unless the board/announcement stuff at the station in Philly specifically ends on that date, or is more interesting on weekdays).

-Dave

Pennsylvania Ditch diners   '

Getting Down & Dirty?

In and around York, I recommend Round the Clock Diner and Central Family Restaurant.

Dave, I can't help it. I love trains and I love the Flyers!  But looking at the calendar and the schedules, I have no Phillies or Flyers games (unless they have a playoff game) during April York Meet! 

Micheal, there will be so much to see at York I do not recommend driving 30 minutes one way to get some authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food. When I go for one day I go on Friday. For lunch I grab a crab cake sandwich. Yeah, it's a little pricey but it is quick and it is good. I eat in my car and then it is back to the trains. I estimate total time for walking to the sandwich truck and going to my car and eating is about 30 minutes. I wouldn't even drive 10 minutes away to get lunch. York is special and I don't like to waste any time there. If I was going for Thursday and Friday I would consider leaving the fairgrounds for lunch. Just my opinion. 

Hudson J1e posted:

Micheal, there will be so much to see at York I do not recommend driving 30 minutes one way to get some authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food.

Actually, "Dutch" is a mispronounciation of "Deutsche", which means "German". I have yet to find any decent German food in the area.