First and most important, I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.
I will miss not going to York this week, you don't realize sometimes how much you like something until you don't get to do it. I'm very much hoping for a return in October. To celebrate one of the greatest train meets, I thought I'd list some of my favorite York memories over the years. They're in no particular order, and I apologize if my dates are a little off, it's hard to remember at times if a certain event happened in the spring or fall:
1. Spring 2008 - I believe this is the one where Lionel unveiled their new display with a huge detailed layout, even a track running overhead. They were fully demonstrating the new Legacy system. MTH, I think, also had a new layout and was demonstrating whistle steam in a large scale Hudson. There just seemed to be a lot of excitement around this meet.
2. Spring or Fall 2009 and into 2010 - This was when Lionel was using space in the Gold Hall to show off the new Vision Line. I remember seeing the new Challenger and blown away by the smoke effects and dual sound system. I would go straight to their booth because you needed a ticket to get into the gold hall and it could fill up quick. These gold hall demos were done a few times and then stopped. Soda and popcorn were served.
3. Fall 2003 - I remember this one because the orange hall had just opened, and I couldn't believe it when I walked in. Big and bright! So many manufacturers and dealers, lots to see and buy. Lionel was demonstrating the new RailSounds 5.0 and JLC 2-8-8-2 models, and they had stationary rollers with an engine and Cab 1 for you to try out. I tried the new NKP 779 Berk at one of the stations, and was so impressed with the model (especially the whistle) that I walked right over to Gryzboski's booth and bought one. MTH was giving great demos of DCS and PS2 as well.
4. Fall 1999 - I think this is the one where Lionel had their tent outside the grandstands, and they were showing the new Allegheny engines. My dad and I were in the tent when Neil Young comes walking in, I couldn't believe it! Got his autograph and talked to him for a couple minutes. MTH was inside the grandstands doing repairs which I thought was great.
These are just some great memories. Meeting other hobbyists, announcements, great finds, Atlas, K-Line, etc., etc., they're all there.
What are some of your memories?