For newbies, what are the colored halls at York and their positions

It's a page in the meet notice PDF https://www.easterntca.com/Sit...mber_meet_notice.pdf

I've been going to York for over 30 years.  Aside from Orange (so big you can't miss it), I still can't tell Silver from Blue - they're both in the same building - nor can I tell White from Red - they're both at the same corner of the fairgrounds.  It doesn't matter - I just walk into each building and see trains - that's all I care about.

Find a central location to park the car and wander around in a trance.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

What are the various colored halls and their positions? I only know the orange hall where the mfgs are.  Thanks in advance.

With the exception of Orange and Purple, all of the other halls are members only. 

In Silver and Blue, the 2 bigger member halls you will find anything from modern all the way back to prewar for the most part.  Registration is here as well.

In Red and White the smaller member halls seem to be more MPC, PW, and prewar.  There is some modern but less IMO.

Purple used to be a dealer hall but now seems to be relegated to the displays.  This is open to the public.

Orange as you have surmised is mostly modern new but does have it's fair share of pre, PW, and MPC.  The manufacturers (importers) that still show up usually have a presence in this hall.  Unfortunately not like days past. This is open to the public as well.

Bottom line is anything you are looking for could be in any hall.  I would plan accordingly.

One thing I recommend to all first timers is to print out the maps on pages 9 & 10 in the meet notice Vernon linked in his post and take them to the meet to help navigate.  I did this my first time and had no problem.  I figured I didn't need it the second time and was still pretty overwhelmed by the size of York that I almost forgot to visit the White Hall (where I ended up finding a treasure to take home with me).

Andy

To go to York as a guest do you have to have a member present with you?

@Casper posted:

To go to York as a guest do you have to have a member present with you?

No, you can go to the Silver Hall registration desk with your ID and ask to be signed in as a guest.  They will sign you in.  You can only attend one time as a guest.  Get to the registration desk as early as you can, as there will be lines close to opening times and shortly after opening.  The registration desk opens at 9 am Wednesday-Saturday.  If you like what you see at the meet, and you want to come back, you can also join TCA at the registration desk, and if you are sure you can come back to the next meet (Spring in this case), you can even register for the next meet and take your badge for the next meet home with you.

Andy

Thanks Andy, Can i do this online ahead of time?

@Casper posted:

Thanks Andy, Can i do this online ahead of time?

You might be able to do this online (I don't know if the normal online deadlines apply).  There is a link on THIS PAGE for online guest registration.  It can't hurt to try, but even if you can, you still have to go to the registration area with ID to pick up your badge -- it will save a few minutes, though.  Be sure to print any receipts or confirmation pages and take them with you should there be any hiccups.

Andy

Yes you can. I did it a week or so ago.

I don't think you can join on line this late. York starts on Monday now with the purple hall.

Playing with the website, it looks like you can still Register online, but you need to pick up in person at the Silver Hall desk.

On the registration page: A guest is defined as any person 18 years of age or older who is not a TCA member or applicant. Guests must pick up their badge at the Meet (Badge Pick up Desk located inside the entrance to the Silver Hall) – photo ID is required. No refunds or substitutes if unable to attend. A guest may attend ONLY one (1) Eastern Division York Meet. Guests are invited to join TCA at the Meet – Silver Hall Registration Desk.

So registering online just saves paperwork and time at the door, which is always a good thing. I would fill it out, pay the fee and so long as it emails you a confirmation, you should be good to just head to registration and get the badge.

@eddie g posted:

I don't think you can join on line this late. York starts on Monday now with the purple hall.

Yep!