Found Anything This York?

Today in York, while driving around in the Ark, I found rain, a gully washer, all day,

I found out door shows rained out.  Really put a literal dampner on things.  Inside

shows seemed lethargic.  I found nothing I wanted, excepting one Girl's Train priced

Marx diesel set....had to keep walking.  Saved money.

Got here late this PM in heavy rain, so the gettin will be tomorrow.

I have found nothing...left the show today, Friday, after just one loop of all the buildings (about 1:15).  First time for that, but there was nothing I saw interesting,

or that I wanted to go back and take another look at.....didn't even find any arch

bar trucks, as I did last York.  Well, Rich Yoder has some caboose arch bars..... 

While Richard E and his auto posting are here, I did see a different Solido 1931

Cadillac  hearse, but my small town adobe chapel cemetery is getting along with

a 1937 Studebaker and a horse drawn one.  None of the stuff I was looking for at this York was here......

That sounds about right unfortunately. Whenever I go somewhere, with cash in hand, it feels like I never find just what I was looking for. 

 

However, once that cash is gone...

 

At least you had a chance to go, I'm envious!

I'm with Jeff.  I would still feel happy I have money for something I really want.  I have never been to York, but when I go to Greenbergs in Monroevill, Pennsylvania, sometimes I leave with not much of anything.  But I always have a great time, because I saw some cool models, displays, layouts, and spent time talking to some neat model railroaders.

 

that said, I would like to see what some of you got.

Mark - What keeps you from attending York if (as it seems) you live 'reasonably' close? (we're almost 10 hrs away)

If I lived less than 5 hours I would have been there even for ONE day!!!

IF I could go to York, there is only one locomotive on my wish list-Lionel Vision Line UP Grey Challenger, cab #3983: it'd complete my UP collection. 

 

Surely there is one laying around there!

I found these 3 at a dealer for a rather good deal, and the flag at another for another great deal:

 

 

 

 

Oh, I also ordered some Mianne benchwork, 4' x 10' show special at $400 shipped.

Nope, besides feeling like I was on the set of The Walking Dead. Went looking for one $45 vintage Lionel tank car. Found only a few at over $100 so they can keep it. If you were looking for vintage American Flyer S you were going to have a good show, the halls were packed with it. 

 

Gandy

MMMMMMM.....! scrapple!!!   But even that's hard to find when you cant get there !!!!!   AUGHHHHHH..... I Just KNOW they Have What I'm Looking For TOOOO!!!!!!

Sam,

That's a good question.  You are right.  Google Maps says it is 4 hours away. The furthest I have gone for a one day train show was 2 1/2 hours a long time ago.

 

However, I modeled in HO up until about 3 years ago, and in over 40 years of modeling had never heard of the York show.  Howard Zane's Great Scale Show at Timonium Maryland was the big draw.  Up until this year we have had at least one in college, and there always seemed to be a trip to Ohio.  Now that is over, but last weekend one of our daughters got married, and tomorrow we have to go to Ohio for our nephew's wedding.  Man, I'm whipped and cleaned out. 

 

Now next spring may just be a different story, although we still have one daughter at home.  When her longtime boyfriend gets a better job, he's going to pop the question.  That is good, but I'll have another wedding and no money. 

 

So I will hopefully get to go next year! 

Thank you for asking!!  I hope to see you there next year.

That locomotive is a beaut!

Here's my take on York nowadays... It will always be a worthwhile show to attend; however, our corner of the world has definitely changed... and will continue to do so.  

 

During the past year in particular, I can't help but notice so many dealers offering deep discount sales year-round.  Great stuff here on the for-sale forum as well.  Combine all that with the new products being offered by the importers, and I surmise lots of folks went to York knowing they already spent some big bucks this year AND still need to shell out another $2k+ easy before year's end.  So that may put a damper on huge York purchases.  I certainly know it did for me, 'cause I still have an O-Gauge Lionel cab-forward Daylight loco as well as a Standard Gauge National Limited steamer and cars looming on the immediate horizon -- both big-ticket items due in the next month or two.    And we all know how "easy" it's getting to spend another $1k in this hobby -- just on spontaneous, unplanned purchases if we're not careful.  

 

I've been quietly building my Standard Gauge roster over the past year, and York gave me the opportunity to bring a trade to closure that's been in the works for several months now.  Consequently, two Lionel #305 Hellgate Bridges found their way into the back of my SUV before I even set foot into the Orange Hall.  And from the looks of things, I don't think I was alone.   

 

So for me, York has increasingly become a nice time to reconnect with old friends, meet a few new ones, and simply stroll through the halls to immerse myself in toy train heaven for a day.  Pretty relaxing for sure.  

 

Yes, there's always a token purchase that makes the trip "worthwhile".  But even at that, it's not like the days of old where I literally packed the car to the hilt with York purchases for the return trip home.  It's quite different now, but I'm OK with that.  Although truth be told, those 2 Hellgate bridges did take up a good amount of space in the back of my SUV this time.  

 

David

Great report. Two items to note for me. The scarcity of Atlas track has driven the price up. Grateful to find what I was looking for, I ended paying about 15-20% more than the online pricing I had researched on the web before the trip. One car had a $75 price on the outside, and $60 on the foam liner.

 

I had one great experience with a OGR Forum sale, and a second that was a great big disappointment.

 

Gilly

Lotza evidence that we need more youth in this game.  I also notice some of the local retirement homes feature model railroads of one sort or another.  One has four of them.

 

Such a demographic morphe when I go from a boat show to a gun show to a home remodeling show to a train show to a computer show to a hot rod show.

 

We be a bunch of different people groups.

Went up Thursday for the day from Northern VA (hadn't gone since April 2013).  Budget was tight this year, so purchases were limited (a shame...I had to pass up a PS-1 four-truck Shay at a truly excellent price).  I did get a nice 1948 726 with the 2426W tender for $200 in the Blue Hall...may be sending it to Len C. for restoration.

 

Was looking for a Lionel/K-Line set for a friend (late 70s to mid 80s vintage...wanted an engine with a Pullmor motor).  Didn't see anywhere near the number of these sets I'd seen at other Yorks...what I did see was overpriced.  Took me until almost 6PM to find one...got a nice K-Line Hershey's Work Train set in the Orange Hall.

 

Ditto the previous comment on classic American Flyer...the tables were overflowing with it.  Also saw a lot of tinplate (both O and Std gauge)...but did not find the orange tinplate gondola with barrels I've been looking for (looking for one to go with my orange/terra-cotta 810 crane and searchlight car).

 

This was my first York since the cell phone / picture rules were relaxed...nice to see that the world did not come to end as a result!  Did not see much "young blood" in the halls...were Friday and Saturday any different?

 

Weather wasn't spectacular, (drizzle on the way up, rain on the way back)...but the fall colors in northern MD and PA were still spectacular.  Friday, with the beautiful weather, must have been gorgeous.

 

Never a bad day at York!

 

John

I agree that the vast majority of people at the show on Thursday were in the senior set.

To me, that is no surprise. Working age adults have jobs and family responsibilities. I don't expect they would take Thusrday off to go to a train show.
I thought there was more of a mix on Friday, but I was only at the show for about two hours.

Regardless: WHO CARES?

Lots of folks like to worry about the age of York attendees. I enjoy my trains regardless of who else does.

Has anybody come up with a viable suggestion on how to entice younger folks into the hobby?  I don't recall reading of such a plan.

 

If it makes anybody feel any better, I see folks worrying about the same thing in general antiques collecting, and the Aeronautical Models Association.

While Friday's crowds weren't as robust, at least numberwise, as in past years, many dealers I spoke with in Orange Hall said the folks who were there were buying more than they had at recent Yorks.

As for myself, didn't buy much other than a few accessory items since the MTH Premier 4-4-0 steamer (20-3172-1) remains elusive.

Did however get the set of three Lionel holiday memories Silver Bell Express train ornaments (a steal from N. Smith at $5@) along with some really great ideas for kitbashing a few building kits I have. Also picked up a nicely weathered and accessorized single stall engine house from Alex. M. that I'd bought from him on the FS forum during the summer. As usual, Alex, job well done!

I can't add a solution for enticing young folks into the hobby. Yet, i was pretty sure I saw many more young Dads (in their 30's and 40's) with sons and daughters in tow than in previous years.

   I have to agree that being at York makes me feel so young (turning 59 soon) and it is clear that many, many York attendees have the age of 70+ in the rear view mirror.

     I think we have to face the fact that our "train world" is going to considerably shrink very soon, but it won't come near dying out. Just much, much smaller.

 

 

 

I am waiting for Jerry ( Baltimore train works), to get back and see if any Lionel

Alaska RR, hanging around the halls.  Thanks

 

Ive been looking for a smoke stack for the layout for awhile and found a nice one at Altoona Model Works. Its a kit, so I can paint it to match the roundhouse.

I didnt pick up any cars/engines for myself, too big of a hassle to get them back to CA anyway.

I did buy a bunch of detail stuff for the layout, buildings, and some of my diesel projects. A couple dozen Artista figures, grab irons, rubber diaphrams, scale Hayes style rail bumpers, Caboose Ind ground throws....just lots of stuff I can't get at home.

Of course my wife had to get the new Pentrex DVD of the 4014 move from Pomona to Cheyenne.

Picked up a Heritage hicube NKP boxcar for my Dad, to go with his ES44 and caboose.

Spent a ton of time at the Scenic Express booth with Jim Elester so I know what to order once I get home....man that bill is gonna be painfull.

To get back on topic, I made a few purchases at York, still I came back home with most of my money.

The two most notable things I purchased at the show:

 

An original postwar Lionel 3535 security car in nice shape

A boxed American Model Toys New Haven boxcar in excellent condition, may not have ever been run.

 

Mark,

 

You really need to get yourself to York.  It's very hard to describe adequately, but the meet is a feast for the senses.  It's visceral, especially your first few.  Here, take a look at this very small sample.

 

Here's a look inside the Orange Hall.

 

 

And then there are the interesting things you see (very small sample):

 

 

Yeah, pretty much awesome.  You need to get here for the next time.

 

George

I have to say this was my   BEST.YORK.EVER!!!!

 

I picked up my custom built double track bridge, the centerpiece of my PRR Panhandle.  It's beautiful and I am on cloud 9!  I also scored three Weaver PRR B60b baggage cars (one was an RPO), an Atlas PRR H21a hopper, two Atlas PRR X-29 box cars, a Z-Stuff DZ-1020 operating crossing signal pair, and some odds and ends.

 

Spectacular York - really one for the books as far as I'm concerned.

 

George

Mark, it sure is! 

Good morning

Scenery express got most of my money (Darn big trees) then Ross (More track). Total not much spent. I did enjoy talking with everyone, always nice to put a face to a voice or computer contact The DCS meeting wednesday was good. Found a Legacy Steamer I wanted but just couldn't pull the trigger

So for me, this time the shopping was way down, but the social part was way up.  

 

Clem k

It was one of the best York shows I have attended and found two very rare K-Line passenger cars sets.

 

I thought the general atmosphere was positive among the sellers/attendees and if you did not have a very good time, it was probably your own fault.

I had a great time. Found one of two F3 "B" units, 3 special run gondolas from the TCAMG. Also picked up two lionel Heritage cabooses and some scenery products. 

 

I never laughed so much during my two days there then I have in a long time. It was  great to see friends that I see only a couple of times a year. 

 

As Brian said if you didn't have a good time it was your own fault. 

To All,

It's nice to read all of the exciting "York Reviews" this time around. Maybe just maybe I'll make it next year (Spring York).

 

Tinplate Collectors,

How was the vintage 1910-1935 Items? Also, is there a FedEx or UPS Store near York? If not, it's to bad they cannot set up shipping stations at York.

 

God's Blessings,

"Pappy"

First York for me in years where I actually bought something! Almost like breaking tradition..! Had a good day - crowds seemed much higher compared to April. 

 

Bought the following:

-Two MTH PS2 batteries

-MTH Premier Amtrak Reefer (really a boxcar cataloged as a Reefer) from 1998 to go with my Amtrak train - lucky to find one on my last pass through the Silver hall. 

-MTH ETD for above Reefer

-Crab Cake sandwich

-Funnel Cake

-Big Cup of Lemonade

 

Also stopped at the New Oxford Pa train station on my way home...just wanted to quickly take a look at the caboose and baggage car and station. I've driven by it a million times but never stopped...I pulled in and an older gentleman was there working on the caboose and mowing the lawn and came over to say hello. Turns out there was a VERY well done museum in the station with G Gauge layout (HO layout in Baggage car but didn't see it). Got a tour and history of the station and to see all the displays. He said it was open two weekends or Sundays a month - forget which days/exact details. Super nice guy and very nice of him to take his time to show me around. Actually, another couple coming from York stopped with the same plan I had, take 5 minutes to quickly see the caboose, baggage car and station and keep on going down the road. They got the full tour as well. That 5 minute stop turned into a VERY enjoyable 45+ minute stop and didn't leave until well after dark. Some photos from the station below, taken with iPhone, didn't have a camera with me. THe trackage and station is former Western Maryland, CSX now owns it. 

 

I love going to York but it's another year of being coming home without the one car I just can't seem to find... a prewar American Flyer # 497 Observation car. I did manage to find a prewar # 496 pullman car and I'm happy to get it. Maybe next year..

Weeds and details!!!

Well, another York Meet has come to a close.  Right now we're sitting in Lattuca's on Main St. In York enjoying a delicious cheesesteak.

Then to drive home and add our purchases to the inventory.

Man, this was a fun Meet!!!

And if you were to drive by the fairgrounds tomorrow, there would be no evidence whatsoever that the big train meet was in town for 3-4 days!!!    Zip... zilch... nada spec of evidence we were there.

 

When my wife and I would go out for the entire weekend, we stopped by on Sunday once, 'cause a small crafts fair was being held in what is the Silver Hall for the train meet.  Over by all the other halls, it was dead.  All the vendors had packed up and drove home Saturday afternoon. 

 

Erie feeling of sorts, but that's to be expected.  It's pure business for them.  Somewhat like pro golfers wrapping up their final round of golf.  Within an hour, they're off to the airport -- flying to the next tournament on the circuit, or better yet home! 

 

David

Wow!  Have stopped there at New Oxford, to go through antique malls, some now closed or driven around the station and car for years, since before attending York, when there was a train shop in the passenger cars across the street, and never guessed all that was inside.

Pappy,  the tinplate offers were glorious!  I was so tempted to start collecting Lionel O- gauge prewar cars.  I saw a dealer with 2800 series and 2600 series cars in very good condition for as low as $8.00 a car!   Didn't get a chance to double-back and pick any up as I was with my daughter, plus I had already blown the bank on other items.   If they survived the show and are there in the Spring I'll have to pick a few up.

 

UPS (or is it USPS?) has an onsite shipping service.  I've never used it as I have my vehicle.

 

York is the only decent show to go to for tinplate IMHO.  I wish I was wrong about that.

 

I had to leave York a bit early to make it home in time for an Angels for Animals "Barktoberfest" fundraising event, but didn't return empty handed.  Got a Bachmann On30 Whitcomb Center Cab switcher from my good friend, Dan, at Star Hobby (located in the Purple Hall).  He had some great prices on On30 stuff.

just returned home from the best York I have ever had. Got there on Sunday. To Gettysburg Monday to check out the antique shops. Tuesday to Maryland and the 2 firehouses. Wednesday to the outlets in Lancaster & Strasburg. Checked out my Rail at the musuem. Had lunch at Issacs. Got some great buys at the meet. 228 semi-scale switcher, MTH Premier Empire state set (Thankyou Vince), a almost new 2332 GG1(1948) an unbelievable buy. An Inside track showcase, & a lot more. Friday night back to Maryland. Saturday had breakfast @ round The clock and headed north to Maine. A great week. I will post pictures of the outdoor show at the Holiday Inn tomorrow. Sorry I didn't make Tuesday's on Thursday, we had a late dinner at Red lobster in E. york.