General observations...

I was there Thursday all day, and Friday until noon. I thought the crowds were a bit on the light side, which was a pleasant change. I really didn't run into any overly congest isles.

Most folks were pleasant, and seemed happy to be there. I certainly was.

Dissapointment? .... I didn't purchase much. There are a couple of items on my want list, but either I didn't see them, or they were not priced where I was willing to pay. But I don't feel dissapointed.

I agree that the crowds seemed a but lighter than usual.   York is always a good experience for me.  I enjoy renewing friendships and acquaintances and got to meet new folks at the Thursday at Tuesdays get together. 

 

I also made some purchases to enhance the layout---a few pieces of rolling stock and about 50 figures.

 

I did notice your booth was empty and certainly hope everything is ok!

 

--Greg  

Missed you this york Frank hope you and family are okay! Thursday was Thursday as usual but Friday crowd was lite, so fewer buses on Friday and no its not the end of York and the world, some tables were empty but some folks reserve sooo as not to loose their space. I have been going for 28 years straight and watched the meet evolve and it will continue to do so. Cant speak for Saturday left Saturday at 5:30am to go to family gathering.

I was there Thurs. noon to Friday 11am. For the past few meets I swear the aisles seem wider in the Red Hall, and maybe Silver and Blue as well (fewer dealers?) It seems that this meet may have had more family members than usual. I appreciate the bare minimum in P.A. annoucements compared to the non-stop ones of years ago. The Orange Hall was a bit less interesting because Mooson was not there with his scenic wonders. I was glad I was there Thursday, since I bought two items, one at 12:10 and the other at 12:45, that would not have lasted long. For me, Mike's hot dog get-together is a major plus for me. I saw very few taking photos or talking on cell phones.

But these are just my impressions. I'm sure others will have totally different ones. However, PLEASE spare me ones like "All prices were higher" unless you have the research to prove it,

"All prices were higher"

 

... at least for the gas to get there!

 

To me, it seemed like a thinner crowd.  Plenty of stuff to buy, but I purchased a lot less than I usually do.  Some vendors seemed like they had less to sell, but I'm not complaining, nor do I have the research to back it up.

 

Weather was nice!  Enjoyed the layouts, appreciated the work involved.

 

I really like Sidetrack Hobbies new layout.  Asked about Legacy controller/base and DCS remote/tiu... getting tired of the "it's on the way" stuff.

 

Ed

Satisfactions: Looked at tons of trains and bought some stuff I really liked. Spent the entire day Friday there and was totally entertained. Got great prices. Enjoyed most of the OGR grandstand meeting. The trains, and trains, and trains were GREAT!

 

Disappointments: The food at the restaurant by the Old Hall on the grounds was substandard. Would have loved to have some kind of "meet and greet" with the OGR meeting so I could have been introduced to more of you folk. Some of the vendors already seemed worn out by midday Friday.

 

But like you said, this is very subjective. Over all, I give it and A because in the end the trains win!

I usually time it so I have to buy gas as I get into the Lancaster area because it has been 8-10 cents cheaper than gas where I live. THIS trip, it was 8-10 cents more than home ($3.79).

Joe,

 

We usually time it so we get to NJ on fumes from CT, then fill up (at $3.45) then move on to PA.  On the way home, it's time for a fill up in NJ before we get back to CT (at $4.03)

 

Ed

Gas was at $3.71 at the Hess station next to the main gate at the fairgrounds. That's the best I saw anywhere in York, Lancaster and Shrewsbury. That was a far cry from the fill up at Sam's Club Wednesday in Roanoke where it was $3.21.

Scott Smith

B.J's Wholesale had gas at $3.61 in York

$3.69 at Sheetz across from Round the Clock. In my opinion I think the attendance was up. we'll see. 

This was the first time for myself and my wife attending the York Show.

In a word wow!!!!

 

I was impressed, I never realized there was that much older Lionel and American Flyer items out there.

Although I am not in the market for any of the older train items on display in the upper buildings it was still impressive to walk up and down the aisles and just look.

 

Met some super nice folks from the NJ Hi Railers at the DCS Users dinner and meeting wednesday evening along with the O Gauge Railroading Magazine folks.

 

For our first time at York it was a great experience, thanks to everyone that made us feel welcome!!!!!

 

Mark Strittmatter

TCA # 14-69917

 

Thanks for your kindess in saying so,Walt.It is always good to speakwith you when you visit the booth. Shall I look forward to next Oct. then?
Frank

Grace builds on nature. St. Thomas

I'm with you on that one! When I drive to visit my mother in NJ, I make sure my tank is near empty when I hit the BP station in Flemington near the circle. The last trip their gas was $3.29 while at home it was $3.67.

You were missed, Frank!  As soon as I walked in the door I noted your empty spot and wondered what had happened.  Definitely glad to hear it was good news--the best type of good news for a seller--and that no health or other issues were involved.

Frank -  I'm glad to hear your absence was due to a perfect storm of "good luck"!  Nice to hear that still exists...lol

 

--Greg

Like others, I was glad to hear Frank's absence was because of overwhelming success and not bad fortune.

 

As to impressions, I enjoyed this York as much as the previous ones.  I did think attendance was lighter than usual, even for April.  I noticed that prices for tools had ticked up a notch.  I did score several bargains on older cars (an MTH PRR N-8 cabin car and a Weaver PRR B60b baggage car).  Didn't really price any new stuff so I can't really say.

 

George

I am honored that you noticed, especially considering all that you have to do when at York, and am very grateful for your being glad that my absence was not due to anything untoward. It is exceptionally nice of you to voice that here. Thank you very very much, Allan.

Thank you, Greg. I appreciate your being happy for me. It is very nice of you to express that here, too. Thank you, again, very much.

FrankM

Thank you for saying so, George. I take the kindness of your words to heart and feel honored by them. Your concern and regard are much appreciated.

FrankM

Gas is expensive.  Rooms are expensive.  Food would be cheaper if I ate less of it.  Let's face it - trains are an expensive luxury item.  

 

But the weather was good, and as always I got to see lots of trains.  Really enjoyed the multiple modular layouts, especially Capital Trackers.  Could not hear the pre-meet announcements, so missed out on taking pictures - but that is a nice rule change.  Crowd seemed to thin out earlier than usual on both Thursday and Friday.

 

Part of my routine includes a visit to the layout in Red Lion - they make nice progress each time.

 

Sure, we can get most of the stuff online, but the enjoyment comes from getting away for a few days, forgetting about work, seeing the items in person, and learning from other members.  I always look forward to it, and spend way more money than I intend to.  

Mallard, Your posting feels like a relaxed, balanced overview of the whole pleasant event, and I am glad for it. You added a welcome perspective, for me, at least.

FrankM