Greenbergs Train Show Somerset NJ

Hobby market as a whole has shrunk significantly. A lot has to do with the economy - less discretionary income. Also, product arrival has been unpredictable, there is less profit margin on product, especially higher end. Smaller dealers can't compete with pricing offered by mega Internet dealers.

DaveP,

   I do agree and I can remember a time during President Reagans term in office that dealers were selling trains like mad, did not matter whether they were big or small.

Everyone had a job and discressionary spending was way up, our hobby made big money in that era.   Many hobbies are effected by fool politicians, playing with the economy, ours is definitely one of them.

PCRR/Dave

 

I think alot of it is younger kids arent into trains. They have xbox and ipads.  I think less people are in the hobby. We have almoat zero little shops anymore.

You're welcome!  This was due to the sole fact I didn't make the ride after being disappointed once again with the show last weekend in Valley Forge.  Figures...

 

--Greg

A poster above noted that young kids aren't interested in toy trains. So iask what are we collectively doing about changing that interest level?

 

METCA is sponsoring two " Night at the Museum " events this spring , one at the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead , home of the Lionel Visitors Center layout  and another at The Club rooms of the MNew Jersey Hi Railers, Home of the largest Three Rail layout , The kids and a parrent/guardian spend a night with folks from Lionel, the sponsor organization and METCA learning about trains and building a layout. Heres a chance for you folks in the New York New Jersey area to help develop that interest.

 

Can we count on seeing you there?

I was there with a table as usual and it seemed like the crowds were larger

than they have been for some time. There was some buying, but most seemed

to be lookers. you can't predict what you'll get, but the fact that it was packed

says people are still interested. I would like to see Greenberg drop the Edison

show in August and have another Somerset event somewhere during the year.

The August show is always dead, everyone is on vacation, or just busy with

outdoor activites.

Not totally true - kids are just more savvy, and more busy today than in the 'golden era of toy trains.' I see it with my own son - playdates, birthday parties, soccer...

 

My 4-year old loves the trains - we run 'ours' almost daily. I say ours because you have to share these 'TOYS' with kids - you can't use the 'look-don't touch' statement - it turns kids off. He has his Lionel Thomas and a Pennsy Flyer that runs on the layout via Power Master and basic TMCC. I can switch to Legacy to run my scale stuff. He can handle my scale trains no problem, but gets more enjoyment out of his Thomas and Pennsy Flyer - he can 'play' with them - load gondolas and boxcars, there's a working searchlight car. Kids like to interact with their toys. Take that away and they lose interest.

 

With less hobby shops around selling these items, as well as the reluctance of stores like Target, Walmart or Toys R Us carrying them year-round,  the moms and dads don't know the trains even exist. But, it also boils down to where/how mom and dad are going to spend thier extra income.

 

I did notice a lot of families in attendance, so that's good thing. Hopefully some took advantage of some of the really good prices I saw on some of the sets available.

 

Every business is somewhat suffering at this time.

 

I went to the show today with Alex Malliae, the place was mobbed.

 

I saw a lot of people walking around with stuff that they purchased. Also the show was loaded with families. As for people leaving the show I saw more people walking out with bags and boxes than not.

 

I had a good time. I bought JT Mega Steam smoke fluid from Holly Beach Depot and a couple of video's from East Coast Train Parts. Both good deals. 

 

I'm happy with my purchases and the time spent there.

 

Mike R