We will be in the area due to a family 'event' so figured that and new public days.....I have to go. And with the possibility of many first timers.....let's hear some hints, suggestions and maybe dos and don'ts. Thanks and hope I get to meet some of you!!
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There's a lot of walking wear so comfortable shoes. There are motorized carts for rent if you need one. The best overview is from Clem's York Primer.
http://toytrains.info/pdf/York/primer_2017_spring.pdf
Scott Smith
If you haven't already, read through some of the "new to York" threads that are in the York section right now. Lots of opinions on goals, which day(s) to go, etc there.
Since you are going as public, your options are Friday or Saturday. Even with the later 4 PM close this meet, I suspect Friday is better if you can swing attending the whole day. That should be sufficient for you to see all the dealer halls have to offer, unless you are trying to look at every item on every table to find specific treasures.
If you are looking for something specific, if you don't already know what it looks like (packaging style, etc), see if you can find out before attending. Having this in mind can help you scan the tables more quickly for items in original boxes.
I recommend getting there before the meet starts (1/2 hour to an hour maybe, not sure if the public admission will make a difference) so you can park where you want to. Actually since you also have to register, I'd try to get there as early as practical so you can get the registration out of the way and not waste too much meet time in line for your admission material. Back to parking, I'd recommend the area between the old Grandstand and the large Utz building (Orange hall) since your travels will be limited to Orange, Purple, and I think Black for the display layout.
If you have particular food likes/dislikes, there are lots of options at vendors around the grounds. Even though you won't be going into the halls, there are also some food vendors down near those buildings if you are seeking something specific (while I've not tried it, I believe there is a barbecue stand or 2 near the main entrance to Memorial Hall (Blue/silver) and also one ofer near the common area between White and Red. There is Pizza, Crab cakes and maybe Sausage sandwiches(?) in a row of vendors outside Orange along the road. There is also a stand inside Orange itself. Obviously food may not be the main concern, but it's something to not overlook if you have specific dislikes.
Enjoy!
-Dave
If you have never been to York you will have choices. 14 bucks will get you into the Dealer halls (2) for one day. 20 bucks gets you into the same two halls for two days. 22 bucks will get you into every building (6) all three days. For the last option go to the Silver Hall to register. For the first two options you can sign in at the Silver or Orange Hall (UTZ building).
Pete
Only problem is, you will be spoiled from local meets lol. But York is unbelievable and I hope you leave with arms full of goodies.
the most important thing is bring MONEY. Whether it's cash, check, or credit card bring LOTS o money. One other thing is if you pay cash you usually won't have to pay tax. If you pay by credit card you will have to pay tax.
Rick
Bring lotsa moola! You will need it. And have fun. York is always a blast, despite unpredictable weather (remember that I am a California guy). 
Thanks all....until today I figured I'd never attend a York meet so did not know there was a whole section here on it....but many thanks for the help.
Since we have similar likes, I do not have to remind you to look under the tables, too.
Scott beat me to it, make sure you're ready to punch out a few miles. 
I'll send you a detailed list of what to look for.....
Aside from the comfortable shoes and lots of cash already mentioned, bring a small screwdriver - phillips and flathead - magnetic if possible. It comes in handy when checking for battery damage and non-ferrous materials.
So you'll blend in, skip showering for several days & wear a flannel shirt. 
Even in the dealer halls, there's lots of older used and NOS items. #1 rule is that if you see it, and want it, buy it right then and there. If you look around hoping to get a better price or better condition and then go back, it'll be gone.
Carl Orton posted:#1 rule is that if you see it, and want it, buy it right then and there. If you look around hoping to get a better price or better condition and then go back, it'll be gone.
On the other side of the coin... I have gone ahead & bought it then and there .... only to then see others of the same item at better prices. It is a hard gamble to make, for sure. But a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, I guess. 
RadioRon posted:On the other side of the coin... I have gone ahead & bought it then and there .... only to then see others of the same item at better prices. It is a hard gamble to make, for sure. But a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, I guess.
That's a good point too.
I always categorize anything if I am looking for specific items before the meet starts. There are the "nice to have if I see a good deal" items (which I don't worry about if I miss it), and the "decide how much is acceptable for an item I really would like to have" items. For the latter, I only would pass it up if it was more than I wanted to pay.
A good example of the "nice to have" variety for me was the set of Santa Fe Heavyweights that came out to go (I think) with an early Legacy Santa Fe steamer (E-6 Atlantic, IIRC?). This was a seven car arrangement (4pack, 2 pack, Station Sounds diner). I first saw a full set for I think around $400-$450 in one hall, which based on MSRP was a really good price for all seven cars. I passed on the first set I saw (was early in the meet, didn't want to spend the money so close to the open, etc). I later saw that many dealers had the set of 7 cars for significantly lower (I believe this was a Lionel level blow-out due to producing too many). I ultimately got the set from a big dealer for I think $350. So I saved a fair amount by waiting, but if the circumstances had been different I also might have missed out.
-Dave
Here's my food tip. Food at York is expensive and healthy (to your doctor's bank account) and the lines can be long at peak times. If possible, pack a lunch or stop at a C-store and pick up something relatively healthy on your way to the meet, and eat at your convenience. I prefer to spend the precious time at York looking at trains vs waiting for chow.
Now, if you like overdosing on carnival food (no judgement here), bring some cash and an appetite.
Mallard4468 posted:Here's my food tip. Food at York is expensive and healthy (to your doctor's bank account) and the lines can be long at peak times. If possible, pack a lunch or stop at a C-store and pick up something relatively healthy on your way to the meet, and eat at your convenience. I prefer to spend the precious time at York looking at trains vs waiting for chow.
Now, if you like overdosing on carnival food (no judgement here), bring some cash and an appetite.
There is a cafeteria next to Black hall where you can get some relatively healthy food; soup , sandwiches, etc. Not 5 stars but not a grease pit either.
Pete
Round the Clock Diner
Scrapple
Oh, and O Gauge trains.
Omigosh, almost forgot Thursday Night at Fridays.
Right, they closed so it's Thursday Night at Ruby Tuesday.
Oh dang, they closed too so it's Thursday Night at Quaker Steak (oddly enough the same location that was TGI Fridays)
What's the Frequency Kenneth?
Since you'll be attending as a non-TCA member, you'll only be permitted to go into the "Orange", "Purple" and "Black" dealer/layout Halls. Unless you decide to join TCA and be admitted also to the member halls (Blue, Silver, Red and White Halls). You can get a map of the hall locations when you register. The building entrances have signs displaying the hall name.
Orange, Purple Halls - mostly modern trains and accessories and the manufacturer displays and large and small dealers.
Black Hall - layout display
Blue, Silver, Red & White Halls - members selling their personal train collection items. Majority is post/pre war items. Some older modern trains also. White Hall usually houses a layout.
Have fun Dave!
Please report back after the meet. I'm interested in knowing how you liked it as a "public"...namely, how you felt about not being able to get into 4 large halls. Not to say what you WILL see won't be well worth the admission price.
I know many forum members have said "Bring tons of money". I've had a great time at York over the years spending $80. - $150, per visit (once $0.).
Traindiesel posted:Since you'll be attending as a non-TCA member, you'll only be permitted to go into the "Orange", "Purple" and "Black" dealer/layout Halls. Unless you decide to join TCA and be admitted also to the member halls (Blue, Silver, Red and White Halls). You can get a map of the hall locations when you register. The building entrances have signs displaying the hall name.
Orange, Purple Halls - mostly modern trains and accessories and the manufacturer displays and large and small dealers.
Black Hall - layout display
Blue, Silver, Red & White Halls - members selling their personal train collection
Have fun Dave!
Brian, since Dave has never been to York he will have the option to register as a guest and get a three day badge to tour all of the halls. He won't be obligated to join the TCA unless he wants to go again and visit all of the halls. That was verified by the ED Registrar a few weeks ago on this forum.
Pete
RadioRon posted:So you'll blend in, skip showering for several days & wear a flannel shirt.
....and eat LOTS of beans beforehand. Cruciferous veggies work, too.
Yep.......'blending' in, for sure!
Comfortable Shoes and Patience !!!!!!!
It is great time but sometimes the later of the two comes into play !!!!
YES comfortable shoes even if they are the oldest ones you own. And CASH, a few will take CCs but most want CASH.
If you can swing a whole day Friday, I'd suggest going as a one time guest (people at Silver will sign you in) so you can access all of the halls. Dealer halls are great for newer stuff, but if you are looking for older, odd or unusual stuff or even if you just like to look at such stuff, the member halls are the place to be. You can still find some of the old, odd and unusual in the dealer halls, just not as much. You never know what you will find in the member halls. I once brought a non-train friend as a guest (we combined the trip with a long weekend with a college friend in Lancaster) and he came away from York with a bag full of old Star Trek stuff.
As for other tips, I always bring a cooler with my preferred soft drinks and water (I prefer unsweetened tea and try to avoid drinks sweetened with corn syrup). The food trailers outside of Orange Hall are usually good enough for me for breakfast and lunch and are a little better than the food vendors inside the buildings (with exception for the french fries). And the others aren't kidding about the comfortable shoes. I once wore my pedometer to York and I logged 10 miles on a Thurdsay! York can be great exercise.
Andy
Since I fly commercial from Texas, I don't have the luxury of a car trunk, so I have to shop wisely. They *do* have UPS available, but - wow - they charge like they're the only game in town.
I need to learn to arrive on Wednesday. I fly into BWI and in Texas distances, it's a short drive up to York. I arrive about 2 in the afternoon, so I miss the opening rush, but still have plenty of time. I then leave around noon on Saturday for the return flight. Lemme tell you - it's hard to really see everything even in the time I have. I inevitably want to circle back for something I thought about, especially in the Orange hall, or to ask questions of a vendor. As a result, some of the outlying halls get rushed.
Carl, you should arrange with someone to ship your prizes back for you, that way you could ship at cost.
Make a written want list, carry it with you and look at it occasionally. Otherwise you will see so much and get so overwhelmed that you will forget to look for those special items that you really wanted to get.
Bill
Norton posted:Traindiesel posted:Since you'll be attending as a non-TCA member, you'll only be permitted to go into the "Orange", "Purple" and "Black" dealer/layout Halls. Unless you decide to join TCA and be admitted also to the member halls (Blue, Silver, Red and White Halls). You can get a map of the hall locations when you register. The building entrances have signs displaying the hall name.
Orange, Purple Halls - mostly modern trains and accessories and the manufacturer displays and large and small dealers.
Black Hall - layout display
Blue, Silver, Red & White Halls - members selling their personal train collection
Have fun Dave!
Brian, since Dave has never been to York he will have the option to register as a guest and get a three day badge to tour all of the halls. He won't be obligated to join the TCA unless he wants to go again and visit all of the halls. That was verified by the ED Registrar a few weeks ago on this forum.
Pete
Pete, thank you for filling in the blanks! You are correct. Another thing I forgot to mention was the TCA Trial membership option. It's a six month $20 membership fee. A good deal to test out the TCA.
My first YORK experience was last year this time...
1) Yes bring LOTS of cash!
2) If you see it, and its a good price, buy it... otherwise it will be gone, or you will have forgotten where it was.
3) Post war is king in the Silver and Blue Halls - don't know why... just seemed to be. Red and White was mixed...
4) Orange and Purple Hall is mostly all new dealer items, some newer used items too.
5) I started at the Orange and ended at the Red and White halls... then take the shuttle back to Orange... repeat as necessary, until all your money is gone.
6) Try not to spend all your money in less than two hours. I think was able to hold it down on my first York under 2k in 2 days! 
7) Don't forget the pumpkin spice funnel cake and a cup of coffee.
8) Make sure you set your gas money aside separately
9) Your legs and feet will hurt for days after... it just happens.
10) Don't forget to purchase a case of Yuengling before you go! (cannot find it in Michigan)
Dave:
Also go to the TCA Eastern Division website and print out the map of the York Fairgrounds that’s in the meet notice so you know ahead of time where the various halls are located. Also print out the dealer hall charts once they are updated so you can locate specific dealers that you might want to visit. It looks like the charts on the website today are still for last October’s meet so it will probably be a few more days until they are updated.
HTH,
Bill
The bathroom attendants work for tips, so you may want to have a few quarters/dollar bills you can grab quickly to throw in the jar on your way out.
Enjoy it! You're going to have a GREAT time!
An afterthought here. Not everything ever made will be found there. However the hunt is part of the fun. Same with prices, there are overpriced items as well as good deals. As mentioned above don't pass on something you want. It just might be gone even if you can find your way back to where it was.
Jim 1939 posted:An afterthought here. Not everything ever made will be found there. However the hunt is part of the fun. Same with prices, there are overpriced items as well as good deals. As mentioned above don't pass on something you want. It just might be gone even if you can find your way back to where it was.
Last thought from me, since no one else has mentioned it.
If you do want to tempt fate and take notes for where things you might want to go back for are, make sure to bring either old fashioned pen and paper or your favorite smart device (whichever works best for you).
The aisles are labeled, but in some halls (specifically some of the member halls if you join, maybe not as much of an issue if you don't join and only do Purple/Orange) it's not an obvious labeling. Example, you might write down something is in aisle "C". Problem is if you go back later without noting anything else, aisle "C" quite likely is made up of the tables for the item you are looking at , and the tables that are back to back with those tables, not the ones across the aisle you are walking down!
This makes perfect sense since the aisles are labeled with poster board mounted on top of long strips of wood at the end of each aisle, since it would be harder to label the "gaps" that we walk down when wandering the halls.
I find it useful to use other things as mental joggers, such as nearby table cloth features, notable groupings of a large amount of products on nearby tables, etc. (i.e., "the guy with the milk crates with board across the top", "the red table cloth with all the PW transformers", "the table 20 feet down from where the AC unit on the wall of the hall is", etc.) Also, instead of writing "aisle C", I might write "Aisle C-D (as opposed to B-C), left side when following the arrows on the floor".
-Dave
dkdkrd posted:RadioRon posted:So you'll blend in, skip showering for several days & wear a flannel shirt.
....and eat LOTS of beans beforehand. Cruciferous veggies work, too.
Yep.......'blending' in, for sure!
Cropdusting as they say.
Dave45681 posted:I find it useful to use other things as mental joggers, such as nearby table cloth features, notable groupings of a large amount of products on nearby tables, etc. (i.e., "the guy with the milk crates with board across the top", "the red table cloth with all the PW transformers", "the table 20 feet down from where the AC unit on the wall of the hall is", etc.) Also, instead of writing "aisle C", I might write "Aisle C-D (as opposed to B-C), left side when following the arrows on the floor".
-Dave
I agree. Take the Red Hall, for instance. The big chart is on the wall, showing aisle letters and individual table numbers. Problem is, most table numbers on the tables are now covered over by the seller. You know the row was G, and the item you are looking for was about a quarter way down from the front doors...BUT, you cannot locate it. Was it sold, moved, or do you have the wrong table?
The beer is coldest at Smokey Bones
The ATM goes dry early. Hit the bank before you leave for York.
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