March Meet Chicago Update

Best of luck on the room numbers!  I'm sure that you'll get the tables sold.

I'd be going but the cost of attending outweighs benefits and costs of buying more stuff that I really don't need.

I wish I could get down there

We are going to do our best to make it this year.  My wife and I are planning to go.  Would be the first time attending.

@mwb posted:

Best of luck on the room numbers!  I'm sure that you'll get the tables sold.

I'd be going but the cost of attending outweighs benefits and costs of buying more stuff that I really don't need.

The social aspect is often of greater value than an additional purchase, although it's never a sad day when you find something you want and haven't seen in a long time.

@roll_the_dice posted:

We are going to do our best to make it this year.  My wife and I are planning to go.  Would be the first time attending.

Consider Ted Schnepf's Operating Session on Thursday.  New people are always welcome and he's actually prepared for it.  For the March Meet Op Sessions, since there are a lot of 1st time operators, he pairs people up on assignments.  He also has local club members around the layout for the purpose of helping everybody out.  There is never any pressure to get the work done or get out of the way, so most find it a lot of fun.  Ted's house is also configured with an entrance to the layout that's separate from the living area, so new people have no worries about opening the wrong door etc..  Ted's contact info is on the website: www.MarchMeet.net

@Brad Kowal posted:

The social aspect is often of greater value than an additional purchase, although it's never a sad day when you find something you want and haven't seen in a long time.

The social aspect is what it is and spending upwards of $600 just to be there is also painful.  Wants are also nice to fulfill, but mine generally center around liquidating my excess which to do so would only increase the cost to be there, e.g., tables, driving (gas & tolls), rooms, etc.  I could however make use of more time.

I an envious (sort of) of those that can just discount attendance costs from their minds and wallets.

@mwb posted:

The social aspect is what it is and spending upwards of $600 just to be there is also painful.  Wants are also nice to fulfill, but mine generally center around liquidating my excess which to do so would only increase the cost to be there, e.g., tables, driving (gas & tolls), rooms, etc.  I could however make use of more time.

I an envious (sort of) of those that can just discount attendance costs from their minds and wallets.

I totally understand your point of view and whether or not it's worth the expense simply comes down to point of view.  For many, the cost to attend the meet is still far less than other types of events and vacations. 

Unfortunately we don't have too many of these events left where we can get together.

@Brad Kowal posted:

I totally understand your point of view and whether or not it's worth the expense simply comes down to point of view.  For many, the cost to attend the meet is still far less than other types of events and vacations.

Rare that I have ever had a vacation until very late in my career and then again after retirement.....other events; other than day trip distance, also rare.

Unfortunately we don't have too many of these events left where we can get together.

Well, while we've managed to lose the Indy meet, but I still contend that what is really needed is a series of regional meets that are manageable in both size and venue cost.  And, we already have several that are quite healthy.  I would posit that this is something that O Scale Central should be pursuing.

It is a scale-show.

3 railers are just tolerated. Not in a bad way, they feel sad for us.

I have found nice scale items there.

Three rail may bring contempt, but 0 scale and three share the same condition of not being able to find everything wanted that can be found in HO, past and present.  That leads to the common borrowing of each from the other culture, structures, cars retrucked, etc.

@mwb posted:

Rare that I have ever had a vacation until very late in my career and then again after retirement.....other events; other than day trip distance, also rare.

Well, while we've managed to lose the Indy meet, but I still contend that what is really needed is a series of regional meets that are manageable in both size and venue cost.  And, we already have several that are quite healthy.  I would posit that this is something that O Scale Central should be pursuing.

I wish we could help you, however the March Meet is the best we can do.  It's very difficult to run a meet, large or small.  We considered fair ground space for the Indy Meet, however when you leave the larger, nicer venues, people reasonably expect the cost to be reduced.  The problem is, many of the fixed costs remain the same. We'll try again if something changes and we'll assist others whom also wish to try.  The best chance of obtaining the smaller more local meet you desire is to get a group of guys together and see if you can find some space to borrow.  A local group of guys will most likely have a better chance than a more national organization.

Today, I sent in my registration for attendance at the March O-Scale Meet.

Because I live in Chicagoland, I will drive in daily instead of staying at the hotel.

I attended last year on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.  

I am a 3-Rail O-gauge modeler.  

Last year, I bought several nice items at the swap meet & visited various layouts on all 3 days.

I also attended to OGR Meet last year at the Chicago March Meet.

Thanks to all for organization & participation in this Chicagoland Meet.

CB&Q Bill

@Brad Kowal posted:

I wish we could help you, however the March Meet is the best we can do.  It's very difficult to run a meet, large or small.  We considered fair ground space for the Indy Meet, however when you leave the larger, nicer venues, people reasonably expect the cost to be reduced.  The problem is, many of the fixed costs remain the same. We'll try again if something changes and we'll assist others whom also wish to try.

Oh, I have no expectations of your doing anything more than Chicago - that's a monster!

The best chance of obtaining the smaller more local meet you desire is to get a group of guys together and see if you can find some space to borrow.  A local group of guys will most likely have a better chance than a more national organization.

Completely agree.  I can probably get an entire gymnasium space for next to nothing, but the location is one that i have doubts about otherwise I'd seriously consider a show/meet there.  In fact, it has meeting rooms and more available.

@mwb posted:

Oh, I have no expectations of your doing anything more than Chicago - that's a monster!

Completely agree.  I can probably get an entire gymnasium space for next to nothing, but the location is one that i have doubts about otherwise I'd seriously consider a show/meet there.  In fact, it has meeting rooms and more available.

The March Meet is a large event that draws people from far away.  A ton of space is not required to have fun.  The St.Paul Club used to host an annual O Scale Meet.  I was 2 portable layouts set ups, a handful of tables for those who wanted to sell stuff and a few dozen people from one or two states away.  It was a lot of fun.

I did not say that they (0scalers) have "contempt" for 3-railers.

However, if you mention "Lionel" they think TOYs!

My wife and I just booked our stay in Lombard for the show.  This will be my first 2 rail meet in Chicago....I am excited to be going.  Flying in Friday evening and leaving Monday morning.  Will be buying tickets today or tomorrow.

@AlanRail posted:

I did not say that they (0scalers) have "contempt" for 3-railers.

However, if you mention "Lionel" they think TOYs!

It's funny...when I go to train shows that are 3 rail or multi scale whether it is scale or not, I am looked at as "are you crazy" being in 2 rail.  I still enjoy the shows, just not as much as I will being at a 2 rail show.   

Buildings and vehicles and freight cars that can be converted are still at 3 rail shows.  I just enjoy being around like minded people.

@CBQ_Bill posted:

I am a 3-Rail O-gauge modeler.

Me too.  I need to be in the Chicago area that weekend anyway.  So I booked the Westin Lombard for Wed.-Sun.  I hope that helps out @Brad Kowal

I'll definitely check out the show on Saturday.  Other than that, I'll have my wife and kid with me.  So I'll see what fits my schedule.

@roll_the_dice posted:

I just enjoy being around like minded people.

Yep.  And as a 3-railer, I suspect I can find some scenery items or something to pull out of there.  Looking forward to it.

@MikeH posted:

Yep.  And as a 3-railer, I suspect I can find some scenery items or something to pull out of there.  Looking forward to it.

Keep your eyes open, there will be a few engines and cars with 3 rail trucks around :-)

@BobbyD posted:

Keep your eyes open, there will be a few engines and cars with 3 rail trucks around :-)

Thanks, Bobby.  I reckon so.  And I'm not afraid of 2-rail rolling stock, if it's something I really like.  In any case, I haven't even been involved in 3-rail for that long.  About five years.  So I've hardly seen it all.  And in 2-rail, I'm really clueless.  I'm really looking forward to seeing a new world.  I'm really interested in the Saturday clinic "Battery Power with Rick Liebich".

If I do not have to work Saturday evening, I think my wife and I may make the trip up from Kokomo, IN very early Saturday morning for the swap meet.  Just have to see how things go.  AD

I like the Chicago show. It's a 500 mile drive form my house to Lombard and I will continue to go as long as I can. As I live in northwest Iowa, I can't make the eastern shows although I would like to make the Strausburg one but for a 1/2 day it's not worth it. I went to Denver 2 years ago but doubt I can find the time so close the the march meet as at 74, I still work part-time to have something to do since my wife died several years ago. I really enjoy the fellowship at the meets. I thank all for that.

Dick

I personally would like to meet as many OGR folks as possible at the meet.  Always nice to talk to someone in person that you talk to on the forum.

I am flying in Friday morning.  My wife wants to do some sightseeing and I want to go to some train stores.  What trains stores are in the area and worth visiting for 2 rail or just worth visiting in general?  Thanks

There are four very nice model railroad hobby shops in the Chicago area, America's Best in Itasca, Berwyn's Toys and Trains (a forum sponsor) in Berwyn, Chicagoland Hobbies in Chicago, and Des Plaines Hobbies in Des Plaines.  I believe they are all less than a 30 minute drive from the March Meet location, but only Des Plaines Hobbies is likely to have any 2-rail product, and then in very small amounts as they only deal (buy and sell) in used product.  However, they do stock some new Atlas rolling stock & track in 2-rail.

While I was disposing of all of my wife's childhood S scale stuff there, a former employee asked if I had any 2-rail equipment.  Long story short, I sold him all of my PRR 2-rail collection (as part of my downsizing due to old age) at a fairly good price compared to the auction houses.  Shortly thereafter, he took a job as a conductor with a small shortline in southern Wisconsin.  I felt very lucky.

Chuck

For those with extra time, the Museum of science and industry is well worth the time spent exploring it.  From the U boat to the trains. 

Forget all that and go straight to Kuma’s Corner… 😜

Dick Donaway

VietNam Veteran"

Dick

While the Strasburg show is only a half day, there are lots and lots of RR things to do with a couple of hours.    I think Steamtown in Scranton is less than 3 hours away.    This is a National Historic Site or National park.   They have an nice collection.     The Strasburg RR is right there and on weekends they have been running 2 steam trains.    The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is right across the road from the Strasburg RR and they have a very nice collection.     The Western Maryland Scenic RR is only a little over 2 hours away in Cumberland Maryland and they run the C&O 1309 - a 2-6-6-2 mallet they finished restoring last  year.     And from Cumberland it is not that far to Cass with all the logging locos, but not sure how far.   It is in the mountains.

There is a Railfan B&B called the Bridgeview Inn that is right at the west end of the Rockville Bridge where NS crosses the Susquehanna River on the old PRR 22 stone arch bridge.    You can sit on the rear deck and watch the train on the bridge.    It is about 45 minutes from Strasburg.

All that is a long ways from Iowa, but you might find it worth the trip if you can take the time.

@prrjim posted:

While the Strasburg show is only a half day, there are lots and lots of RR things to do with a couple of hours.    I think Steamtown in Scranton is less than 3 hours away.    This is a National Historic Site or National park.   They have an nice collection.     The Strasburg RR is right there and on weekends they have been running 2 steam trains.    The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is right across the road from the Strasburg RR and they have a very nice collection.     The Western Maryland Scenic RR is only a little over 2 hours away in Cumberland Maryland and they run the C&O 1309 - a 2-6-6-2 mallet they finished restoring last  year.     And from Cumberland it is not that far to Cass with all the logging locos, but not sure how far.   It is in the mountains.

There is a Railfan B&B called the Bridgeview Inn that is right at the west end of the Rockville Bridge where NS crosses the Susquehanna River on the old PRR 22 stone arch bridge.    You can sit on the rear deck and watch the train on the bridge.    It is about 45 minutes from Strasburg.

All that is a long ways from Iowa, but you might find it worth the trip if you can take the time.

You left out the East Broad Top now running steam again with No. 16 in Rockhill Furnace under 2 hours from Strasburg.

Yes I did, and I don't know how I forgot it.   .

Wish I could make it this.  It falls on the weekend of my wedding anniversary so I don't need to say what the answer was when I asked if we could go to Chicago!   Hopefully next year!

@GG1 4877 posted:

Wish I could make it this.  It falls on the weekend of my wedding anniversary so I don't need to say what the answer was when I asked if we could go to Chicago!   Hopefully next year!

You asked wrong (unless she knew).  You should have said..."honey, want to go to Chicago for our Anniversary?? "  We could hit the sites and sounds of Chicago, (mumble train show--or wait until you got there) and say Oh my goodness, there is a train show this weekend...I should stop by for a few minutes (hours). HAHA  Fortunately, my anniversary does not fall that weekend!

Now that is very creative devious thinking!

And then you can go again NEXT year to celebrate the anniversary of your divorce!

So, Jonathan, who’s going to represent Sunset Models at the March Meet?

@PRR1950 posted:

....but only Des Plaines Hobbies is likely to have any 2-rail product, and then in very small amounts as they only deal (buy and sell) in used product.......

Chuck

Unless something has drastically changed in the past year, I don't think this statement is accurate.  They sell all kinds of new product in O scale, from locos to rolling stock to tons of detail parts and decals. 

Jim

I will be there, only about a 10 minute drive, so maybe multiple days.

@PRR1950 posted:

There are four very nice model railroad hobby shops in the Chicago area, America's Best in Itasca, Berwyn's Toys and Trains (a forum sponsor) in Berwyn, Chicagoland Hobbies in Chicago, and Des Plaines Hobbies in Des Plaines.  I believe they are all less than a 30 minute drive from the March Meet location, but only Des Plaines Hobbies is likely to have any 2-rail product, and then in very small amounts as they only deal (buy and sell) in used product.  However, they do stock some new Atlas rolling stock & track in 2-rail.

While I was disposing of all of my wife's childhood S scale stuff there, a former employee asked if I had any 2-rail equipment.  Long story short, I sold him all of my PRR 2-rail collection (as part of my downsizing due to old age) at a fairly good price compared to the auction houses.  Shortly thereafter, he took a job as a conductor with a small shortline in southern Wisconsin.  I felt very lucky.

Chuck

Des Planes Hobbies will not be at the Meet, however they will be open on Friday.  They feel that since they're local, they rather have inventory at the store for those who visit.

@big train posted:

Unless something has drastically changed in the past year, I don't think this statement is accurate.  They sell all kinds of new product in O scale, from locos to rolling stock to tons of detail parts and decals.

Jim

Des Plaines still sells new O Scale Stuff.  I highly suggest making the stop if time permits.  Chicagoland went mostly 3 rail a number of years ago.  Perhaps that's the shop he was thinking of.  As things change often, if passing by, I'd stop at Chicagoland to see what's in store.  Greg Bosak has always been a nice guy to visit anyway.