How was the attendance today at the show?
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I didn't go but the 1st hand reports were it was crowded. It was a Worlds Greatest Hobby show.
Im going tomorrow.
Crowd at today’s show looked very large when we were there from 10:30 - 2:00. Lots of families taking advantage of the displays and interactive kid areas. A very nice show with a good mix of manufacturer displays (Lionel, MTH, Bachmann just to name a few), large operating layouts & a decent sized marketplace with both hobby shops and private individuals selling train and related items. Saw hobby shops from Columbus, OH and Harrisburg, PA and everywhere in between.
Marty, Thank you for correcting me.
David, you mentioned manufactures displays. Does that mean, there were representatives there from MTH, Lionel and Bachmann?
Yes,the show was well attended in spite of the bitter cold. Parking was tight,too. One thing that really surprised me was the seeming lack of Atlas product around. Did I miss some? Those lego trains where fun to watch.
They used the side entrance and had a shuttle bus going from the mall.
Very crowded. Largest show around here in a long time
jim sutter posted:Marty, Thank you for correcting me.
David, you mentioned manufactures displays. Does that mean, there were representatives there from MTH, Lionel and Bachmann?
Yep! There were several other manufacturers there too, including ones from the HO and N scale folks. Steve from Ross Custom Switches was there and the LCCA had a very nice booth setup.
I was amazed at the number of people there today when I arrived around 12:30. I have been to the Monroeville convention center many times over the years and never had an issue finding parking do to the turnout. At one point an announcement was made over the loudspeaker that the Joan Fabric across the way was asking people to please move their vehicles from their parking lot. I enjoyed seeing the MTH and Lionel displays plus all the local businesses booths as well. One thing that caught my eye was a gentleman from Virginia that was selling track cleaning cars in which the cleaning brushes were powered and actually rotated as the car traveled. Also the LEGO train display was amazing. Here is a photo from it.
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The WGH show is in Charlotte NC next weekend.....I had hopped to attend but things have changed and I can not.......hope they have a big crowd.
Out in the Northwest on business so I couldn't make it to the show.
Seen plenty of real trains BNSF and UP out on the job site so it wasn't a total waste of a weekend.
I wonder if MTH had their Pennsy Imperial K4 on display ????
it is due this month.
The LCCA booth was very busy today and met many members. Talked trains and had a great time with the make a wish child. It was fun taking pictures of a little boy having so much fun.Also got to met some great OGR forum friends.
One thing that caught my eye was a gentleman from Virginia that was selling track cleaning cars in which the
cleaning brushes were powered and actually rotated as the car traveled.
How so? Was it like a Boxcar with two spinning brushes underneath?
Below is a card I picked up from the vendor that sold the track cleaning cars. There are two pads on the bottom that spin. Card has picture of product plus website for product.
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Will this show be back in Monroeville again this year?
Usually the Worlds Greatest Hobby shows only come back to the same location once every few years.
Jimmy,
It was at least 10 years ago since that show was here.
Norm
Was there on Saturday. The show was very crowded.
Had been to many Greenberg shows but this was my first WGH show. Nice to see the mfg. presence, displays and products. Lionel, MTH, Bachmann, Ross - All seemed well represented and visited.
Public layouts seemed to have a lot of traffic as well. The S Gauge guys really had a huge crowd around them. They really understand that it's about interaction - Meaning, them interacting with the kids and the kids being allowed to interact with the trains by operating accessories, etc. They don't just say "You stand there and watch me"
The retail area was OK. The larger, regional dealers were there and offered good discounts. Again, a little tighter and more crowded than the Greenberg show normally feels.
We (the Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers) had a great time yesterday. And we were happy and honored to be part of MAW Sam's special day! 
I hope it is not another 10 years before this show comes back!
I hope everyone attending has the chance to see Michael Broggie's presentation on Walt Disney's Railroad Story, and to talk to Michael, who practically grew up around Walt and his trains.
Andy
I attended two WGHOT shows so far and both were jam packed to capacity. IMO, the key to their success was that they appeal to families and not just a bunch of grouchy old fat guys that have permeated the hobby for years! Of course I say this in jest but there is a lesson to be learned here; widen your scope, market your product correctly, and gear the interest to all age groups. Then add rides and interactive displays for the children and don't forget the balloons and popcorn. The WGHOT show is built to be a fun event and that's why the attendance is huge.
Gentlemen,
What time does the Train show at the Monroeville Convention Ctr open today and what is the entry fee.
PCRR/Dave
Google WGH train show and all will be listed.
Pine Creek Railroad posted:Gentlemen,
What time does the Train show at the Monroeville Convention Ctr open today and what is the entry fee.
PCRR/Dave
The LCCA is all set up at the WGHOT train show in Monroeville PA. Come on by today 10:00-5pm. Come and meet Lionel mascot Lenny the Lion. Let's have some fun with Lionel trains. Meet with representatives of Lionel. Let's talk trains!
LCCA members had a lot of fun yesterday. Let's have some fun today! I hope to see you there !!
Al Kolis
LCCA Special events manager
248 709-4137
Al Kolis,
Will try to make it over, however I am still moving into our new home, and still working on the new Train Room/Bar. Just got to get out of the house before my wife wakes up and starts of the Honey due list!
Hope to see you some time today Al, hope you brought alone some Tin Plate.
Lionel Tin Plate Trains - The Real stuff!
PCRR/Dave
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Dave, if you go say Hi to Cabinet Bob for me!
Went to the show today and it was well worth the price of admission. Good turnout by the manufacturers. Didnt buy anything but still had a great time. The LCCA was there in force and I got to meet Cabinet Bob. Was a pleasure.
I must say, this was the BEST WGHOT show I've been to. The LCCA booth was very busy every day and I had a great time talking to many members. The people from the Pittsburgh area are great ! Thanks to all the OGR forum people who stoped by too and said hello. Also, MARTYE, IT was great meeting you too... Bob
World's Greatest Hobby Show January 13th & 14th
800 Briar Creek Rd,
Park Expo & Conference Center Charlotte, NC 28205
More Info at WGHSHOW.com
Big Ken posted:World's Greatest Hobby Show January 13th & 14th
800 Briar Creek Rd,
Park Expo & Conference Center Charlotte, NC 28205
More Info at WGHSHOW.com
Wanted to attend....but can't. The venue is the old Merchandise Mart on US 74. You can't get to it from 74 any longer....use Monroe rd. Same place as the Southern Christmas Show has been held for years. Hope we do get a report on the show.
I haven't decided to go or not, Charlotte is a 3 hour drive for me. It all depends on what is happening on that weekend. I probably would have to get a hotel or stay with a friend down there. Like i stated at the beginning, I am undecided right now.
MIKE G, I thought we were friends. LOL How come you did not tell me CABINET BOB ( DAD ) was going to be at that show???. I did a coin flip and the Parma Ohio show won the toss. But had I known this there wouldn't of been a toss. It would of been directly to Monroeville to say hi to dad LOL...............Paul
Paul, I thought you would know, Don't you fallow dad on the forum? That's how I found out he was going to be there! But that explains how your son #? LOL
Mike, I do follow the forum but I missed that one. Dad didn't even call to say he was in the area. I would of opened up our house. I would of loved to get a son rating again LOL
Now if he has your number all I can say is BAD DAD!
paul 2 posted:Mike, I do follow the forum but I missed that one. Dad didn't even call to say he was in the area. I would of opened up our house. I would of loved to get a son rating again LOL
OMG son, after you left the house, you never told me where you are...how could I call ?? LOL
And now I know why I have no son rating. LOL
Dad, you really never found out where he went when he left? He was only 8!!! He had to be close by, he wasn't allowed to cross the street by himself! No Father of the year award for you again this year! LOL
Hey Dad, if you ever get close to NY, you better let Play Trains know! He cant cross state lines!~ LOL
Waiting for the WGH show to come back to the Philly area. Hope everybody had a great time.
