Since joining the TCA in 2002 I have been attending either the April or October or both York Meets every year. I only live an hour or so away and can easily commute back and forth. I always attend the Thursday night OGR restaurant experience as it gives me an opportunity to socialize with many of my friends.

I even registered for this coming April TCA show but then life got in the way. My wife has been experiencing increasing back pain that has escalated to the point that she will be having back fusion surgery on April 19th. She will be using the same Neurosurgeon who operated on my back in 2012. So I made my donation to the Eastern Division for the April show and will hopefully be able to make the October TCA meet.

I'll miss taking everyone's pictures at the Quaker Steak restaurant and posting them on the OGR Forum as we celebrate our friendships and love for this hobby. That being said, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in October.

I do hope that this new partnership between OGR and Mr. Muffin's Trains proves to be a win-win for both parties. Participating at the York TCA Train Meet has to make sense financially especially considering the expenses involved so I do hope that this new arrangement works out for everyone.

Steve Tapper

Steve,  I’ll be able to go for overnight Thursday.  I’ll miss seeing you!

Im praying your wife gets some relief with the back surgery!

Steve.....best wishes for your wife's speedy recovery.

Peter

OGR Webmaster posted:

eddie g posted:

...For years it was run into the halls to find that rare item that I had to have. Now it's just a social thing meeting all the friend's I have made over the last 40 years...

And there, in two sentences, is why this meet becomes less and less relevant to those of us who go there to do business.

Eddie, I think it is fantastic that you can still drive to this meet at 87 years old! I hope I am in that kind of shape if/when I reach 87. But we at OGR and every other business that goes there to try and make a few dollars cannot justify the expense of doing this meet if it’s just a big social event and most people aren’t buying anything.

Just wait until you spend 3 days in Mr. Muffin's booth.  That silver-tongued devil will take your lunch money.  You thought it cost too much to have your own booth - just wait.  You have been warned.

Mallard4468 posted:

Just wait until you spend 3 days in Mr. Muffin's booth.  That silver-tongued devil will take your lunch money.  You thought it cost too much to have your own booth - just wait.  You have been warned.

LOL!

Yes, Steve certainly has "the gift."

OMG   Three days in the booth and no one to protect my vulnerable wallet from all that temptation!
Oh well.

Ed Boyle

So, can anyone attend this dinner? I've been in this forum for a while, and subscribe to the magazine, but I don't really know anyone.

Kind of had all hell break loose here at home last week, but if I can just hear one little bit of good news in the next couple of days, I will still make the trip to York. It will only be my second, but I really enjoyed the first, and I'm looking forward to another.

Scrambler81 posted:

So, can anyone attend this dinner? I've been in this forum for a while, and subscribe to the magazine, but I don't really know anyone.

Kind of had all hell break loose here at home last week, but if I can just hear one little bit of good news in the next couple of days, I will still make the trip to York. It will only be my second, but I really enjoyed the first, and I'm looking forward to another.

All are welcomed.

If you feel you can make, do it. This will be my first time at the dinner and I will personally know 1 or 2 guys but look forward to meeting more folks I come across on this forum. I read 100 times more posts than I actually "post"  I have gained alot from all the great guys out there .

It could give you an opportunity to connect with some Jersey guys, and even some Jersey train clubs if you are so interested .Besides, I hear its usually separate checks so that makes it very fair. I'm not even there yet and I know I will enjoy myself .

If you decide to go, I look forward to meeting you!

All the best at home!

Scrambler81 posted:

So, can anyone attend this dinner? I've been in this forum for a while, and subscribe to the magazine, but I don't really know anyone.

Kind of had all hell break loose here at home last week, but if I can just hear one little bit of good news in the next couple of days, I will still make the trip to York. It will only be my second, but I really enjoyed the first, and I'm looking forward to another.

Chris,  They let me in, so you won’t have any trouble!  I even wore a Pittsburgh Penguins hat!  LOL

Seriously, last fall was my first trip to York, and I had a good time.  I have planned to go this time, then thought not because of my wife’s health issues, but she told me last night to go.  I’ll just stay over Thursday night. I hope to meet you there!

OGR Webmaster posted:

eddie g posted:

...For years it was run into the halls to find that rare item that I had to have. Now it's just a social thing meeting all the friend's I have made over the last 40 years...

And there, in two sentences, is why this meet becomes less and less relevant to those of us who go there to do business.

Eddie, I think it is fantastic that you can still drive to this meet at 87 years old! I hope I am in that kind of shape if/when I reach 87. 

Amen to that, Brother.