@stangtrain posted:Chris and company: Thanks so much for doing this! Maybe this has already been answered, but will the event be recorded and posted on your You Tube channel?
Thanks!
I wish I could attend but a bit tricky getting there from California these days.
Stan
Stan - yes I hope to livestream this on my channel again.
I vaguely remember someone telling us that Saturday was a bad day to hold this event since no one would show up …
we had over 150 people during todays event and another 80 watching online. (Stay tuned for Eric’s video over this also!). We were able do give away multiple prizes and many went to the younger attendees! It was a great day. Thanks you to everyone that showed up!
Here are a good number of photos from this morning Social Media Meet & Greet.
And the winner is? More photos from this morning into the afternoon.
We are all winners in this together.
One last thing, the spirit of this event is to inspire more to get into a hobby that lasts a lifetime. Everyone here at this event got something out of it, even if they did not win anything. To see those who did win, especially the children with the look on their faces is something that is priceless, and that is what this is all about. These kids will have something to tell everyone about their adventures at York. How much fun it was waiting for those numbers to be called on the ticket they won on.
Chris, Peachy, Eric, Jason, and Chris, you hit a home run with this. Keep up the great work, and glad I could be a part of it by helping set up. I have no suggestions, you all have it down, keep bringing on smiles.
Nice job guys! & Peachy! 😊
@Cmontagna posted:I vaguely remember someone telling us that Saturday was a bad day to hold this event since no one would show up …
we had over 150 people during todays event and another 80 watching online. (Stay tuned for Eric’s video over this also!). We were able do give away multiple prizes and many went to the younger attendees! It was a great day. Thanks you to everyone that showed up!
This is absolutely AWESOME!!!! Wish I could have been there Chris. Unfortunately I could only attend York on Friday. Next time I'll make every effort to be at your event! I LOVE all the wonderful energy you bring to our hobby!!
Looking forward to the recording!
I will simply second what everyone has been saying about successful event. If was great, fun and I was there! Lots of fun to see the kids win those prizes. Congratulations to all of you YouTubers! Great job!
Question: Why was Sid not on stage (He was in the crowd)?
@Cmontagna posted:I vaguely remember someone telling us that Saturday was a bad day to hold this event since no one would show up …
we had over 150 people during todays event and another 80 watching online. (Stay tuned for Eric’s video over this also!). We were able do give away multiple prizes and many went to the younger attendees! It was a great day. Thanks you to everyone that showed up!
Yeah, this quote sure didn't age well.....
@bluelinec4 posted:Not that you guys have much to offer the seasoned veterans If your target audience is kids it might be a good time The other thing is that there arent that many kids in York
But ironically the sarcastic post was the most accurate......
@bluelinec4 posted:What a great thing and perfect timing Your live audience will be gigantic
@cta4391 posted:Yeah, this quote sure didn't age well.....
But ironically the sarcastic post was the most accurate......
Since memories are vague the original post was to try to help you but since it wasnt in a video you guys probably didnt understand that. If you had 150 on saturday you would have had 300 on friday but what the heck do I know I'm just some yo-yo thats passionate about the hobby without having to worry about how many followers I have or how many likes my box opening videos get.
Eric's hair is much longer in his videos... must be some filter he uses 
It looks like a good turnout. I often ponder how to share and engage children (of all ages) in the hobby.
Great job lady and gentlemen, really enjoyed the livestream. A special thanks to Chris of RBP trains for repeating some of the questions that were ask. During the livestream it's sometimes difficult to hear the questions.
There were at least 81 people watching online, my wife and I were both watching on one computer monitor. 👍 😀 👏🏻
I didn't attend on Saturday as we were heading out early to do some other things. I'm sure there were others that couldn't attend Thurs or Friday if it was scheduled those days. I would have gone if I stayed around and I watched some of it live and the rest of it after I was back home.
It would be good to have a mic for the audience that folks could have walked up to so we could hear the questions clearly.
Does the Eastern TCA send out a survey to all attendees? I would suspect they have the emails addresses to do so. If they do, maybe one of the questions could be to suggest a day for the future social media meet & greet and see what comes back. Another question could be who watched in person and who watched online
I know Ray was there as I heard him on the video and saw his post haul video with one of the giveaways. it might be worthwhile to consider Ray or some others that less experience in the hobby. I gravitated toward Ray's videos early on as he was closer to the same stage of the hobby as I was with just getting started. I'm in awe of the huge layouts that the Chris's and Eric have and the amount of money they put toward their enjoyment of the hobby, but some other perspectives would cover more viewers.
It was definitely worthwhile so I hope it continues.
Nice job folks! Glad you had a good turn out and successful event!
@David_NJ posted:I didn't attend on Saturday as we were heading out early to do some other things. I'm sure there were others that couldn't attend Thurs or Friday if it was scheduled those days. I would have gone if I stayed around and I watched some of it live and the rest of it after I was back home.
It would be good to have a mic for the audience that folks could have walked up to so we could hear the questions clearly.
Does the Eastern TCA send out a survey to all attendees? I would suspect they have the emails addresses to do so. If they do, maybe one of the questions could be to suggest a day for the future social media meet & greet and see what comes back. Another question could be who watched in person and who watched online
I know Ray was there as I heard him on the video and saw his post haul video with one of the giveaways. it might be worthwhile to consider Ray or some others that less experience in the hobby. I gravitated toward Ray's videos early on as he was closer to the same stage of the hobby as I was with just getting started. I'm in awe of the huge layouts that the Chris's and Eric have and the amount of money they put toward their enjoyment of the hobby, but some other perspectives would cover more viewers.
It was definitely worthwhile so I hope it continues.
Appreciate the feedback. We're certainly going to adopt several of the suggestions you mentioned moving forward. We learn something every time one of these are held and it should only get better.
- Jason
Well done everyone who was involved. You are tremendous ambassadors for the hobby.
I attended the first one, and would love to attend again, but I'm usually hundreds of miles away by Saturday morning. Maybe in April...
I'd like to see it moved to Thursday morning or Friday afternoon. I know that Chris (can't remember if it's @Chris1985 or @Cmontagna) feels that holding it on a non-school day makes it easier for families with kids to attend. I'm wondering if the number of kids in attendance bears this out. I think that attendance numbers would be higher on Thursday or Friday, but if Saturday really brings more kids, I'm all for it. Fall York often occurs during fall break for schools in my area, so kids are already out of school, but I can't speak for the vicinity of York. FWIW, I recall seeing a decent number of families and kids in the Orange hall on Friday.
I must say that this event was the part of York that I was looking forward to the most, and it did NOT disappoint! It is so inspirational to see younger people - including a woman! - getting excited about trains and having so much fun sharing their passion. The door prizes were awesome, the Q and A's were informative, it was fun to see some of my favorite TV stars in person, and the excitement on the faces of the kids who won prizes was the best of all.
Mr. Chessiechick and I are atypical early retirees, in our sixties. I work part-time, and he is retired but not by choice. We are both quite tech savvy and watch a lot of YouTube; in fact, that is where we learn how to do just about everything. I am interested in modern-era trains, so the presentation at the Social Media event was more relevant to my interests than the events and sales tables geared towards trains of earlier eras.
Saturday at 11 was a super time for me, as I work weekdays from 9 am to 1 pm. It's also a great time for kids and families. Getting vacation time from work is not as easy as it used to be 40 or 50 years ago. I hope you can keep the event on a Saturday to accommodate non-retirees - or maybe do two sessions, one on a weekday and one on a Saturday?
Another suggestion - how about having some breakout sessions on specific topics after the main presentation? Each session could be led by a member of the panel with expertise or passion in that area. (Don't you just love the way I am coming up with all this extra work for you?) 
@ericstrains.com - thanks for the tee shirt! Hubby and I both caught it at the same time, but I ever so graciously let him keep it, as I already have my bright yellow Chessie tee shirt that I wear to train events.
@Cmontagna - thanks for the advice on using OSB as an alternative to plywood.
@Sean's Train Depot - I did not get to chat with you, but I have to say that your detailed videos about Lionel's and MTH's command control systems were an excellent way for us newbies to make sense of it all!
@Chris1985 - I enjoyed our brief chat on Thursday afternoon in the orange hall and thanks for the photo opp. You always look so darn happy and like you are having SO. MUCH. FUN. Thanks for reminding me not to take things too seriously!
Peachy - I can't find you as a member here, but I didn't get to talk to you on Saturday. I just really, REALLY wanted to thank you for being a voice for women who enjoy model railroading. You are a terrific role model!
Looking forward already to the next event! Thanks for all you do!
Thank you to all of those that attended, watched online, or provided some constructive feedback here. By moving to the Veranda Room we were able to learn a lot more about what is possible moving forward. A few of us have had some great conversations already about what we could do to enhance this in the future. We will continue to have those conversations and begin planning for the spring!
@chessiechick posted:I must say that this event was the part of York that I was looking forward to the most, and it did NOT disappoint! It is so inspirational to see younger people - including a woman! - getting excited about trains and having so much fun sharing their passion. The door prizes were awesome, the Q and A's were informative, it was fun to see some of my favorite TV stars in person, and the excitement on the faces of the kids who won prizes was the best of all.
I second the motion regarding younger folks, women, and excited kids!
...
Saturday at 11 was a super time for me, as I work weekdays from 9 am to 1 pm. It's also a great time for kids and families. Getting vacation time from work is not as easy as it used to be 40 or 50 years ago. I hope you can keep the event on a Saturday to accommodate non-retirees - or maybe do two sessions, one on a weekday and one on a Saturday?
When I was still working (not long ago), I submitted my vacation requests a year in advance. Employers are desperate to attract and keep good folks - if they balk at the request, threaten to quit - I'll bet they will accommodate you. Or call in sick as a last resort.
Another suggestion - how about having some breakout sessions on specific topics after the main presentation? Each session could be led by a member of the panel with expertise or passion in that area. (Don't you just love the way I am coming up with all this extra work for you?)
While I like the idea, it's quite a task especially in the compacted schedule of York. There are a lot of evening meetings for special interests - see the meet notice, TCA newsletter, and flyers in the halls and hotels. If there's something you want that doesn't exist, perhaps you could organize and publicize it.
...
@Cmontagna - thanks for the advice on using OSB as an alternative to plywood.
Although some regard the use of OSB as heresy, I'm glad that someone with influence is promoting it. Lots of passionate posts on the forum touting 3/4" plywood or Baltic birch; IMO, OSB is a perfectly adequate and budget-friendly alternative when it is being covered with scenery. A product that is strong enough for roof decking is strong enough for a train layout.
see above
@Cmontagna posted:Thank you to all of those that attended, watched online, or provided some constructive feedback here. By moving to the Veranda Room we were able to learn a lot more about what is possible moving forward. A few of us have had some great conversations already about what we could do to enhance this in the future. We will continue to have those conversations and begin planning for the spring!
Glad you liked the Veranda room - it's a great location and the stage must have made it easier for the presenters to be seen and heard.
Had an additional thought regarding the Saturday morning timeframe. By the end of the meeting, around noon or so, the meet is essentially over. As a result, folks attending the meeting have only about 2 hours (9-11am) in the halls before people start packing up. For those of us who arrived on Thursday or Friday, that's not a big deal, but it might be an issue for daytrippers and public attendees.
I'm impressed by the effort and imagination that you and the other organizers bring to the train community, especially since you all have families, jobs, and other demands on your time. And thank you for paying attention to feedback - I don't think that ED really listens to folks. You are the future of the hobby.
To me if the Saturday time worked, why change it. I think you guys will figure out what's best. Take it from someone who planned meetings at York. You'll never please everyone. Do what works for you and gets the results you want.
Sounds like it was a great event. Will there be a video?
The one thing I do wish I could have done better was get better pictures. Sitting down where I sat was both good and bad. Some of the pictures I took were blurry which I thought were in focus when I snapped, guess not. I did get a few excited kids faces when they won something, and that was what I was trying to capture the most. Seeing both Chris's face and theirs would have been really great to capture. One or more of my pictures were just too dark to see so I didn't post them.
All and all yes this was a smashing success in my book. I already messaged Chris saying so and had nothing to offer. I did make sure to shake everyone on the panels hand and give a good thanks for this. It was great to help out and hold the letters as Chris popped into the "Social Media Meet And Greet" outside on the board. I won't be there in April, but hope to be there in October as I usually do. Great job all.
@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:The one thing I do wish I could have done better was get better pictures. Sitting down where I sat was both good and bad. Some of the pictures I took were blurry which I thought were in focus when I snapped, guess not. I did get a few excited kids faces when they won something, and that was what I was trying to capture the most. Seeing both Chris's face and theirs would have been really great to capture. One or more of my pictures were just too dark to see so I didn't post them.
All and all yes this was a smashing success in my book. I already messaged Chris saying so and had nothing to offer. I did make sure to shake everyone on the panels hand and give a good thanks for this. It was great to help out and hold the letters as Chris popped into the "Social Media Meet And Greet" outside on the board. I won't be there in April, but hope to be there in October as I usually do. Great job all.
There are websites that will unblur pictures. May I repost one of your pictures here as an example?
vr
Ron
@Ron045 posted:There are websites that will unblur pictures. May I repost one of your pictures here as an example?
vr
Ron
I take tons of pictures and prefer not to fiddle with them. I usually don't miss like I did with the few. I think next time I will try to take better pictures by being able to be moving, by standing in the back. I've always told my one sister(who I think likes to compete with me photographically), that I get lucky, lucky a lot. I am satisfied with the overall shots as well as the quality of them overall. I got a few great shots of Chris RBP at the TrainWorld booth on Friday. It helps that he is very photogenic were as my face would break my own camera. I sent those shots to Chris yesterday as he only saw the really good ones, and I figure too he can have something of himself he didn't get a chance to take.
That's the only thing I would change about the meet & greet is where I am positioned. Out of position shots are never a good thing. The best thing like I said was seeing the kids excitement when they won something.
When I was a kid, I had always wanted a train. My father talked to his brother in law, my uncle who was huge into trains. My uncle gave me an old tin plate Commodore Vanderbilt with plastic cars. I can only imagine how much my smile made my father smile back. This was right at Christmas time you see. My family always says that my father and my grandmother(his mother in law) were Christmas, and I have kept what both of them have every Christmas. I feel like I hear the jingle of the bell all the time(Polar Express reference). That's the spirit they say, and that is exactly what the Meet & Greet brings I'd say. Enough about me rambling though.
@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:I take tons of pictures and prefer not to fiddle with them. I usually don't miss like I did with the few. I think next time I will try to take better pictures by being able to be moving, by standing in the back. I've always told my one sister(who I think likes to compete with me photographically), that I get lucky, lucky a lot. I am satisfied with the overall shots as well as the quality of them overall. I got a few great shots of Chris RBP at the TrainWorld booth on Friday. It helps that he is very photogenic were as my face would break my own camera. I sent those shots to Chris yesterday as he only saw the really good ones, and I figure too he can have something of himself he didn't get a chance to take.
That's the only thing I would change about the meet & greet is where I am positioned. Out of position shots are never a good thing. The best thing like I said was seeing the kids excitement when they won something.
When I was a kid, I had always wanted a train. My father talked to his brother in law, my uncle who was huge into trains. My uncle gave me an old tin plate Commodore Vanderbilt with plastic cars. I can only imagine how much my smile made my father smile back. This was right at Christmas time you see. My family always says that my father and my grandmother(his mother in law) were Christmas, and I have kept what both of them have every Christmas. I feel like I hear the jingle of the bell all the time(Polar Express reference). That's the spirit they say, and that is exactly what the Meet & Greet brings I'd say. Enough about me rambling though.
I'll take that as a "no" then. Glad I asked. I might have been banished to the nether if I had re-posted the comparisons.
So I just realized that in my earlier reply, my brain crosswired comments meant for @Sean's Train Depot and @jdstucks. I can tell you two apart, honest!
Jason - Norfolk Southern rocks! That's my other favorite railroad (besides Chessie, of course). But "norfolksouthernchick" just doesn't roll off the tongue the way "chessiechick" does. If you don't mind, may I ask what instrument you played in the marching band?
Sean - although you were not on the panel, I did see you Thursday at York hanging out in the Orange Hall, and I did not get a chance to say hi. I enjoy your videos very much as well, and I meant what I wrote about your fabulous explanation of Lionel and MTH command control systems.
Again, thanks to all for a great time!
@chessiechick posted:So I just realized that in my earlier reply, my brain crosswired comments meant for @Sean's Train Depot and @jdstucks. I can tell you two apart, honest!
Jason - Norfolk Southern rocks! That's my other favorite railroad (besides Chessie, of course). But "norfolksouthernchick" just doesn't roll off the tongue the way "chessiechick" does. If you don't mind, may I ask what instrument you played in the marching band?
Again, thanks to all for a great time!
Not a problem! Glad you were attendance. I was the Drum Major when I was in the Ohio State Marching Band (2010 and 2011). Great times.
- Jason
@chessiechick posted:So I just realized that in my earlier reply, my brain crosswired comments meant for @Sean's Train Depot and @jdstucks. I can tell you two apart, honest!
Jason - Norfolk Southern rocks! That's my other favorite railroad (besides Chessie, of course). But "norfolksouthernchick" just doesn't roll off the tongue the way "chessiechick" does. If you don't mind, may I ask what instrument you played in the marching band?
Sean - although you were not on the panel, I did see you Thursday at York hanging out in the Orange Hall, and I did not get a chance to say hi. I enjoy your videos very much as well, and I meant what I wrote about your fabulous explanation of Lionel and MTH command control systems.
Again, thanks to all for a great time!
For my money and needs Sean is by far the best hobby You Tuber out there for a sustainable hobby. No box openings. No shilling for manufacturers or train dealers just useful information for someone actually trying to do something in the hobby.
@bluelinec4 posted:Since memories are vague the original post was to try to help you but since it wasnt in a video you guys probably didnt understand that. If you had 150 on saturday you would have had 300 on friday but what the heck do I know I'm just some yo-yo thats passionate about the hobby without having to worry about how many followers I have or how many likes my box opening videos get.
There may have been a good turnout, but I saw a lot more shall I say mature adults in the audience than I saw dare I say juveniles. This is a work in progress and doing something almost anything is better than nothing.
Whatever enflames an interest/passion in model trains of any gauge is preferable IMO to a young person being glued to a phone that is smarter than the owner.
When trains were first marketed it was not just 'Heh look at me I'm Sandra Dee' (sarcasm) it was a way for a child to spend time with at that time predominately dad with again for the time a son to be together. Learning about how electricity works, how to put things together, fix things, etc.the first version of quality time.
IMO nobody is marketing that idea at all today and including women and girls. It is just heh look at the new and greater Big Boy for $3,000+/-.
If the hobby is to be sustained and grow it must come from the ground up not the bottom down from well heeled collectors.
@Former Member posted:For my money and needs Sean is by far the best hobby You Tuber out there for a sustainable hobby. No box openings. No shilling for manufacturers or train dealers just useful information for someone actually trying to do something in the hobby.
I'd add MartyE to that short list as well. Quality videos, no shill, and a nice Star Trek collection
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