This was only my second York having attended our first one back in Oct 09. My wife and I had just gotten back into trains a few months before and joined the Forum. Didn't know anyone.
Recognized Marty Fitz at the DCS meeting from a magazine photo but other wise you all were a sea of strangers. This time was different. Spent a lot of time talking with some of you who I bumped into and spent a LOT of time looking for Marty E to pick up my Legacy User's Shirt! Many of you knew him but few had seen him. The folks at the OGR booth probably looked the hardest and must have felt sorry for me and gave me a really nice OGR shirt for FREE! Thanks folks.
I went not really looking for anything as finances are tight but did stumble on a few bargains that I have to explain to the CFO in a manner that she might understand. One was a MTH Gauge ONE Triplex at less than half price that will sit on our mantle - I've always admired that locomotive and remember seeing one at the Fall 09 York meet and it had whistle steam if I remember correctly. The other purchase that I certainly couldn't pass by was a dusty USA Trains Santa Fe PA sitting on the floor under a dealer's table.I asked to test it and it lit up and ran. Was able to carry it out for just $100. The Warbonnet PA has always been one of my most favorite locomotives.
The most rewarding aspect of this meet was meeting and talking with many of you guys and ladies who I've only known through email and various threads here on the Forum. Was surprised at how 'different' most of us are in face-to-face meeting as opposed to the photos and avatars here. Some of you were taller or older yet one was actually younger that I supposed. Len Caparelli used to advertise back in the early 1990s when I had my hobby shop. I just assumed that he was at least my age (68) or older at the time and was surprised to meet him and find out he is but 62 - said he started painting trans when he was 22.
The people definitely make this hobby!
As to the hobby itself, like several of you have commented elsewhere, I was thinking about the future and how so many of us are 65 and older - even much older and who is going to keep the hobby going? There were a lot of old trains on the tables and there were still a lot of the old trains on Saturday late morning. Without the 'personal nostalgia factor' from actually having these toys as youngsters, will pre-war and post-war trains have much more than a limited appeal as antiques perhaps?
I can't really comment on crowd size but it certainly seemed easier to get around than back when we were here before.. I never had any trouble seeing anything.
All in all a really enjoyable trip and was amazed at the numerous craftsmen producing so many high-quality scenic and structure pieces. Most were amazing in the detail and realism. Another interesting operation was JDS LTD smoke systems. Young Chris was very friendly and knowledgeable and does a great job upgrading locomotives with PS2 and MTH smoke systems. If he can add Whistle-steam to almost any locomotive for approx $100, (in addition to the upgrade cost) why can't Lionel do the same?
Never did locate Marty E in three days of searching! 
Here are a couple of shots of my new PA. Had not seen one with the closed pilot before either which just adds to the brutish beauty of these locomotives.
