Something missing?

Not my take, Frank. From what I saw, folks were having a generally good time and spirits appeared to be very high. I found exactly what I was looking for and chock this trip up as another York success. Good friends, good Meet, good trains, good food, and a good time. Not much more than you can ask.

I thought it was good, although things seemed to clear out rather early on Saturday. The Blue Hall was very quiet.

We had plenty of activity at our table--I brought some items to sell for a friend and sold all but one. And, everyone walked away happy. The buyers were happy, and the person for whom I sold the trains is very happy. Isn't that what it's all about??

Just my opinion.......but if you want sales activity, you need to price your trains and accessories accordingly. If you hold out for the big prices posted in the guides, then the reality is you're probably not going to sell. With just about everything being reproduced, I don't think the market for trains is what it used to be. I saw tables with the same items I had on mine, only priced higher, but they weren't selling.

This was my first York, so I have nothing to compare with prior years.

As PTC mentioned, I thought I saw far more smiles all around. I literally ran out of room (carryon airline bag and computer satchel) and came home with a few hundred dollars only because I could not squeeze anything else into the bags! (and I packed very light - one pair of jeans, one shirt, and clean underwear).  As it was, I even took things out of their boxes, collapsed them, and wrapped the items before putting in the suitcase just to obtain more room.

I had a blast, seeing old friends and cruising the halls with them. No everybody had a great time.

Frank it was my first York also. We bought a fair amount of stuff. We had a list and got everything but one vehicle and some items that one dealer wouldn't meet the price of his distributor on. That was okay; understand his reason and will get on-line and save 30%.

We talked to a number of people there and most said that business was quite good and they were pleased. In some of the member halls, as has already been mentioned, those with higher prices did not appear to be selling a great deal. The pace was steady but not frantic.

Learned a lot, made new friends and saw old, got what we wanted and more, had a good time, and plan to return in October.

You were conspicuous in your absence at the recent meet, Frank, and much missed.

I had a great time there. But I always have a great time at the York Meet. No doubt that it's changing in some ways (and faster than I might have expected or hoped for), but that doesn't dissuade me from having a good time.

My impression is pretty much the same as PTC's.  I was in the Blue Hall, and I sold a lot of stuff - including every last piece of old American Flyer stuff I brought (a whole box full of it) and my biggest item (a Lionel RTR set), and my brother sold enough that we are both already registered again as table holders for October.  The guy across the aisle from me had 4-5 tables absolutely loaded with K-Line stuff and by Saturday it was almost all gone (a few pieces did come home with me ).

Fortunately, I made enough space in the truck for me to bring home a lot of things I was looking for.

During the brief times I was able to get away and walk the halls, my impression was that people were enjoying themselves and they were buying (saw lots of people carrying packages, and lots of nearly empty tables and shelves on Saturday).

Andy

I agree Allan - his empty spot was the first thing that I noticed when I was on that side of the hall.  I even commented to my buddy about it.

I thought the crowds were very enthusiastic and my observation was that the buying and selling proceeded at a nice brisk pace.  I didn't think there was a thing missing and I could not have been happier.  Only one problem-it had to end.

I miss York already. The parking lot was full but it didn't seem as crowded people wise. I did encounter one grumpy seller in Blue and still wonder if he actually sold anything. I think those asking fair prices probably did very well.

Jim

I am intrigued by all these replies, to date and look forward to gaining a more insightful, larger impression, if I may, via more comments. Thanks to each of you for contributing your perspectives.

Thank you, Allan Miller, for such a gracious posting. Layout Refinements has been doing very well, but I have been laid-up sick all of April, though recovering, it seems, now.

Thank you, too, Walt Rapp. It's very nice to know I have made friends in our hobby who notice my occasional absence. Very nice, indeed.

FrankM.

I was there on Thursday only. It seemed the attendance was a little lighter than normal, but it worked to my advantage with less crowded aisles and it was less of a rat race,

I noticed a flood of cars leaving the fairgrounds when the member halls closed at 5:30pm. ..headed out for an early bird dinner I suppose.

I had a great time, got some great deals, and enjoyed seeing everyone. A great day off of work.

Can't wait till the next one.

I hit the Orange Hall first thing Thursday at noon. It seemed more crowded than last April (had to miss this past Oct). However, none of the halls struck me as "hard to walk through". There did not seem to be as many electric carts as usual, but a few times I got whacked by large carry-bags slung on a person's shoulder. If I had to guess, I'd say there were less dealers than years ago. The Purple Hall seemed especially empty. Hate to admit it, but I forgot to go into the Brown Hall.