The York Intoxication added to money spent on "deals".

I think that considering the TCA dues and the extremely low cost of attending the York Meet twice a year is the bargain of the year for O-Gauge train people. We attended the Amherst Train Show last January and considering what we paid for admission and PARKING, and what was applicable to O-Gauge, not such a bargain. So Mike, your TCA dues are well placed.

Glad you had a good time and plan for two days. You will enjoy it more.

I missed the Amherst Ma show this year due to the weather.
What did they charge for admission and parking?
At the Eastern Division's York show, there is no charge for parking, no charge for spouses, and no charge for children under 18.

Early registration for the ED York show is $12.

If I remember correctly C.W., it was $ 14.00 per person and parking was $ 10.00. We did not pre-register because weather is always an issue in January for us and it is a long drive.

We went primarily to see Evans Designs and that worked out well. But, I doubt we will go back. Not enough there to interest us. It is the minor leagues compared to the York Meet.

quote:

If I remember correctly C.W., it was $ 14.00 per person and parking was $ 10.00. We did not pre-register because weather is always an issue in January for us and it is a long drive.

That explains the "special deal" of $25 admission for both days that is still on the Amherst site. So, one day for a couple is $38. Two days would be $60.

If you include the annual dues, each York show is $37 for a couple, and you can attend all three days.
Plus you get magazines, swap sheets, and rights to use the TCA swap board.

Folks, i'm not so sure that all that many of us can make York "work financially".  Some folks may sell trains to fund their York purchases, and that's fine when they can to that.  But the social experience alone is priceless, so you just gotta go and enjoy yourself -- however you choose to engage in the event: one day, multiple days, extra-curricular club meetings, etc....

Admittedly, in addition to the TCA annual dues and York admissions fee, there are also travel expenses.  Compare that to all the great deals that can always be had year-round these days without incurring those expenditures -- just look on this forum alone.  So some things in life we just gotta do and enjoy.  The math will work itself out either tangibly or intangibly.  York is one of those kind of "intangible" events for most toy train enthusiasts. And that's fine.

David

For me personally, I don't go to the York Meet for deals on trains.  I always seem to find some deals anyway, and some items that aren't great deals but you can't find them anywhere else.  For some items you can find better deals elsewhere, as David mentions.  

But there's nothing like being with thousands of model train enthusiasts surrounded by model trains.  The friends you get to see, and new friends you get to meet and the anticipation of all of that is definitely something to look forward to and enjoy.

When I first joined the TCA it was just to be around all the trains.  I had no idea how much the social aspect would become just as much if not more fun!

I'm fortunate enough to live fairly close by, and it's understandable how someone would not want to incur the travel expenses in addition to the purchases and dues.  

"I'm fortunate enough to live fairly close by"

That's a real asset Brian when you consider the York Meet. We don't, but it is worth the drive for us for many reasons. I agree 100% with you, we don't go to the York Meet to get bargains, our dealer takes good care of us in that respect. Like you and Lynley, we go for the many friendships and to be part of a real happening in our hobby. There is nothing like it anywhere.

Although I haven't been to York for the last 2 or 3 meets because I moved to Florida, I always considered going more as a mini vacation, social event.  I don't always have to justify everything.  Some things you just do because you want to.

York is the best "O" gauge show on the east coast!

It's the best by far O Gauge MEET in the country.

You can't add the cost of admission to your purchases, otherwise no one would go.  You go to the show or meet for the experience.  Weather it's to see your friends or to find the elusive object of your desires.  I live within a couple hours of many train show venues.  During the season I can attend a show almost every weekend.  Within this same two hour drive window are several top notch train stores.  Sure I could take the admission cost for my girlfriend and I and just go to one of the train stores, but it's just not the same.