Well I had a limited budget this year for the Portland show last weekend but I did come home with a couple of good buys. Found a second 1615 engine for $20.00 and a 317 bridge in the box for $35.00.
Dave W.
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It was my first time attending the show. It was a little disappointing. Drove out there for the heck of it from Bend. It was fun to check out and walk around with my 3 year old son. But I was expecting more vendors with newer stock and accessories.
I didn't buy a single thing. I have so much already, I didn't find anything that I really NEEDED, had enough other financial priorities.
John, there seemed to be fewer vendors than in the past, the show spreads them out more now, with wider aisles, so it LOOKS fuller than it is, but the product available, leaves a LOT to be desired, there is too much non-train related TOYS, and the prices weren't all that great. With the admission and parking fees, you have to find some pretty good deals to make that show worthwhile. If you are going to make the trip to Portland for a swap meet, Let me suggest the SP&S historical society's swap meet. IIRC it is late this month. I have found more product that interests ME (YMMV) at better prices, lower admission price, and FREE parking, all around a better swap meet, other than no operating layout displays.
On the Positive side, my Sister, Brother-in-Law and Nephews were there(which is WHY I went) and I got to spend some time with them. One of the vendors was a logger, and we got to talking about that, and Chad gave me a tip on adjusting the chain on a troublesome saw I have, looking forward to trying his tip out. So even though I didn't buy anything, it WAS a worthwhile trip.
Doug
