What do you miss most not being able to actually go to York?

Great thread Jim!  Cheryl and I  certainly miss seeing you and your grandson criss-crossing the Orange Hall looking for that special something. As has been said - it is all about the people. We just lease the trains we pay for - most of them keep going long after us. I'd argue that there is not a train in the world that can compare to the memories accumulated during a weekend with good friends just talking, laughing and being in the moment.

And who would have thought that York TCA would be trailblazers in arrows pointing you down an aisle right? 

We will see you soon buddy. 

John

@Jim M Sr posted:

What do yo miss most not being able to actually go to York?

 

The joy of attending the York Meets by model railroad fans has been well documented over the years.  That joy flows through my veins all year long, especially as the Meet approaches.  When I enter The Vortex of Fantasy as I enter the Fairgrounds, it seems all the world's problems fade away.  It's time to have some fun!!

What have I missed during this year's York Meet abyss?

•  I miss finding and buying boat loads of trains that I don't need, but want.
• Lynley and I miss seeing our model train friends, some of whom have become like close family.
• I miss breaking bread with those friends, and getting to meet new friends every trip.
• I miss being around all the trains and visiting with all the vendors.
• I miss the big party atmosphere, several days of trains, friends, meals and laughter!
• I miss the chance to visit with my youngest daughter in Philly.
• I even miss the sad feeling when the Meet is over, like the first day back to work after summer or Christmas vacation.  But the anticipation of enjoying my purchases when I get home tempers that some.

I also miss the short drive home we had when we lived nearby.  The five hour flight back is less torturous because I pass the time reading OGR on the flight.  The flight going to York is like waiting for Christmas morning.

Jim, I also miss chatting with you at Vince's Trains booth!  And all the great deals he had.

But what I miss the most is the fantastic cuisine in the Orange Hall concession stands!    

Why blame the TCA? 

You might as well cancel your subscription to O Gauge Railroading, the Standard O Gauge model railroad magazine of the world, as well...!!!

REMEMBER: United We Stand, Divided We Fall.  Hey guys, we're all in this thing together.  Now is the time to support OGR, TCA, and any other organizations you belong to, as long as you're financially able to do so is understood. 

@Traindiesel posted:

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• I even miss the sad feeling when the Meet is over, like the first day back to work after summer or Christmas vacation.  But the anticipation of enjoying my purchases when I get home tempers that some.

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But what I miss the most is the fantastic cuisine in the Orange Hall concession stands!    

1) "Haaapppyyy Trails.... to ......You......... Until....... We ...... Meet....... Again....... " (if anyone reading wonders what the heck that's about, stay until the closing bell Saturday sometime )  (And I am young enough I have never heard that song except for at York! )

2) Crab cakes at the stand outside in the parking lot just outside Orange..... Obviously not as good as if you are in a sit down restaurant near an actual seafood town, but pretty darn good for "Fair Food".  A bit pricey for a simple lunch maybe, but I don't go to York to build up my bank account.

-Dave

@Lionelski posted:

The correct quote, Ted, is "Folla the yella arras in the floor"

No.  The correct quote is "The red zone is for loading and unloading..."        

George

If you can't find it at York, you don't need it. I've found stuff at York, that's just not anywhere else I've looked.

I miss seeing my "table neighbors." Ever since the leaders of the meet started assigning table-holders to the same tables each meet, the York experience has been much better than the days of random table assignments.  We look forward to seeing our neighbors every 6 months and visiting and sharing many laughs with them over the 3 days. 

I also miss my visit to the place where I feel closest to my Dad. He loved the York meet, and even now, over 19 years after he is gone, I still feel his presence at the York Fairgrounds. 

Your question hit hard.  For over 30 years I've followed Marty's layout, activities and posts.  Always wanting to meet him.  From everything I ever heard, he was one of the most gracious, friendly individuals you would ever want to meet.  At his last York attendance we were coming from opposite directions by Mike's exhibit.  His gold chain swinging wildly as he was rushing off somewhere.  Thinking I will bump into his another time............I let him pass.......I took the occasion for granted.

If you are even just thinking you want to say something to an individual or visit with someone, do it now.  We do not have a lock on this time here.

The expense!! Plane tickets, car rental, hotel, TCA membership, overpriced items in hall.  Attended just once, and crossed it off my list.

But that just me, OK.

I’ve only been to a couple of York meets, but what I liked was finding something totally random that I’ve never seen before and talking to the seller about it. Some folks are so passionate about collectibles and/or know so much history about railroading or the hobby and I’m glad they are willing to share their knowledge.

So, I’ll miss that. 

rrman, so sorry you feel this way about the worlds greatest and most fun train show in the world, I have been 7 times, total purchases $1500 at most and most of that was the Lionel offering of their first brass hybrid steam locomotive, $1200. I love the displays, the manufacturers, the OGR Booth, and Friends of the hobby. It’s a 14 hour drive from Clarksville, Tennessee and the scenery is simply Awesome. I go to learn, visit, take my mind off all the problems of the world and just enjoy the hobby of model trains..... I’m 76 soon, started playing with trains at age 6, so, 70 years of fun, learning, and great fellowship with friends in this hobby. Your welcome to come to Tennessee and check out our layouts. Happy Railroading Everyone 

Well, For me York has been a shell of its former self for years.  No Weaver, no Kline.  Really been a lack of good product the last few times I’ve been.  In fact it’s just not worth it for me to go.  In fact if it wasn’t for 611 in Strasburg last Oct I wouldn’t have gone to York at all.

i know this isn’t what the author wanted when he started this thread bit York isn’t York anymore.  Hasn’t been for many years.  What I miss.  York of the early 2000’s 

Gary, you are a terrible pessimist. Definition, "A person who tends to see the worst aspect of things"

@superwarp1 posted:

Well, For me York has been a shell of its former self for years.  No Weaver, no Kline.  Really been a lack of good product the last few times I’ve been.  In fact it’s just not worth it for me to go.  In fact if it wasn’t for 611 in Strasburg last Oct I wouldn’t have gone to York at all.

i know this isn’t what the author wanted when he started this thread bit York isn’t York anymore.  Hasn’t been for many years.  What I miss.  York of the early 2000’s 

I guess we all go for different reasons Gary. My reasons were expressed in an earlier post so I won't repeat them here.

Everyone has their own interests, yours seem to have been limited to Weaver and Kline. Me? I walk past, with barely a look, Purple boxes, Weaver, Kline, Atlas and most modern Lionel.

I focus on Pre and Post War of any manufacturer, supplies and scenery items and funnel cakes. I have found myself looking at the little (but growing) amount of Menards stuff there.

My trip is 255 miles each way, made enjoyable with the company of friends in the car. Prior to Covid 19 I've attended every York, spring and fall, since 1994 - only missed 2 in all that time (for unavoidable reasons). Get there Tuesday, leave Friday or Saturday. By that time my friends and I all say that we are "Yorked out" and are ready to go home. But, by Sunday, however,  we miss it and start the countdown to the next one.

It is not just that I want to get away, Mrs Lionelski and I travel a lot, all over this great USA and all over the world (well, until 2020 came along). York is unique. Shared with local friends and with old and new friends from all over the country. Mrs. Lionelski, I'm sure, enjoys the the break from me while I'm away.

All I can say is "6 months 2 1/2 weeks to April York"

@superwarp1 posted:

Well, For me York has been a shell of its former self for years.  No Weaver, no Kline.  Really been a lack of good product the last few times I’ve been.  In fact it’s just not worth it for me to go.  In fact if it wasn’t for 611 in Strasburg last Oct I wouldn’t have gone to York at all.

i know this isn’t what the author wanted when he started this thread bit York isn’t York anymore.  Hasn’t been for many years.  What I miss.  York of the early 2000’s

Nothing in life is like it was yesterday.  Sometimes that's bad, and sometimes it's good.  I'll enjoy York for what it is as long as possible.  To me, despite traveling 550 miles each way, there's nothing like taking a few days where I don't have to think about anything but trains.

And I certainly don't miss the circa 2000 prices for common items or those in poor condition.  I wish that some of the vendors would face reality about their prices, but if they want to drag it back and forth every year, that's up to them.