WGHS is coming to the Expo Center in Oaks, PA Jan. 12 and 13. I'm not going, but I'm looking forward to hearing about your visit if you go. I'm too old for this madhouse.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I almost got suckered again. By suckered, I mean like the Greenburg show in Oaks, going even though I "knew" ahead of time there would be nothing there for me. Plus I went to one years ago and the only thing I found neat was that I could buy beer at the show (of course I did). 
Once I saw the ticket price for this year's show, $12.95 or $14.95 depending on the day, I said "nope" and moved on. I mean c'mon, who do they think they are, the Big E or York? Sheesh. 
-Greg
The TMCC gang exhibited there when they had the first one. What a nightmare. This was just after the place was opened. Traffic getting in to the venue was backed up to the point that they shut down RT 422. People were lined up trying to use the bathroom. It was unbelievable.
I'm planning to go to the Hamburg Pa. train meet, Jan 27th.
Fyi for all those going to this show, GET THERE EARLY! Parking is limited. The "Dump" hires guards to protect their parking spots for their customers and will tow people out of their parking lot.
I know it's ancient history now, but that first show situation is why I've never attended one of these.
I miss the Fort Washington Expo Center. A lot. 
-Dave
Dave45681 posted:I know it's ancient history now, but that first show situation is why I've never attended one of these.
I miss the Fort Washington Expo Center. A lot.
-Dave
And Pennsauken, NJ. I went to a lot of good shows between those two venues.
Well, the major plus for the show they had here years ago was the many nice modular layouts. If you are going, get there an hour before the doors open with something to read. Go for the layouts. There is very little to buy besides train toys for kids. Another thing you'll learn is what fun strollers can be at train shows...och!
Went to the WGH Chicago this morning with my dad, and we had a good time. Lots of cool modular layouts on display, and picked up a few minor items. Keep in mind folks this is an all scale Train show so don't expect O-gauge O-rama. It's a good place for kids and honestly $11 well spent for me.
I will be there with the Standard Gauge Modular Association SGMA. We will be operating a very large standard gauge layout,
The North Penn O-Gaugers Group will be there with a large modular layout as well. Come and enjoy!
Glenn
Dave45681 posted:I know it's ancient history now, but that first show situation is why I've never attended one of these.
I miss the Fort Washington Expo Center. A lot.
-Dave
Yea, I live a mile from the old Fort Washington show.
I was going to go just to see the modular layouts, but they are forecasting some snow for the weekend. We shall see. They have been running a 5"x 5" color ad for it every day in our major Philadelphia newspaper.
If I decide to go, I will pay for, and print, my ticket on-line. That will save waiting in a very long line.
I went to the WGH show in Edison last March. Not a bad way to spend a day, but Oaks is a long way off, and the traffic on the ride home is just too much for my tastes. Spend more time in the car, than I do at the show.
I might try Hamburg later this month, just because I have never been to it, and because I can combine it with other places up there that I enjoy. Makes more of a day of it.
When you and your family are done at the show, come on over to Merchantville, NJ for the Cherry Valley Model Railroad Open house- 7 E. Maple Ave.-Grace Episcopal Church-Merchantville NJ 08109. Sat/Sun 12 Noon to 3 PM. Donations gladly accepted!!
30' X 80' O Scale 2 Rail layout featuring PRR caternary and 30TH Street Station.
Thank you. John P.Dunn Sr. President CVMRR 609-432-2871 jdunn8888@comcast.net
I've been to the Cherry Valley Model railroad. It's worth seeing, if only to view the catenary system.
The TCA can only envy the paid attendance these shows generate.
The LCCA will be in the LIONEL booth again this weekend. Stop by and say Hi to Sal and Dave and talk trains and reup your memberships to receive the Lionel Polar Express car made just for the LCCA..Bob
Drop by and say hi, the North Penn O-Gaugers will have our modular display at Oaks. There will be something like 17 operating layouts, so you'll get to see a lot of variety.
They must be having less than ideal ticket sales as I received an email with a code to receive FOUR dollars off the ticket price. The first email a few weeks ago and the online listed code is only good for two dollars off. I may try to swing by on Saturday as to see the modular layouts since I know folks in three of the groups.
It's E44 and good until the 11th for anyone who has yet to purchase tickets and is not aware of the discount.
-Greg
Joe Hohmann posted:Well, the major plus for the show they had here years ago was the many nice modular layouts. If you are going, get there an hour before the doors open with something to read. Go for the layouts. There is very little to buy besides train toys for kids. Another thing you'll learn is what fun strollers can be at train shows...och!
There were scale legacy Challengers and at least one Big Boy for sale at the show last week, some sets of 21" passenger cars (do they ALL have the K-Line style holes in the floor???), a lot of freight cars, MTH power and rolling stock, and other items. Well attended for a 50 degree day in January.
BNSF-Matt posted:Went to the WGH Chicago this morning with my dad, and we had a good time. Lots of cool modular layouts on display, and picked up a few minor items. Keep in mind folks this is an all scale Train show so don't expect O-gauge O-rama. It's a good place for kids and honestly $11 well spent for me.
As you say, a family oriented event with a lot of items to choose from if you came to purchase something. We saw an HO layout with 6 or 7 engines pulling what looked to be well over a hundred scale coal cars without a derailment.
WaynePa posted:The TMCC gang exhibited there when they had the first one. What a nightmare. This was just after the place was opened. Traffic getting in to the venue was backed up to the point that they shut down RT 422. People were lined up trying to use the bathroom. It was unbelievable.
That was a few years ago if I remember correctly. My wife and I sat on the road to it in traffic for one and a half hours only to get to the exit (can see the building) to find they had closed the exits because of traffic. BAM! Last time I ever tried to go. We went on down the road and came back home to Southern New Jersey and said never again. Actually was thinking of trying again this year, maybe! Someone told me the reason it was like that years ago was because they scheduled a gun show at the same time. REALLY? Who was the rocket genius that would do that? It is all about the money. Well they sure did not get mine then or for several years afterwards.
I am attending Saturday and purchased my ticket on-line in advance. $4 off? Hmmm...my discount was $2.
Rick
I have heard that this show is the holy trail of O Gauge train shows.
But I think I will wait and go to the York train show this April. Seeing 2000+ tables of primarily O and S gauge items is enough for me.
North Penn S Gaugers will be at the Oaks, Worlds Greatest Train show. I heard rumors that major manufacturers will be there as well.
aussteve posted:I have heard that this show is the holy trail of O Gauge train shows.
But I think I will wait and go to the York train show this April. Seeing 2000+ tables of primarily O and S gauge items is enough for me.
Steve - I see you're in Texas. I'll just state this. York has an entire forum dedicated to it. The WGH show has this thread with what is now 25 replies. Definitely save your money for York! 
-Greg
CurtisH posted:WaynePa posted:The TMCC gang exhibited there when they had the first one. What a nightmare. This was just after the place was opened. Traffic getting in to the venue was backed up to the point that they shut down RT 422. People were lined up trying to use the bathroom. It was unbelievable.
Actually was thinking of trying again this year, maybe! Someone told me the reason it was like that years ago was because they scheduled a gun show at the same time.
This time they are sharing space (and parking lot) with a Pet Expo. Certainly not as huge as the gun show, which I've attended 6 times. Since both open at 10, I'll arrive by 9 with a book. Look for a metallic tan Outback with license 4 LEWES, and hop in to chat. Get a ticket on-line.
aussteve posted:I have heard that this show is the holy trail of O Gauge train shows.
More like a zillion people out to kill some time with their kids during a winter weekend. However, the modular layouts are worth seeing. It can NOT be compared to York, or even Allentown.
Joe Hohmann posted:CurtisH posted:WaynePa posted:The TMCC gang exhibited there when they had the first one. What a nightmare. This was just after the place was opened. Traffic getting in to the venue was backed up to the point that they shut down RT 422. People were lined up trying to use the bathroom. It was unbelievable.
Actually was thinking of trying again this year, maybe! Someone told me the reason it was like that years ago was because they scheduled a gun show at the same time.
This time they are sharing space (and parking lot) with a Pet Expo. Certainly not as huge as the gun show, which I've attended 6 times. Since both open at 10, I'll arrive by 9 with a book. Look for a metallic tan Outback with license 4 LEWES, and hop in to chat. Get a ticket on-line.
Tailgate party at Joe's van!
-Greg
Different train shows for different folks. WGH is not my cup of tea..........
Aside from a different focus, I recall going to something like "East Coast Large Scale Train and Hobby Show" back in the Fort Washington days. (I am pretty certain I don't have the name right, but it was something along those lines - I may have seen an ad over the last few years that this show might still happen, but maybe even at the York County Fairgrounds)
It was a decent display of lots of manufacturers, and I seem to recall it crossed over into some RC stuff as well. Lionel might have been there (this was probably 1999 or so). I seem to recall seeing prototypes for the 15" NYC Passenger set that were made to go with the PA-1 on the cover of the "Classic II" catalog for '97.
I'd imagine the WGH Show to be something more like that than a buyer's meet like York or Allentown.
-Dave
If I had known about Joe's tailgate party I would certainly have been tempted.
Tailgating seems like a great thing to do on Thurs msorning at York.
I have been there several times it was at oaks convention center. The first time turned 422 into a parking lot. I live in the area and know the short cuts to get around the problem at the first show.
The others I have been to at Oaks was great, lots of layouts to see which is the main reason I go. It's not a buying show for people already in The O gauge hobby. I'll be there Saturday to check out the layouts and the vendors, you never know what you may find. What a way to spend a nice winters day looking at trains.
Dave
aussteve posted:If I had known about Joe's tailgate party I would certainly have been tempted.
Nothing like cold coffee and stale Christmas cookies.
Greg Houser posted:I almost got suckered again. Once I saw the ticket price for this year's show, $12.95 or $14.95 depending on the day, I said "nope" and moved on. I mean c'mon, who do they think they are, the Big E or York? Sheesh.
-Greg
Exactly, Greg! Its $15 at the door, if I recall correctly. No way I am paying that for that show, given all of the area's traffic and congestion. No wonder their pre-sales are apparently less than expected.
RadioRon posted:Greg Houser posted:I almost got suckered again. Once I saw the ticket price for this year's show, $12.95 or $14.95 depending on the day, I said "nope" and moved on. I mean c'mon, who do they think they are, the Big E or York? Sheesh.
-Greg
Exactly, Greg! Its $15 at the door, if I recall correctly. No way I am paying that for that show, given all of the area's traffic and congestion. No wonder their pre-sales are apparently less than expected.
Well, go early at 8:30-9 to avoid traffic and parking problems...also the possible afternoon snow forecast. What are you doing Saturday morning if you stay home? How do you know about their pre-sales?
I'm hearing a lot of crying and complaining, but understand that:
1) There will be train manufacturers there
2) Traffic won't be as bad, because the first Oaks show had a gun show at the same time and gun shows are/were packed. This time it is a pet show.
3) Plenty of dealers and displays - some of which are huge. Have you seen the Reading Historical Society's? And with World's Greatest, there are usually other type hobbies as well.
Joe Hohmann posted:RadioRon posted:Greg Houser posted:I almost got suckered again. Once I saw the ticket price for this year's show, $12.95 or $14.95 depending on the day, I said "nope" and moved on. I mean c'mon, who do they think they are, the Big E or York? Sheesh.
-Greg
Exactly, Greg! Its $15 at the door, if I recall correctly. No way I am paying that for that show, given all of the area's traffic and congestion. No wonder their pre-sales are apparently less than expected.
Well, go early at 8:30-9 to avoid traffic and parking problems...also the possible afternoon snow forecast. What are you doing Saturday morning if you stay home? How do you know about their pre-sales?
Joe - I don't know pre-sales are low. That's the deduction I arrived at as Tuesday I received another email with a discount code good for $4 off admission. This was after the original email with the code and online add which advertised $2 off admission. Usually, one doesn't make additional discounts unless sales are off, especially this close to a show. I could be wrong, it's just every time I've been to events where this has occurred it seemed attendance was off. Most of time it's with concerts. I'll "kinda" like a band but not enough to pay for a few tickets and to travel to a show but then 3-5 days before I'll get a 2 for 1 offer which sways my decision to attend.
Again, for those who would like it, the code is E44.
-Greg
People just love to complain about everything. The traffic problem was one show only, the first one.
Oh! My price is too high, give me a break, $15 for a day out is cheap.
Get there an hour early to avoid traffic and parking problems, another fantasy, there will be no problems if you go at opening or after.
order your ticket online and get a reduced price, check a map or gps if you must not go by 422. There are short cuts.
GO THERE AND HAVE FUN, THATS WHAT I PLAN.
Dave
Francine posted:I'm hearing a lot of crying and complaining, but understand that:
1) There will be train manufacturers there
2) Traffic won't be as bad, because the first Oaks show had a gun show at the same time and gun shows are/were packed. This time it is a pet show.
3) Plenty of dealers and displays - some of which are huge. Have you seen the Reading Historical Society's? And with World's Greatest, there are usually other type hobbies as well.
I was going to ask about that as I heard an ad on the radio for the Pet Show (and then saw a billboard on the Turnpike this morning as well).
General consensus would be it won't be too crazy with Pets and Trains simultaneously?
-Dave
