York Fall 2021?

@ftauss posted:

I found the York Meet webpage. They have a "primer" for new attendees but it looks like it was last updated in 2017. Does anyone know if there are plans to update it? Or if there are other sources of preparatory material?

I am hoping to go to it for the first time. Wife has already signed off and will not be coming. I want to have a good idea what to expect so I can plan my time.

Thanks, Frank

@Bruce Brown posted:

Clem Clement's tutorial on York is arguably the biblical primer. Here it is...

http://tcaetrain.org/2d-articl...Fall2019/index.shtml

Bruce hit the nail on the head!

Also, keep in mind the forum breakfast at Round The Click Diner on Thursday morning and the forum dinner gathering at Quaker Steak and Lube on Thursday evening.

Peter will start a breakfast thread a few weeks before the meet and while there usually isn't a dinner thread before the event folks start gathering around 5:30 and we pretty much take over the back part of the restaurant.  The wait staff will direct you to the back and just grab a seat.

-Greg

Here’s an abridged version.  You could run through all the buildings in a day.  Plan on another day if you actually want to see stuff and meet folks.  At Strasburg there is the PA State Railroad Museum, TCA Museum, Strasburg  Railroad and Choo Choo Barn   Another 2 days to do all that.  

@shorling posted:

...At Strasburg there is the PA State Railroad Museum, TCA Museum, Strasburg  Railroad and Choo Choo Barn...

If you are traveling any distance such that you're staying overnight, be sure to spend the extra time to see all of these.

In addition, the train club in Red Lion generally has an open house on Wednesday and Thursday evening, and it should not be missed.  (Be sure to check on all events due to possible changes due to covid)

@Bruce Brown posted:

Clem Clement's tutorial on York is arguably the biblical primer. Here it is...

http://tcaetrain.org/2d-articl...Fall2019/index.shtml

Great info, Thanks Bruce!

I very much would like to attend, (First Timer), gotta learn to quit choosing career over the love for the hobby. It's getting easier as I get older, coincidence?

Although Clem's primer runs about 45 pages, IMHO a couple of items are missing:

1) If you are married, have a joint checking account, and in the process of building a layout--buying trains, track, scenery, etc--please think of a budget amount you don't plan to exceed. (I would also say this if you were planning on a trip to Las Vegas.) Problem is that it would be easy to drop $10,000+ at York without much effort. I always told my wife what I would be spending, and got agreement from her in advance. Thus when I returned home she did not go into shock or demanded large quantities of gold and diamond jewelry in retaliation. (I am still happily married after 30 years and attended York for 25 of them)

2) If you are a senior, knowing where all the bathrooms are located is vital. The TCA's map you get in the mail has those highlighted.  As someone previously mentioned, bring single dollar bills for the bathroom attendants.

@Rail Dude posted:

Great info, Thanks Bruce!

I very much would like to attend, (First Timer), gotta learn to quit choosing career over the love for the hobby. It's getting easier as I get older, coincidence?

I attended my first York when I was 61.  Yes, way too old considering I live a 5-hour drive away.  I agree it’s easier the older we get.  Now I’m retired, recovering from surgery, and will be 65 this fall, hopefully in good shape to attend again.  You worked hard all these years, get to York and enjoy it.  None of us knows how much longer he will be able to do it.

@Bruce Brown posted:

Although Clem's primer runs about 45 pages, IMHO a couple of items are missing:

1) If you are married, have a joint checking account, and in the process of building a layout--buying trains, track, scenery, etc--please think of a budget amount you don't plan to exceed. (I would also say this if you were planning on a trip to Las Vegas.) Problem is that it would be easy to drop $10,000+ at York without much effort. I always told my wife what I would be spending, and got agreement from her in advance. Thus when I returned home she did not go into shock or demanded large quantities of gold and diamond jewelry in retaliation. (I am still happily married after 30 years and attended York for 25 of them)

2) If you are a senior, knowing where all the bathrooms are located is vital. The TCA's map you get in the mail has those highlighted.  As someone previously mentioned, bring single dollar bills for the bathroom attendants.

I’m with you on both items, Bruce.  I have been able to keep Mrs. B. happy for 37 years.  Also, bathrooms are vital.  I’m happy to tip those fellows in the rest rooms.  There is a similar arrangement in rest rooms at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh when we go to hear our daughter sing with the Mendelssohn Choir.

When trying to decide if you want to or can go to the York Meet, always remember:

Careers and school are important. Playing with and buying trains are importanter!

@Traindiesel posted:

When trying to decide if you want to or can go to the York Meet, always remember:

Careers and school are important. Playing with and buying trains are importanter!

And never leave vacation time on the table.  You earned it - use it!

@Traindiesel posted:

When trying to decide if you want to or can go to the York Meet, always remember:

Careers and school are important. Playing with and buying trains are importanter!

The want and can is definitely there, all that's left is the doing. I agree with that, "Trains are importanter".

So what's the best burger in York? 

@Rail Dude posted:

The want and can is definitely there, all that's left is the doing. I agree with that, "Trains are importanter".

So what's the best burger in York?

Excellent question!  I haven’t heard that asked before.

@Rail Dude posted:

So what's the best burger in York?

Since I haven't sampled every burger in York, I can't really say.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Excellent question!  I haven’t heard that asked before.

That's easy.  It's the burger you eat while hanging out with friends at York.  The place is irrelevant.

-Greg

Forget the burger. Get a cheesesteak and a Yuengling Lager!

@Rail Dude posted:

So what's the best burger in York?

I did a little “internet research” on some travel websites that my wife swears by.  Never been, but the The First Post Public House, White Rose Bar & Grill, and Iron Horse York all get good reviews on their burgers.

I’ve only ever just attended the meet and had a hot dog in the one hall for lunch.  I should probably branch out a little and “experience” York.

Pretty sure the hot dog in the Orange Hall doesn't qualify!

@Rail Dude posted:

The want and can is definitely there, all that's left is the doing. I agree with that, "Trains are importanter".

So what's the best burger in York?

A couple of years ago, when I was heading back home, I passed a Five Guys not too far from the fair grounds. If you’ve never been to one, it’s a kind of build your own fast food burger chain (pick the number of patties, the toppings, etc.). Everything is cooked to order and the fries are amazing (second only to Nathan’s fries from Coney Island!!!). One point of caution... the portions of fries are rather generous to say the least!!!

@Traindiesel posted:

When trying to decide if you want to or can go to the York Meet, always remember:

Careers and school are important. Playing with and buying trains are importanter!

With all due respect, Brian, it is clear from your statement that you OBVIOUSLY spent more time “playing with and buying trains” than attending to your school studies... had you been more studious, you would know that the statement should read - Playing with and buying trains is betterer...

@Apples55 posted:

A couple of years ago, when I was heading back home, I passed a Five Guys not too far from the fair grounds. If you’ve never been to one, it’s a kind of build your own fast food burger chain (pick the number of patties, the toppings, etc.). Everything is cooked to order and the fries are amazing (second only to Nathan’s fries from Coney Island!!!). One point of caution... the portions of fries are rather generous to say the least!!!

They have great burgers - probably the best around from a chain.  Unfortunately, the one on US 30 (not too far from the meet) closed at least a couple of years ago.  Per their website, there is still one on the east side of town, but it's nowhere near the fairgrounds.

Don't eat there before getting blood work for your physical, and be sure to have your cardiologist on speed dial.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Don't eat there before getting blood work for your physical, and be sure to have your cardiologist on speed dial.

Or if you have a peanut allergy.  They fry everything in peanut oil.

@Mallard4468 posted:

They have great burgers - probably the best around from a chain.  Unfortunately, the one on US 30 (not too far from the meet) closed at least a couple of years ago.  Per their website, there is still one on the east side of town, but it's nowhere near the fairgrounds.

Don't eat there before getting blood work for your physical, and be sure to have your cardiologist on speed dial.

I’ll just double up on my cholesterol medication for a while!  Yah, that aught o work!  😉

@Traindiesel posted:

Forget the burger. Get a cheesesteak and a Yuengling Lager!

And yet more sound advice from Traindiesel, Great Idea!

@Rail Dude posted:

And yet more sound advice from Traindiesel, Great Idea!

Traindiesel Brian is one of the leading experts on York for sure!!! 

@Greg Houser posted:

That's easy.  It's the burger you eat while hanging out with friends at York.  The place is irrelevant.

-Greg

Greg, There is much truth in what you say!!

@Apples55 posted:

With all due respect, Brian, it is clear from your statement that you OBVIOUSLY spent more time “playing with and buying trains” than attending to your school studies... had you been more studious, you would know that the statement should read - Playing with and buying trains is betterer...

Tomatoer, tomato-er.

@rplst8 posted:

I did a little “internet research” on some travel websites that my wife swears by.  Never been, but the The First Post Public House, White Rose Bar & Grill, and Iron Horse York all get good reviews on their burgers.

I’ve only ever just attended the meet and had a hot dog in the one hall for lunch.  I should probably branch out a little and “experience” York.

A burger is the last thing I would order at The First Post Public House.  Their seafood is much better, including cream of crab soup, crab cakes, etc.  When I go to York, the seafood is what I am after, when dining out! 

Ever since I discovered The First Post Public House in October 2015, I have been going there at least once per York trip, sometimes multiple visits.  It is a great place, with excellent food and great service!

NWL

@Apples55 posted:

A couple of years ago, when I was heading back home, I passed a Five Guys not too far from the fair grounds. If you’ve never been to one, it’s a kind of build your own fast food burger chain (pick the number of patties, the toppings, etc.). Everything is cooked to order and the fries are amazing (second only to Nathan’s fries from Coney Island!!!). One point of caution... the portions of fries are rather generous to say the least!!!

I try not to make regular visits to Five Guys (there's one a couple of miles from my home), but it is not because I don't like their burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc., but because I like them too much. Fortunately, my annual checkup with my cardiologist just a few weeks ago turned out good, so I may pay Five Guys a visit this coming week.

Another favorite of mine (and there is one at York on 30, not far from the fairgrounds) is Mission BBQ. In fact, my first visit to a Mission BBQ was at York, and I lobbied the chain hard on Facebook and other sites for a couple of years to get one built in the Youngstown, OH, area. It worked, and they opened here, just a couple of miles from home and directly across the street from the Chick-fil-A where my wife works. They appear to be doing quite well.

Yes, Mission Barbecue is outstanding. And a portion of the drink proceeds goes to Wounded Warriors. At least the store we had visited in Maryland did.

@Traindiesel posted:

Yes, Mission Barbecue is outstanding. And a portion of the drink proceeds goes to Wounded Warriors. At least the store we had visited in Maryland did.

They also stand and sing the National Anthem every day at Noon.

Looks like I'll have no problem finding good eats in York, thanks guys. We've got a Five Guys and a Mission BBQ here and I enjoy them both. We often try to be at the Mission BBQ at noon to participate in the National Anthem, always Outstanding.

Would be very interested in "York only" restaurants or Pennsylvania favorites, as the Cheesesteak and Lager sound great. I may try The First Post Public House, White Rose Bar & Grill, and/or Iron Horse York as @rplst8 suggested for a bit of local.

@Rail Dude posted:

Looks like I'll have no problem finding good eats in York, thanks guys. We've got a Five Guys and a Mission BBQ here and I enjoy them both. We often try to be at the Mission BBQ at noon to participate in the National Anthem, always Outstanding.

Would be very interested in "York only" restaurants or Pennsylvania favorites, as the Cheesesteak and Lager sound great. I may try The First Post Public House, White Rose Bar & Grill, and/or Iron Horse York as @rplst8 suggested for a bit of local.

I also try to go local whenever possible - I avoid chains that I can get at home or anywhere.  Go to White Rose if you can - not far from the fairgrounds.  Diagonally across the corner from White Rose is a brewpub with food - took a long time when we were there, but it was good.  There is also a good Mexican place on US 30 between the fairgrounds and route 83, near where 5 guys used to be - good variety, nice portions.  If you visit the Red Lion club (highly recommended), Golden Crust pizza is around the corner - great pizza and about 40 beers on tap.

I need to look into the Iron Horse.

Just hoping that these places are still in business and fully operational in October...

York news now on the TCA website:

• "On Tuesday evening, Eastern Division will sponsor a Welcome Party.  Beer, wine, and finger food will be provided. Door prizes will also be given out.  The location has yet to be determined.
• At the Welcome Party there will be a Lionel Vision Line Big Boy locomotive that will be given away. Tickets are $5 each and can be ordered through the Registration Form.
• You can sign up for each event and order tickets on the registration form in the Headquarters News.
• On Friday Night, October 22nd there will be the FREE Ice Cream Social.
• On Saturday Morning there will be FREE Donuts and Coffee.

If you have not registered yet, REGISTER NOW!  Updated Registration Forms will be mailed out by July 15th. Online Registration will be available on June 25th at www.yorkregistration.org.  The call center will be operational on July 14th."

Jim

Dan Danielson -
President's Message
To maintain your good health and safety, these changes include:

There may be fewer entrance/exit points to some Halls
Masks recommended in the Halls
Social Distancing Guidelines will be in effect
The Yellow Hall will become a Member & Dealer Hall
Due to Social Distancing Guidelines, your table(s) may not be where it was previously located
As National, State and local requirements continue to change, check the Eastern Division website, www.easternTCA.com for the latest updates to Meet guidelines. Even if the Governor lifts all COVID-19 restrictions, we will use the revised Hall plans for this Meet.

Several exciting Early Bird events will take place on the Fairgrounds beginning Monday, October 18. Plan to come to York early for:

Monday Night at the Movies

Enjoy a special showing of Under Siege 2 (Rated R), starring Steven Segal. The movie begins at 7:00 pm in the Blue Hall. Popcorn and snacks will be complementary. Limited seating. Order your FREE ticket(s) on your Meet Registration Card. This event is sponsored by Toy Trains & Collectibles of Manassas, VA.

National Toy Train Museum & National Toy Train Library Deaccession Sale

Beginning Tuesday, October 19 the Museum and Library will be offering van-loads of great train items deaccessioned from TCA’s inventory. The sale starts at 12:00 noon in the Yellow Hall. The sale will continue Wednesday through Saturday during Set up and Meet hours.

Welcome Back to the York Meet

Tuesday night from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm enjoy meeting your TCA friends from around the country at a Welcome Party complete with beer and wine! Your first glass of beer or wine is FREE, as well as soda and water. A Cash Bar will also be available. Finger foods will be complementary. “Welcome Back to the York Meet” location is yet to be determined. Order your $5 ticket(s) on your Meet Registration Card to enter the drawing for the Lionel VisionLine Big Boy. Two (2) tickets per member, please. This event is sponsored by Heartland Hobby Wholesale and MPC Products.

As you plan your trip to York, please consider the following:
Reconfirm your hotel/motel reservation. Many lodging facilities canceled the reservations you made for April 2020
Your hotel/motel may not be serving breakfast, but rather offering a ‘Grab and Go’ bag
Many restaurants are on restricted capacity. Plan your meals – make reservations
Car rentals are unavailable in many locations – reserve early.
I hope you are as excited as we are to be going back to the York Meet. Follow the points in this letter…it will help your York Meet Team and make your visit to the Meet one to remember.
Be safe, and I will see you in October 2021.

Dan Danielson, 65-1226
President, Eastern Division-TCA
703 743-2152

The word about reconfirming your reservations is a good one.......I had switched my Hampton Inn reservation from April to October early on when the show cancellation for this April was announced......someone at Hampton Inn in Shrewsbury decided to cancel the April ones and the ones that had already been switched to this October.....

I had to call and ask them what was up and they realized their error......

Peter

Masks are recommended but not required.

Neal Jeter

The rules they put up likely reflect what was in place when they wrote those messages. I suspect when York happens that about the only thing they might recommend is those who haven't been vaccinated wear a mask , that is what is typical around here now that they lifted all the restrictions.  Yes things could change, if a new variant shows up that makes vaccines ineffective, which is always a possibility, all we can do is hope the current trend continues.

@bigkid posted:

The rules they put up likely reflect what was in place when they wrote those messages. I suspect when York happens that about the only thing they might recommend is those who haven't been vaccinated wear a mask , that is what is typical around here now that they lifted all the restrictions.  Yes things could change, if a new variant shows up that makes vaccines ineffective, which is always a possibility, all we can do is hope the current trend continues.

When my car needs fixing I heed the advice of mechanics, when I have a water leak it's a plumber I call, taxes - an accountant, you get the drift.  Therefore, when it comes to science and medical topics it's scientists and medical doctors who have my ear.   Any so called advice coming from unqualified individuals goes in one ear and out the other.  Your mileage may vary.

-Greg

@Greg Houser posted:

When my car needs fixing I heed the advice of mechanics, when I have a water leak it's a plumber I call, taxes - an accountant, you get the drift.  Therefore, when it comes to science and medical topics it's scientists and medical doctors who have my ear.   Any so called advice coming from unqualified individuals goes in one ear and out the other.  Your mileage may vary.

-Greg

That would be the infotainment actors (cable news hosts).  There is a reason they are in the same union (SAG/AFTRA).

John

As I see it, it's really pretty simple: If the Commonwealth of PA has restrictions in place that the TCA-ED and Expo Center must adhere to (pretty unlikely for October at this point), you follow those restrictions. If there are no restrictions and you are fully vaccinated (I am), you go about visiting the meet as you normally would. If you have chosen not to be vaccinated, you can either wear a mask (nothing wrong with that if it makes you feel comfortable), or don't wear a mask/don't social distance/etc. and take your chances. All life is a gamble, and it is never risk-free. At my advanced age, I plan to do my best to live my remaining years as free, healthy, and happy as I can possibly make them. I hope to see you all at York!

Well put, Allan!  My thoughts exactly as a vaccinated Pennsylvania resident.

@Greg Houser posted:

When my car needs fixing I heed the advice of mechanics, when I have a water leak it's a plumber I call, taxes - an accountant, you get the drift.  Therefore, when it comes to science and medical topics it's scientists and medical doctors who have my ear.   Any so called advice coming from unqualified individuals goes in one ear and out the other.  Your mileage may vary.

-Greg

What advice did I give? I didn't give medical advice, I simply commented on why the folks running York still had the advice for masks and distancing, that's all.