York Train Meet, what the story?

First, you won't get attendance numbers for some time and they will come from the Estern Division, TCA, that hosts this event.

Early yet for a lot of your questions, but I will say the Forum event last evening at Ruby Tuesday's was a big success. I did see a lot of good bargains yesterday though.

Look here:

https://ogrforum.com/d...rum/2415514336485367

The only problem with Ruby Tuesdays was the food service, it was SLOOOOOW and many folks, including me, got cold food.

Best deal was the Lionel Ferris Wheel.  I have been looking for this for about 5 months.  Missed Alex's when he was selling his at a great price (did get the pirate ship from him though)  Keep missing out on them on EB when the price goes north of 300.  Saw 2 in the orange hall 325 and 275 so still more than I wanted to pay.  Came across one in the purple hall still in shipping box had been on display but never on a layout.  Price 170 but was able to negotiate down to 125.  That made my trip.  

On the secret side, park behind the Orange hall where all the dealers park the moving trucks.  Plenty of spots in the grass and when the hall opens up no waiting in the line to get in.  Just use one of the back doors.  Also very easy to make trips in and out of the Orange hall.   

Truthfully, I didn't realize that non-dealers could come and go through those entrances, never thought about it.  I guess after the hall opens, it's just another door.

We park there so we can bring stuff in and out.

gunrunnerjohn, It was good to meet you at York.

Watson

The same here, I met a number of forum folks that I had not previously met, a very enjoyable trip.

1st time here got some cool cheap light beacons and lamps 10 to 15dollars, mth 6 car subway set 259 amtrak railking starter i love 350, spookytown cave 18 and i love the 700 buck cyclone rollercoaster but had to pass.  Organizers GREAT allowed me to take gf and my autisc 

adult son as guest only charged me 20 dollar admission! I love york everyone very nice

I glad everyone had a nice time, I wish  I could go but work and family come first.

Bryan, thanks for the tip about the back door at the Orange hall.

dtfvmd, it nice that they are family friend and allowed your son and gf for a reasonable price.

John, that is why I make a point to eat at the local or non national chain restaurant, because of the service and other factors. Where other local restaurant just as mobbed because of the crowds?

Confused about entry price into the York event.  Do you have to be a member of one of the organization and also pay an entry fee? Can someone clarify that for me please.

Correct, you have to be a TCA member, which if $50/yr, and you have to pay $12 per-registration by mail, or I believe around $20 at the door.  The meet is an Eastern Division event, not a National TCA event, so they charge for the meet separate from your dues.

The reason for going to Ruby Tuesday's was that was were the OGR event was hosted.  It wouldn't be my choice if I was just going out to dinner.

"The reason for going to Ruby Tuesday's was that was were the OGR event was hosted.  It wouldn't be my choice if I was just going out to dinner."

I believe most of us went strictly for the social aspects of this event. On that count alone, it was a wonderful evening. The service was terrible and my guess is we will not be back there again.

Your guess is absolutely correct!

One big problem was we got so distracted by the lousy service and delays that I didn't see many of the people I wanted to see at the event, that was my major disappointment.

Unfortunately unless the restaurant, any restaurant knows what they are getting into ahead of time, and properly prepares it won't be any better anywhere else. 

I've hear Quaker State was an option. I can see the same happening there when they have their regular crowd and on top of that 100+ OGR members. I hate to say this but maybe the informal get together days have ended and its time for as someone else said a banquet hall type setting. 

Unless the restaurant is truly willing to devote a dedicate staff both in the dining room and the kitchen it will be like this. The event only gets bigger every year, which speaks volumes to the OGR family, and we could quickly out grow another chain restaurant.

Ill ill be curious to see what the OGR guys come up with. I appreciate the time and effort they put into this great event.  

Well the restaurant was aware of the get together or was supposed to be. Maybe someone dropped the ball. No problems last October. Meal came eventually and was very good. prob my last York for a while. Just wasn't worth the time.

Yes they were and didn't prepare properly. They underestimated us and their regular crowd. It will most likely happen anywhere where there is us and a regular crowd unless they take some measure to prevent it. 

Intrust the OGR guys have a plan. Even if it is another chain, I'm sure they'll make sure they know what they'll be in for. 

Marty

100 plus, wow I had no idea that many of you all were meeting together. It's no wonder the impact all at once hitting any restaurant.

"I hate to say this but maybe the informal get together days have ended and its time for as someone else said a banquet hall type setting."

I think you might be correct on this statement Marty.

I certainly hope to meet a bunch of you guys/gals at York .

Next year it's the TOP of my bucket list.

Larry

It should be noted that during York week OGR is not the only evening gathering. There are a fair number of other cliques gathering at restaurants. Some of those places are absolutely packed. I don't see how any establishment can effectively handle a sudden surge in patrons. They only employ a set amount of trained help so expanding the coverage for only a few nights per year may be a daunting task.

Thanks John for the clarification on both issues.

I have to agree with Larry Sr. maybe some serious consideration  should be given to a banquet hall.

"One big problem was we got so distracted by the lousy service and delays that I didn't see many of the people I wanted to see at the event, that was my major disappointment." GRJ

This type of gathering similar a family reunion. It is hard enough to see and talk to every you want to talk. Then you have the new folks that want to say hello and get your advise on something. I think a banquet hall setting might be better in the long run. With a hello my name is with your name, call sign and a picture of your avatar. With a brief introduction from O Gauge Forum Leadership. And maybe a brief answer and question type forum with the members. Have the table set up actual like the topic set in this forum. Have the forum guru in each topic sit one of those tables. This way the membership can have a chance to talk those guru.

Some of us remember the AOL online gang get together at a banquet hall a couple blocks from the York fairgrounds. It got to be a pretty large gathering of around a hundred or more folks with some of the train manufacturing execs attending. Food and beer was served which was paid for by admission tickets. It was quite an undertaking for the guys that put it on.

    Bill T.

My wife and I got to RT early and they thought there was going to be 50 people coming around 7pm.  I tried to insist there would be more people, and earlier, but they weren't listening.  Feel bad for those who arrived later in the evening as the few staff were completely overwhelmed.  

Folks,

I came just on Thursday this year, took the day off from work.

Started off with a leisurely 10am brunch at the Lyndon Diner with Brian and Lynley, and Martye and his brother Paul.

The weather was cold and windy, glad I had my jacket.

Had a great time shopping and visiting with friends. Got a good deal on a Railking Subway set from Trainworld and a Legacy B&O Shark set from Nassau. Picked up 13 Trainshelves and saved on the shipping. I enjoyed looking at the the two modular layouts, one in the White Hall, the other in the Orange Hall. Visited MTH and picked up the new catalog, and asked Rich Foster a few questions. Then down to Lionel and they demonstrated the Lion Chief Plus remote for me. I asked Howard Hitchcock at Lionel a few questions, complained about the smoke units, and requested NFL cars which he said were on his radar.

York time is faster than regular time, it was 6:15 (wish closing time was still 7 not 6:30) before I knew it so I went to Tuesdays and had a nice dinner with Brian and Lynley, Steve, Scott, and Chuck later...we were the last to leave, closed it down.

I had a really really great day, love the TCA and York meet, and all my train friends.

Our week started with a Phillies/Marlins game in Philly on Tuesday night.  A Phillies 7-3 victory was a great way to start off York Week!

Arrived in York late afternoon Wednesday.  After checking into the hotel I headed over to the DCS meeting at the Wyndham.  It's always fun hearing the latest DCS news and seeing forum friends.  After the meeting went to the Round The Clock Diner for dessert with several forum members.  A fun way to wind down the first day!

Thursday my wife and I started off with breakfast at the Lyndon Diner with Craig, Marty E and his brother Paul.  After the halls opened it was like walking into fantasyland!  I didn't, as usual, have anything I planned on buying as most everything I buy at York always finds me.  First, I found out that MTH is reissuing the Norfolk Southern Executive Train F7 set with matching passenger cars AND the Strasburg wood sided passenger cars!  Two items I had been lobbying for.  Then, continuing through the Orange Hall, almost as if it was meant to be, I discovered and purchased the Lionel Legacy Burlington Zephyr I had recently been turned on to at Nassau Hobbies booth.  After wandering into Vince's Trains booth, Vince informed me he had a K-Line California Zephyr ten car set of 21" passenger cars.  BOOM! SOLD!  I purchased both Zephyr train sets for such ridiculously low prices, I'm hoping I don't go to jail!  It was also a pleasure to see Bear Owen at the Meet, always such a gracious gentleman.  After the halls closed my wife and I headed over to the "Thursday at Tuesday's" event and had a great time dining with Craig, Paul Edgar, Steve Tapper and Scott Smith (with hat), and later joined by Chuck (Alentown) as we closed down the place waiting for Locolawyer.  It was great seeing and visiting with so many forum people!

Friday started with a quick breakfast at the hotel then visiting many of the halls and buying some more goodies for the layout.  Also saw my cousin while taking a break in the Orange Hall before we both went about our hunting.  Checked out the really nice layout displays and the OGR Forum Grandstand meeting.  After the halls closed we had a nice dinner at Logan's with Vince, Peggy and little Vinny, Chuck (Trainpop) and Jim Mason of Vince's Trains and Jeff from J.D.S. Enterprises.  It was a long day and I slept really well that night!

Saturday was left to check out anything I missed along with viewing the manufacturer displays while it wasn't as crowded.  It seemed to me that there was a larger Saturday crowd than in the past, at least in the areas we went.  My wife didn't think so, but it is what it is.  I couldn't leave without visiting Vince's one more time and of course, got a couple of more great deals.  After finally leaving the Meet we stopped at Latucca's for lunch and had the best cheesesteak in the country.  And I've had them everywhere.  While there we saw Alex & Dina, Rich & Theresa Redmond and Andre Garcia, all from the Korber booth stop in to eat.  After saying goodbyes we headed home for a few minutes to drop off our purchases then headed out to the Phillies/Braves game.

While unloading our stuff at home I noticed I left a small bag at the hotel.  Luckily the housekeeping staff secured it and held it for me until Sunday.  Sunday morning we headed back to York to pick up the bag, had lunch and then headed to Philly for my Granddaughter's birthday party.  

Today, I am really tired!

^^^ Now that's what York should be like!

The Sheraton Four Points as I mentioned in this thread.  When I went back I made sure to take care of the housekeeper for her honesty.