Model Train Journal

All,

I just arrived home after having attended all 3 days of this April's TCA Eastern Division meet at York, PA. All told, this makes my 33rd show. I've seen some changes, but this meet seemed to stick out in my mind.

For whatever reason, fewer of the big names were in attendance (Lionel, Atlas). Other influences of varying degree were absent as well, although OGR did host their grandstand meeting.

My observations:

• Orange and Purple Halls (the dealer halls) were noticeably more sparsely populated. There were lots of empty spots in Orange Hall. Same for Purple, although tables were spaced further apart (larger aisles).
• The member halls (Blue/Silver, Red, White) were strong - they were full except for the occasional empty table. There was little evidence of shrinkage there.
• Business seemed good, and I certainly did my part. Bargains were there for the taking and people were walking out of the buildings carrying lots of trains and accessories. I found lots of things to buy. Of course, it was nothing like the mob scenes of the early 2000's, but a member in the Blue Hall was rumored to have sold $60,000 worth of trains (a rare collection) yesterday.
• I noticed more women walking around and participating in the purchase of trains. Usually the majority of women in attendance at York are being dragged by their husbands. These ladies seemed to be active and enthusiastic participants. I also noted the increased presence of young men (teens and older). Both are good signs for the hobby as far as I'm concerned.

York is alive and well.

George

George said:

I noticed more women walking around and participating in the purchase of trains

Some of them are our daughters and/or nieces. I've seen the phenomenon at local shop. They were exposed to the trains by association of a parent or other closer relative and they either got the bug or they are involved out of nostalgia. Either way works for me

chuck wrote:George said:

I noticed more women walking around and participating in the purchase of trains

Some of them are our daughters and/or nieces. I've seen the phenomenon at local shop. They were exposed to the trains by association of a parent or other closer relative and they either got the bug or they are involved out of nostalgia. Either way works for me

I think that is awesome!!!

George

I would agree, George, I definitely noticed more young guys walking around in the member halls. Didn’t notice if/what they were buying. I wonder if they’ve been there for awhile, just didn’t notice them due to the vast number of old guys (like me), whose numbers are in decline. Whichever, it looked promising.

As to the dealer halls, to be honest, I didn’t really notice the absence of some of the manufacturers. I don’t have much interest in new production, so I have rarely, if ever, visited their booths. I have checked in with MTH a number of times while they were churning out their repro tinplate, but now that that is in the rear view, I probably won’t have much reason to visit there either.

Regardless, it’s still all fun. I think the gnashing of teeth that takes place on OGR every six months with regards to York is greatly misplaced. It’s still the greatest meet, ever.

Paul

Fresh blood is a good thing.

Paul,

I agree. York, even the April session, is vastly superior to the Allentown meets or any of Greenberg shows.

George

York is fine. Even if all the vendors pulled out, the member halls will survive.

I did notice on Thursday at 3pm I was the only person in Grybowski's booth. Pretty unheard of. Friday seemed to pick up but again April is always lighter than October. I had a great time and am already looking forward to the fall.

As far as tinplate, I believe MTH will be making some in the future. At the TCA Museum (I watched the video) Mike Wolf said that as soon as they clear their inventory of Lionel Corporation stuff, they will start some MTH Tinplate Traditions manufacturing. I sensed he would be cautious as tinplate is receding from the hobby's attention due to the mortality of those who lived through the 1920s-1930s, and now their children (us guys in our seventh, eighth and ninth decades of life). So if you don't mind MTH's name on your Lionel repros, you will have some product to buy down the road. I gather tinplate is Mike Wolf's first love, so as long as he's in charge, tinplate will be made. He's living in Miami almost full time now, so I'd guess the next ten years will be the swan song of tinplate from MTH.

For myself, listening to the York stories makes me think I ought to go again after a more than decade lapse. I have some friends I'd like to see again before we wander off this mortal coil, for one thing.

I did indulge myself by buying my first standard gauge train. Lionel Classics green 381E and the green State Cars (NY, California, Denver and Illinois) bought from Ready to Roll on eBay. Prices were probably about 50-60% of new in 1989. They are beautiful. Then I had to buy a ZW-L, of course, and some standard gauge track. Buying never gets old for a trainaholic:). As for York, maybe next spring or fall (2020).

I have only been to York once (2009) and enjoyed it very much. It is unlikely I will attend again because of age and health.
We have a local show in Savannah. I have only missed the first one and the one four)?) years ago ehen my friend, Gordon Hinkle,
died three days before the show.
I have noticed in the last two years that that there are many more younger people, 50 and under, men and ladies attending and
buying. The sponsoring club has also been making an effort at attracting kids by having layouts the kids can run and have fun.
IMHO the number of kids in attendance is up and families are staying longer and buying more stuff.
I do think Lionel is on the right track by offering lower priced fantasy train sets that appeal to kids. That is the way to grow the hobby.

rogruth wrote:I do think Lionel is on the right track by offering lower priced fantasy train sets that appeal to kids. That is the way to grow the hobby.

Only time will tell, as historically with Lionel, opinion at the time was the great migration away from Lionel was the military stuff.
I remember the time, and it just seemed nobody cared after that. Not sure why, with all that play value (!)