anyone here at TB going to be at the expo next week in san jose? this will be my first. i missed the sac one this past week. how do they compare in terms of n scale? im pretty excited for my first train expo/convention!!
After yesterday in Sacto, don't plan to attend the GTE in SJ. Of late, they've turned into overpriced "junk browsing", with the occasional gems to be found. Fun to see the layouts, of course.
The GTE is a much smaller show, but I think there was much more merchandise to be had at the GTE than the National Train Show. NTS was primarily manufacturers showcasing products. I think less than half were selling. Of the few vendors at the NTS, I found one trying to sell a whole bin of MTL for $25 each. I'm glad MTL prints MSRP on the inserts. Most of those in the box were MSRP $11-15! Many vendors at the GTE will barter, and my guess is the mark things up to make bartering go in their favor. Those who don't, overpay like crazy. Those who do barter, leave thinking they got a great deal, but actually paid close to MSRP (Unless you're really good at bartering). :/ Know the product you're considering buying before handing out cash. At the Worlds greatest Hobby show last year, I used my iPhone to Google a few products MSRP to compare to the vendors price. Saved me from making a few bad purchases. The up side, there's boat loads more to be found than at the typical trip to the LHS, and of course Rick already touched on the layout displays.
ah yes thanks for the extra info mark. i guess these conventions arent really worth it if im looking for deals that will kill some online retailers we have around here. i guess ill just go take some pics of layouts! wwould have been nice to see more showcasing of upcoming products at NTS! too bad i had other plans that day that came up.
Hopefully I will make it to San Jose. Was going to got to Sac, but just had too many things come up this weekend.
Burned out and empty wallet from SAC. Plus the I-405 in LA will be closed all weekend. It will be very difficult to get through LA. GTE Show not worth it anymore. For the So Cal people, there is a GTE Show in Pomona on the 23 and 24 of July.
The LHSs still benefit from GTE in that the show vendors have only a little in the way of new items. Lots of people will still have money in their pockets after the show and will stop by the LHSs. But there are guys here that will buy your older stuff where LHSs generally only deal in new. There is a fair amount of N scale in proportion to every other scales. There are also t-shirt, painting/artwork and video sellers in the mix. GTE is a bourse/flea market with layouts. No manufacturers. There are a couple of clinics. For me, the main reason for going is seeing the layouts and folks in the NTRAK clubs. Fairgrounds food is IMO overpriced and poor. If you have shopping in mind, forget going Sunday only as many vendors are allowed to bail out early.
I found some great deals at the National Train Show. I do not expect for people to give product away. Bought a CCS sleeper for $32.00. A WOT passenger car for $30.00. One of the Microtrains Ringling Brothers cars for $10.00 off retail. Walthers Cornerstone Car Shop for $20.00 and many other deals. These are less than Ebay prices. I have also had great luck at GTE shows. Pay attention to the sellers product and you will find bargains. If you are looking for something specific for rock bottom prices I would expect to be disappointed.
GTE is a glorified swap meet. It's worth going if you know some of the layouts that will be there or you want to browse for tshirts or pins, but in terms of great deals, they're usually hit or miss.
It's worth the cost of a couple lattes for admission yeah, but only if you're a swap meet addict like myself! I came home with literally a BOX from the NTS. Luckily, tomorrow's payday So yeas, I'll be there with bells on! Sunday looks to be the day.
