There are several shows a year in the Salem area, and lots of swap meet. There is a GATS show comming next month. Why are they a bad deal? I have never been to one so was woundering. I was kind of looking forawd to it, but if it's a rip off I won't bother.
Walt I've only gone to the ones in New Jersey so I can't tell you about your area,but I found ours to be a mix of some good info and a place to talk to other modelers.If you have something that your looking for that might be a little of the hobby shop shelf there were some vendors that offered things that I never saw online or in the hobby shop.I found for the small entrance fee it was worth the time.Also got to see Ntrak modules and a few large layouts to get ideas.If your going to buy from the vendors just know what the items should cost and comparision shop before making your purchase,as I found some vendors will try to rip you off.
Walt, If you haven't attended a GATS show before, by all means go see one. If you don't like it, don't go again; but you will never know for sure by listening to someone else. I don't think any two people see things the same way. They are a bit pricy, but you are bound to find something that will make it worthwhile for the price of one admission. If you are into N-scale, which I assume you are since this is the N-scale forum, you may find the "Meet-N-March" event in the Portland area on March 15th a better to place to find bargains and talk with modelers than GATS. You can find information on the event on the Hobbysmith website. http://www.hobbysmith.com Admission is also less--about $2 or $3, I think. I plan to be at Meet-N-March. For myself, if I can't make GATS it's no big deal; but I don't want to miss Meet-N-March.
ive been to two types of train shows gats and trainfest in the wise division"wisconsin southeastern". there both awsome. personly, i liked trainfest better becouse there is more to see and i was part of the club, s youth club"little wise guys and gals." gats is also realy good. i say to gats "GO FOT IT!!!" and it may not come arround for many years to come. if im correct ,correct me if im rong, they will give you a stamp on the hand so you can come back latter that day.
