The train show is coming this weekend to Dayton and i need some suggestions. So far i have come with about 219 bucks to spend at this shindig. And all of a sudden i lost my shopping list. Your suggestions would be much appreciated. Remember i model modern KCS and NS, and a little BNSF. Thanks all!
The way I canvas train shows is essentially twofold. I usually go twice a year to the "Great Scale Train Show" at the Maryland State Fairgrounds..... here is what I do. 1.) If some dealer or vendor is exhibiting something I am > 50% sure I want, I go there first. 2.) I pick a point in the building, start there, and slowly work my way up one aisle and down the next, trying possibly not to miss anything. My time is valuable in at a large show. So since I model HO, I do not waste time looking at other scales unless I am specifically looking for another scale item. (Such as an N scale building to put in the far background of my layout, etc.) Shows in the DC area have gotten a little diluted over the last 12 years. There is more quantity of commercially available stuff.. ... sorta like a wandering around a "live" version of a Walthers Catalog w/ some brass thrown in. But, there seems to me to be less and less specialty items.. say.. such as a unique switchstand for a prototype, or specialty rolling stock, etc., etc. But overall, a large scale trainshow remains WELL worth the effort. Just have to wade through more commercial stuff. As much as your 219 bucks, your time is also valuable at a show. Use it judiciously. As for WHAT to buy? Just walk the aisles and look for something that "does it for you". Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
For me, train shows have a strong social aspect. I go to the Lynden Lions train show every year and buy my annual Walthers catalog from Sharon and LeRoy at PF&S, wander over and visit Kirk and Wanda from The Train Center, say hi to Don from the radio club, etc. Usually a quick sweep around rthe room can pinpoint half a dozen things I REALLY want, and then it's just a matter of priorities. Last year was the exception in that I really didn't find much to get excited about. I think that was partially because of the time of the year. In mid-october all the new products have been announced for Christmas, but aren't in yet. I spent hours asking for things that hadn't shown up! Another reason to go to shows is that many dealers use them to dump excess inventory. A store that gives no discount will sometimes have great deals at the show. ANother reason I go to the show is to get a chance to acrually see new products instead of having to divine what they look like from a catalog.
