There's a discussion in one of my local model RR listservs on the start time of model railroad swap meets. It seems that many of them begin early in the morning at 7:00 a.m., which means that if you're a seller, it's a 6 a.m. set-up time at the latest, and if the meet is relatively far, one has to drive there and wake up even earlier. For many people, it's extremely early and inconvenient, and also can discourage attendance. A few of us have proposed starting swap meets at a more manageable time, say 10 a.m. Others have even brought up the possibility of afternoon or evening swap meets. I mean, it's not like used model trains have to be picked fresh in the morning What time does your local swap meet open to the public, and if you could change it, what time would that be?
Ive seen nothing but 7a.m. for anything here in So. CAL but not many shows or swap meets for model trains in the first place. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
None I have ever attended opened before 8am. That was only one I can recall, long ago. Some at 9am. Many are 10am.
I'm in Los Angeles too, and there's quite a bit of model RR activity that goes on, especially generated by the local clubs. And we have a few Great Train Expos each year, plus multiple swap meets through the year put on by Santa Susana Model RR Club in Simi Valley and the Roundhouse Gang in the Inland Empire. There were TWO model RR swap meets on May 17 (one in Alhambra and one in San Pedro). Come join the "Model Railroads of Southern California" Yahoo! group for more information: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Model_Railroads_Of_Southern_California/info - We were actually talking about the Swap Meet Time issue there.
I knew about the one in Alhambra.lol. Its just too early. I feel like im going to work.lol Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
The "Big One" in Green Bay opens at 9:00 Saturday and 10:00 Sunday. The one local clubs start at 7:00 Saturday. These are both once a year in spring.
most around here start around 10. One of the more "adventurous" proprietors tried to have an early bird sale that did start at 7am with different admission prices. I was part of the modular group that setup then, and the only thing I remember about that show was showing up a little late and vendors were still setting up after the 7am start time. He tried this twice before he gave up on the concept. Usually most people don't show up until around 10 to noon anywhey, gives an excuse to stop for lunch somewhere afterwards or before.
At the NMRA, MCR, Div 8 Train Show & Swap Meet, in Louisville, KY, we open to the public at 10:00 AM sharp. Sellers/Vendors can get in at 7:00 AM to set up. Now if you want to do some shopping after you have set your booth up, GO FOR IT!! This is one of the fringe benefits of being a Seller.
In my experience in California and Oregon, train shows start at 10. Swap Meets which are a different thing start at 7 or 8. I always assumed that this was so the "professional" swap meeters got a chance to under pay for the stuff at all the small tables and remark pricing. Also, since swap meets are often on a shoe string budget, it's cheaper in the morning. Or for example, the swap meets at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum Occurs largely before operating hours.
