I was looking for a decent show to go to in CA the other day, and couldn't even find any. I grew up in Chicago, and often went to the big show at Dupage Co. Fairgrounds... My Jr. High was right next door. Even though it ran every month, it would still have a lot of people, and took up three buildings. But of course, back then, we could walk in with $20, and walk out with all kinds of stuff. Those days are gone.
Maybe we are lucky to be rather centrally located in the midwest, but here in Dayton, we usually have a pretty good train show in the fall. Our NMRA club runs the show and all of the tables are sold out for the next year's show only 3 months after the last show. We have many vendors from OH, MI, IN, IL and other states that come and bring a lot of their stores inventory (even in N scale). I have heard that the crowd comprises of about 1/2 modelers and 1/2 families with young kids who enjoy watching the modular layouts run. The entry fee is quite reasonable, around $8, if my memory serves me right, Eventhough my layout is "finished", I still like to go to see what bargains I can get, either new or used from vendors or individual sellers. Heck, this one guy was selling most of his MTL rolling stock for $7! The only complaint I hear, is that the location is not big enough for all of the vendors and that we have to turn many of them away. We have larger venues in Dayton, but I have heard that it is too expensive to rent out those locations. And yes, I already have my calendar marked for the Columbus N-scale Weekend in 2015.
Don't miss the NSE Convention later this year in Sacramento then www.nationalnscaleconvention.com/ in June 24-28. There are some good events, and the Swap-a-rama and Public Shows are both well attended and great opportunities to see and buy both new and older N Scale stuff. It is the only show that makes it worth coming over the pond for - and N Scale Kits will be there! Peter Peter Harris N Scale Kits www.nscalekits.com
There are shows all over Social, big to small. There's a GTE in Pamona, Anaheim and Del Mar. San Diego Model RR museum has a swap meet twice a year. Most of the clubs have swap meets. Nor cal is equally blessed.
That's great Bob! We displayed modules as part of the SVL layout at the Roseville International Railfair in November. There are a few photos of my boys on page 10: http://www.pcrnmra.org/sierra/Feb-2015-digital.pdf Also attached is a photo of my two sons and two friends railfanning as part of my older son's 10th birthday party (his idea!).
I'm looking forward to this show and meeting you. Hopefully we'll have a FreeMo-N layout running. It might be time to get some of your N scale welded rail, I've been meaning to get some for a while. -Ryan
I will make sure that I bring some over then! I too am looking forward to the NSE Show at Sacramento and meeting you and other N Scalers there - wishing you all every success for 2015. Peter Peter Harris N Scale Kits www.nscalekits.com
