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Clem's York Primer
Fall 2005
YORK TRAIN MEET MADE EASY
By Clem Clement
Eastern Division President
The dates for the total York week train extravaganza this fal- are October 11-15, 2005 . All show activities are in and around York , Pa. The York Fairgrounds (TCA) trading portion of the week is on October13, 14, and 15, 2005. The National Toy Train (TCA) museum in nearby Strasburg , Pa. is available all week and a must see location.
SPECIAL NOTES:
(1) The Fall York meet 2005 will be THREE wonderful days on the York Fairgrounds. A great time to meet old friends and make new ones. This is the most exciting change we have offered in 20 years so plan to attend and see all the changes to this welcomed modernization. Come and see and play trains with us at Fall 2005 York .
(2) The Eastern Division York Meet registration package has been completely reformatted and rewritten. READ IT.
http://www.easterntca.org/regpacket.htm
It includes messages from me, your Eastern division President; Bill Spanarelli Meet Chairman; and Dan Danielson Meet registrar. Changes include opening the meet at noon on Thursday, opening of the new Brown Hall, and changing opening and closing times. Read your notice for details. I have removed much of the duplication between Clem's Primer and the York reg. package so you will need to read both thoroughly to get the full story. Note the member halls close Thursday and Friday at 5:30 PM . This gives those table holders and all attendees more time to peruse the dealer halls, which will stay open till 7:00PM . This also should help with the traffic situation outside the Fairgrounds.
(3) Eastern Division, TCA has its own web site. Yeah and a tip of the old baseball cap to Debbie Geiser for her super efforts. The entire York Registration package was posted on this site prior to its mailing. Check us out at:
http:\\www.easterntca.org
4) At 11:55 AM on Thursday I will take the mike and ask all to join me in a moment of silence for those who have gone before and for all those men and women in uniform and civilian clothes fighting for our country. And for those survivors and rescuers and helpers serving in the aftermath of Katrina. This will be followed by our National Anthem. Please stand and remain reverent. The meet then will be opened at 12:00 noon by the Meet Chairman, Bill Spanarelli.
(5) In my view, this York is much more than a train meet. It is about the gathering of families, friends and acquaintances. The world has been through unspeakable horrors and as the fighting continues overseas and our hurricane and monetary struggles here at home, we need to reassure each other of our strength and that we are there for each other. This wonderful hobby- the world's greatest hobby- can/will give us all great support. If I had my way, the official greeting at York would be a hug. America hugs.
(6) The US Post Office has again agreed to have a portable booth set up at York this time to accept, wrap and mail trains for us. I think this is a great convenience for many of you. The location again, will be under cover in the entranceway to the Blue/Silver halls. I just talked to Nicole van Over at the USPS in York 717-848-2717 or Nicole.m.vanover@usps.gov . She is our new POC for the Post Office booth at York . I congratulated her and gave her the following times for York Fairgrounds office to be open: Thursday 2-5 PM , Friday 12-4 and Sat 12 -4. Remember Uncle Clem's secret plan: Mail your expensive goodies to your office so that when you are inspected by your significant other, you are clean.
(7) Killer news: We have just discovered Bill Mack's Ice Cream Shoppes. Located on Route 74 nearly 4 miles north of the Holidrome in Dover , PA. Worth the trip for a “beeeeg” cone of French vanilla or what ever is your favorite. Here are the addresses for the 5 Mack's Ice Cream Restaurants in the area:
1. 5745 Lincoln Hwy EAST York PA 17402
2. 3890 Carlisle Road Dover , PA 17315
3. 2731 S. Queen Street York , PA 17403
4. 1305 Mount Rose Ave. York , PA 17403
5. 1938 W. Market Street York , PA 17404 (Go right out of the gate)
If you love soft pretzels, I hear the bestest place is Epix. Rutters carry Smittie's or Epix's (same pretzel, different name) that are fresh that day. Epix also has their own sandwich shop in the same Rt. 30 strip mall as Maple Donuts. East 30 on the right, just up from the Roosevelt St. lights. (Across Route 30 from Dennys/Pizza Hut)
(8) Road construction continues on many roads leading to York and around Lancaster , so plan for it. Allow plenty of time to go/from to the Museum. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation web site is: HTTP://WWW.PENNDOT8.COM/
I certainly will say that lots of progress has been made on York Area roads. They must be hearing us. This will give you the most current construction info.
From Scott Arber: Road Construction:
“While you're enjoying your drive thru Pennsylvania 's country side keep in mind Pennsy's state animal is the construction horse and it's state mineral is asphalt. In short you could come across road construction at anytime and probably will. I83 between Leaders Heights (exit #14) and Queen Street (exit #16): they are taking out “Deadman's Curve” at exit #15, George Street. Both ways have no real delays, but look for lane changes. Watch your speed, these are heavily patrolled. Also, remember Pennsy's law - Lights on in all ACTIVE construction zones. Also, fines are doubled in construction zones. There's no reason to give hard-earned train money to the state if you can help it.”
(9) Pre-Register even if you aren't sure you can come to York . This will preclude you standing in the long registration line. Guests can now register in advance as well as during the meet. You may join TCA at the Meet.
(10) Read your York Meet Notice thoroughly. It is the official document providing guidance for this event. There are many special events this year. Don't miss 'em. Bring your meet notice with you as a reference. The entire meet notice is located on the TCA web site:
http://www.traincollectors.org/
Why not copy it, highlight the subjects of special interest to you, and bring it with you?
(11) Cellular phones may be carried, but not used in any of the halls, except dealers may use cell phones for credit card calls at their booth or table. No cameras or picture phones either.
(12) Wednesday, TCA Museum Events will be super-Be There!
(13) KIDS KORNER @ TCA YORK —
The WB&A Chapter will again bring Kid's Korner @ York to the open space between the Blue and Silver Halls. Please plan to visit it and stay and play. WB&A is a very active Chapter and conducts the 2 meets each year near Baltimore as well as 2 mini meets. WB&A is Eastern Division's only Chapter and this is part of their contribution to supporting the Division's York Meet. Jim and Nan Kronz and Pete and Mary Jackson are managing Kids Korner. Please stop by and see them and thank them for their incredible work. There will be ride 'em trains that will circle the perimeter of the area. There will also be small train loops. I will bring the famous windup layout that has received so much play time at the annual Fairfax Station Christmas show. All these trains will need playing with! Donations of playable windup and floor trains and toys will be welcome as well. The Kid's Korner @ York will be open throughout the York show, Thursday afternoon, Friday 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM , and Saturday 9:00 AM till 12:30 PM . Bring your kid (Age 0-110) and join in. There ain't no age limit. Or fun limit! There will be lots to do. Track to assemble (probably plastic type), trains to run on the rug, windups to run, sharing concepts to learn, teaching to be done and learning and fun for all. Just holding a train car may be super fun for some little tikes and isn't that grand. We do ask that you not leave your kids alone here. We are not a nursery. I have found in my experiences, that the adult that who gets down flat with the kids and learns/watches/helps the play activity, gets, by far, the most enjoyment (oh, and it is OK if Grandpa gets down flat too and plays, if he wishes). The kids get to learn to share; help each other; lead and follow; and function in a group in order to have the most fun and make the trains do. Photos may be taken in this area. We are seeking volunteers to help to continue making this activity a success.
The Kids Korner @ York snack donators are:
Joan Stauffer; Stauffer Biscuit Company; 375 South Belmont Street , York , PA 17403
Chris Long; Snyder's of Hanover ; 1250 York Street , Hanover , PA 17331
COME AND PLAY TRAINS WITH US AT YORK
(14) We continue to seek new volunteers to help with the York Show. Wednesday at 1:00PM there will be a briefing in the Blue Hall outside of the Blue Hall Restaurant for those who can help us. This show requires a huge number of members to make it happen. Please volunteer-it is your show.
(15) There are local shopping tours. Bus leaves from the Blue Hall Thursday and Friday every hour from 12:00 AM until 4:00PM .
(16) UPS has an office on 2180 White Street York . That is just past the Fairgrounds on Carlisle Road (Route 74) to the left at the Burger King. Staples also has a UPS desk. They are located at 965 Loucks Road , open till 9 PM . Phone 717-852-8454
(17) Traffic at the Carlisle Gate can be horrendous. The new light should be installed by this York which will be most helpful. Please be careful. I recommend you don't use that exit. Go to the Northwest end of the fairground to Gate 6 (the opposite end from the Blue Hall area or from the Blue Hall on past the Orange Hall to the fence). (How do you know which way is North-look on the back of your York Registration Pamphlet- there is a North arrow). That gate is always open and you can turn left or right easily.
(18) You can get York weather info at http://www.wxusa.com/PA/
(19) Kathy Zirkle is the new Marketing Coordinator for the York Expo Center . 717-848-2596 extension 118. email: Kathy@yorkexpo.com
(20) The Fairgrounds have set up the flag area on the North side of the main entrance to the Orange Hall. U.S. and Penny flags will be displayed. There is a brick purchase program for that location sponsored by the Fairgrounds.
(21) Eastern Division General Membership meeting will be held in the Silver Hall auction room 11:00 AM, Saturday
(22) The longer I dig into York the more I learn things that never occurred to me. I was told yesterday by a long term Yorker that many non members do not come as a guest to York as they can't join right there while at their first Yorking experience! The misconception is that they can guest only once(true) and then if they join TCA it is 9 months before they are full members and can return to York. Where did that wrong info come from?
A guest can join on the spot. Certainly one signature is the sponsor and the second signature can be optioned easily from a friend. The national office has John Luppino and Nicole Berninger present to help with National questions and National products are available to purchase in the Blue Hall. The new member is probationary for a year, but that doesn't restrict them from attending any meets. Bring a train friend to York and sign ‘em up for TCA.
(23) Did you know that hall floor plans for the Orange , Brown and Purple Halls are available in each hall? They will be available at in the promenade outside the Orange Hall entrance doors near the snack bar and at the announcer's station in the Purple and Brown Halls. Front side is the table locations and back side is the dealers in alfa order by company name. Get you one on the way into the Hall and plan your search for all the treasures therein. (It is not true that 8x10 glossies of Ron Morris are available anywhere!)
(24) There are three restrooms open 24/7 on the Fairgrounds: outside the Red Hall; the firehouse and near the old Gold hall.
TRAVEL PLANNING
Contact: Abby Crooks , (717) 852-9675 (ext. 108) or email abby@yorkpa.org
The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCCVB) is the official tourism promotion agency for York County . The mission of the YCCVB is to focus on increasing room nights in York County and monitor the market mix. York County is ranked seventh in the state in economic impact from tourism expenditures.
York , PA - The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau has added two new functions to the organization's website:
http://www.yorkpa.org/
to meet the needs of the increasingly large number of people using the Internet for travel planning. An interactive online map and an online reservations function will make the site more user-friendly and allow the CVB to compete in the online travel market.
Three maps have been added to http://www.yorkpa.org/
One highlights the downtown area, the second the county as a whole, and the third provides a regional perspective and includes surrounding areas such as Lancaster and Gettysburg . These maps can be accessed by visiting;
http://www.yorkpa.org/
and clicking on the "Map It" button, or by clicking any of the "Map It" buttons found throughout the site. The YCCVB is the first Convention & Visitors Bureau in the region to employ such mapping technology on their website.
Each map highlights the attractions, restaurants, and dining facilities throughout the area and includes suggested driving routes. The maps also provide a search function and enable the visitor to plan an itinerary by mapping out a planned route that can be complimented by adding notes.
To enhance the visitor experience "Map It" buttons have also been added to each listing on:
http://www.yorkpa.org/
Visitors interested in Wolfgang Candy, could click on the "Map it Button" that accompanies the listing, and be taken directly to Wolfgang's location on the map.
For more information on the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 1-888-858-9675, or visit:
http://www.yorkpa.org/
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
To get to the York area, I travel to the Baltimore loop and then go up 83 North. Then take 83 (hard right turn) around York to Route 30 and exit. (That is called “Dead Man's Curve” and there is now construction there to improve safety. WATCH OUT. I knew about the construction and nearly crashed last winter) If you are going directly from the Washington area to the fairground, take 83 Business (from George Street) right onto Market, left onto Duke and then left on Philadelphia St., then right on Carlisle St. to Fairground on the left. An alternate route from the Washington area is to take Route 15 North to 30 East to York, then Route 74 ( Carlisle St. ) south to Fairgrounds. If you travel Route 30 from the west, New Oxford is a neat town to visit with lots of antiques.
As an alternate, heading northbound on I-83 from Baltimore , as you near York , exit on Business 83N. Within a few blocks, you'll see a "FAIRGROUNDS" sign that will direct you to make a left turn on " Country Club Road ". Stay on this road and you will see another sign that will direct you to make a right turn onto " Richland Ave. ". You'll soon come to the intersection at Market St. where you make a left turn. The Fairgrounds is only a block away on your right. Route 30 brings you in from East or West and Route 83 down from the North.
From the North/Northeast:
“I leave New York via the New Jersey Turnpike, south to Exit 6, the Pennsy Turnpike extension (276) which becomes the Pennsy Pike, (76). The exit is #21, Route 222, which takes you south and west to Route 30. Continue West on 30. You can pick up Clem's directions from there.” (Chris Zizzo)
The Bus
“If you don't want to drive and you hail from New York City, Long Island or New Jersey, there is a TCA Show bus which will take you to York, get you to breakfast locally (at your cost, but cheap) and bring you home with an included, all you can eat buffet on the way. It all happens on Friday ONLY and gives you one big day to cruise the official fairgrounds show. Cost is $53 from NY, $48 from NJ. Call Lester at (631)587-5183 or Carmelo at (631)666-6855 to reserve. Pick up points are located in shopping centers with all-day parking included. Sleep on the way down (bring your own pillow). Usually, on the return, there is a movie on board. They run train tapes (I Love Toy Trains and other stuff). You could bring your own favorites! Rent a movie like Runaway Train or Silver Streak and bring it along. Lot 's of good camaraderie aboard. I've done it 3 or 4 times and it's great to not drive.” (Chris Zizzo)
TRAIN SHOWS
 There are four different train shows held on days prior to the TCA meet at the York Fairgrounds on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These are at the Billy Budd Holiday Inn at the confluence of Route 30 and Interstate 83 (334 Arsenal Road), at the Best Western Motel just off of Route 30 (1415 Kenneth Road), at the Holiday Inn Holidome at West Manchester Mall north of Route 30 on Carlisle Road (1400 Loucks Road), and at the Reliance Fire Hall on 1341 W. Market Street. Entrance to these meets is free and not restricted to TCA members.
The Holiday Inn at the confluence of Route 30 and I-83 is known as the Billy Budd Holiday Inn (for some reason we all call it the Billy Budd, but there is no sign up to that effect. Their flyer sez the Original Billy Budd Inn- who knew?) When you exit off of I-83 onto Route 30 going East, make a right at the next intersection ( Arsenal Road ) and the Billy Budd Holiday Inn is on your left. The train meet is held outside in the parking lot and inside the main meeting room. Also, many of the guests display their trains inside their rooms.
From the Billy Budd, if you go back West on Route 30 you will pass several traffic lights and blocks of stores and restaurants and then come to a traffic light with an Olive Garden Restaurant on the left. If you make a right turn at that light, you will come to the Best Western Motel within a half a block ( 1415 Kenneth Road ). This property has a local train show outside in the parking lot (weather permitting).
The Holidome can be reached two ways. If you turned right at the Olive Garden to get to the Best Western, you should continue North and turn left at the next light onto Loucks Road . This will take you to the back of the Holidome in two long blocks. You can also reach the Holidome by continuing West on Route 30 and exiting right on Route 74 (Carlisle Rd.), turning right at the next light, and then left onto the Holiday Inn back driveway. The train meet is held in part of the parking lot that surrounds the Holidome and inside in the main banquet room. Parking is now controlled at the Holidrome and you may be required to park in the West Manchester shopping center parking lot about two blocks away and walk.
If you exit the Holidome and turn left on Route 74 and travel towards York a mile or so, crossing under Route 30, you come to the York Interstate Fairgrounds on your right. This is where all the action is Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No trading Wednesday (There are meetings on Wednesday. Read your meet notice).
To reach the Reliance Fire Hall, you need to go the Market Street side of the Fairgrounds and go west just past the fairgrounds to 1341 W. Market St . If you come down Route 74, you can turn right on Highland Ave. just before the Fairgrounds and cut over to Market Street and turn left. (I'm not sure if this meet is on or not. There also was a posting on the S-Digest site that said the fire house would have a show, Mon, Tue and Wed, 8:00am to 6:00pm .)
ACCOMODATIONS:
Hotels are tough to find space in during the York week. Plan early. Sometimes you can find rooms at the last minute North of Harrisburg.
Contact the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau for Bed & Breakfast referrals. CALL Laura Bookwalter: 1-888- 858-YORK or:
http://www.yorkpa.org/
“The TCA Museum receives a significant number of telephone calls and E-mail from members seeking lodging information. I would suggest you add this information for Lancaster County . Dialing 1-800-PADUTCH (1-800-723-8824) will connect to a "Lodging Hotline" or the visitor's Bureau website:
http://www.padutchcountry.com/
a link called Lodging that will lead people to places to stay.” (John Luppino, TCA Operations Manager)
RESTAURANTS
“Chapps on the Hill has been around for several years. It's located on Queen Street (Rt 74) - heading from the city south on 74 you pass several doctor offices and a ski shop and Chapps will be on your left hand side - it sort of sits on a little hill. 717-846-5265. A group really enjoys its' annual trek to the Railroad House Inn in Marietta . The building is now a bed and breakfast with a wonderful sense of history attached. The food is quite excellent, not exceptional, but the ambiance is wonderful. My favorite York place remains the Round the Clock Diner. 24 hours of good cheap food in huge portions. Best restaurant I know of that has a train meet across the street. The Desert Division's Tuesday night tradition…soft shell crabs at the Paddock Bar.” (Paul Wassermann MD)(Paul also enjoys Bumper Bob 's up Route 83 North quite a way--Clem)
An all you can eat called Aroma opened in East York next to Sam's Club. (The old York Mall) It's Americanized oriental food that's very good. Isaac's has great sandwiches. 2159 White Street . Ste A101 . Ph.717 854-2292 or: http://www.isaacsdeli.com/
Comb's has a great prime rib and is always full of TCAers.
On Market Street just west of the Fairgrounds is Latuca's pizza- excellent and reasonable.
The Left Bank, downtown York , has mighty fine gourmet sandwiches and other goodies.
A Memphis Blues went in at Commerce Center , (Rt.74 at the light at Blockbuster.)
10 to 15 minutes North of Rt.30 on Rt.74 is Dover Dinner a new 24 hr. restaurant.
Going a bit farther down the road, Three Fountains is under new management. This group has gotten it right, good food at reasonable prices. Ask for their Hag Maw if you wish to sample a local Pennsylvania Dutch gastronomic delight.
19 N. George St. is Fishers, which opened last October with French International fusion cuisine.
In the next block at 110 N. George St. , The Harp & Fiddle also opened late last year. They're an upscale Irish-American pub and restaurant.
The Desert Division members who attend YORK have many of the restaurants "scoped" out.
“We have a regular routine we follow. On Tuesday night we go to The Paddock, a local tavern with some of the best Soft Shell Crabs you will ever taste. It is on Market Street , just east of Route 24 or Mt. Zion Road .
Wednesday night we will generally go to Bumper Bob 's, just off I-83 in Etters Twp., north of YORK and about 15 minutes south of Harrisburg 's exits. This place is featured in a travel magazine called COUNTRY DISCOVERIES. Apparently a lot of people have now discovered this place, where the CADILLAC LUMP CRAB CAKES as the size of TWO ice hockey pucks, placed one on top of the other.
Thursday Night is very often to the East of the Susquehanna River in Marietta . The place is called the Railroad House and it is also a wonderful Bed & Breakfast. It dates back to Colonial Times when it was a Stage Coach stop on the road between Philly and Harrisburg . Everything on the menu is great and the service is equally good. It is, however, a little pricey, but the quality of the food is well worth it.
Friday night will take many of us to the Roosevelt Tavern in downtown YORK , at the corner of Roosevelt and Philadelphia (Rte 462 W) Streets. On Friday night you WILL need a reservation.
We also have a favorite breakfast haunt and that is the Around The Clock Diner, catty-cornered across the street from the Billy Budd on Route 30. If you are NOT from Philly and have never tasted SCRAPPLE, here is your chance. You haven't lived until you have eaten Scrapple. Then again, you may not live long after it either! Just don't ask about its' ingredients. One member of the Desert Division simply cannot start his YORK experience without first getting his FIX of SCRAPPLE. More power to him.
Hope this helps and can be a culinary addition to your Primer. Don't you think that pretty soon you should apply for a copyright on this "bible?" Looking forward to my 59th YORK MEET since joining the TCA in 1976.
Happy Training and Best Regards”, (Gordon Wilson, "KING" of the Maple Donut Lovers Club
“By the way, we have a few new restaurants downtown: Fischer's Restaurant and The Harp and Fiddle. There are some new chain restaurants going in along Route 30 near the Best Western.” (Tina Smith)
The Culinary Arts Center Restaurant of York sometimes run specials I thought some of you Yorkers might care. 1063 N George St. http://www.yorkchef.com/
717 846-5000.
RV ACCOMODATIONS
You can't use the Fairgrounds RV Accommodations till 9: 00 AM on Wednesday. Enter from the back side of the fairgrounds and Phil Lockhart will help you park. There are changes and a good deal of the area has been asphalted, so your favorite spot may have a different look. You are not allowed to put stakes thru the asphalt. Bring pads for your jacks and wheels (see the registration package or call Phil as the reg. info is not very clear) The Northwest corner of the Fairgrounds has a nice RV area which we encourage you to use.
Q: "Where should you never set up your camper?"
A: I don't think there is a "bad spot," but if you have a popup or something else that has levelers/feet on it, you can't beat a paved spot for ease of setup. I would stay a little away from the restrooms because of the pedestrian traffic, noise, and the occasional smoker, if that sort of thing bother's you.Q: "Is there a fee to camp if your camper does not require water or electricity?"
A: You need the RV permit if you intend to camp, even if you just use a tent. You get to park right next to the camper, too.
Q: "Where is a good location to camp on the Tuesday night before the show?"
A: “My preference is Indian Rock Campground, just outside of town to the south and west. They run $22 a night, with electric and water; including decent shower facilities. I believe they charge a bit more if you hook up septic. Gravel-covered spots, with a picnic table and grill at each. Other train people stay there as well; we usually get in Tuesday night) We pack up Thursday morning, make another pass of the shows in the morning, and then head to the Fairgrounds after lunch. Contact them at indianroc@aol.com . Hope this helps. (Steve Hornick tintrains@aol.com)
Also there is Ben Franklin Park in York , PA approximately 5 minutes west of the York Fairgrounds where your Eastern Division meet is held. They are a mobile home park that is offering RV spaces with full hookups beginning this year. They offer services as possible overflow or for those who might have special needs which they may be able to fulfill (such as 50 Amp electrical hookups). Ben Lepore III, Director of Logistics, Ben Franklin Park .
Ben@BenFranklinRVPark.com
717-332-6796
http://www.benfranklinrvpark.com/
NOW THE DETAILS:
MONDAY:
The Billy Budd and Reliance Fire Hall may be in operation this fall. I haven't heard definitely. The inside meet at the Holidome sets up sometime on Monday as well.
TUESDAY:
The Holidome ballroom will open about 7:30 AM till about 7:00 PM . Times are approximate and get posted on the main doors. The outside parking lot trading area is open as well and gradually fills during the day. Reliance Fire Hall may open 8:00 AM-6:00 PM for trading. At the Billy Budd Holiday Inn, the rooms are full of wondrous trains and some dealing is done the Sunday before York . I hear the Billy Budd will have inside booths open Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY:
Dealer load-in to the Orange , Brown and Purple Halls occurs from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM . No trading during setup.
Registration counter in the Silver Hall is open 5-9 PM .
The Billy Budd opens around 7:00 AM for set up and trading inside. They do give out parking tickets if you park dumb. Trade until 5:30PM . They serve breakfast inside the Billy Budd at 5:30 AM . (This show is pretty much over, due I think in part to the peddlers tax that that district levies on its dealers. Folks don't like to be called peddlers) Please keep me informed if this show rebuilds.
The Holidome parking lot trading area opens around 7:00 AM for booth set up and trading. Trade until 5:00 PM . The inside opens around 7:30 AM and may stay open until 7:30 PM . Unwrapping is super! Clem has a booth location at G-2 outside (alphanumeric painted on asphalt) I stay at the Holidome (Phone: 717-846-9500).
Reliance Fire Hall and Best Western Motel shows open Wed 8:00 AM till 6:00 PM and 9AM – 7PM respectively. The Best Western had a 50 or so dealers outside and is a growing show.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR Wednesday
The National Toy Train (TCA) Museum in nearby Strasburg , Pa. , has a big day planned. It is an excellent full day of special activities before the big Thursday/Friday/Saturday York TCA show. Museum opens 10-5:30 PM . See the recent HQ TCA Newsletter, your Meet Notice, or the TCA web site for current details.
http://www.traincollectors.org/
You must attend!
York Meet volunteers meeting Wednesday 1 PM in the Blue Hall outside the lunch area.
THURSDAY:
Eastern Division York Meet opens at noon on the Fairgrounds.
I suggest you get to Fairgrounds around 10:00 AM or earlier and park. Parking is free. Huge crowd! If you can't get to the fairgrounds early as suggested, you may have to park at the far end of the fair grounds and walk a bit. The pre-meet buzz around the outside of the halls is toooo much to miss. Plan a restroom stop prior to opening time.
If you don't have a registration badge, go the entrance between the Blue Hall and Silver Halls. The roof is red I think, but the hall is not blue in color (red brick on the outside). Ask someone to point out the registration area. Then you register and all the buildings are yours to visit. The badge lets you get in any building, but you can only register at one place. If you are a TCA member, you don't need a member to sponsor you in. Bring your TCA membership card! There is a shuttle bus around the fairgrounds, but it is quicker to walk (Wear comfortable layered clothes and shoes).
YORK HALLS (See the map on the back of your Registration package)
http://www.easterntca.org/regpacket.htm
White Hall, Red Hall, Silver and Blue Halls: Individual Collectors
Orange , Brown and Purple Halls: All dealers
The shuttle bus to the Local shopping Areas and Historical sites leaves just outside the Blue Hall Thursday and Friday every hour from 12:00 AM-4:00 PM . $1.00 each way, exact change only.
Rest rooms are in the Blue Hall, hallway between the Blue and silver Halls near the Registration Area, White Hall, inside the Brown hall and on the east side (outside) of the Red Hall and next to the former Gold Hall. The fire house also has large restrooms. The Orange Hall has two sets of restrooms. The west set includes coin–operated showers.
Lunch can be obtained on the fairgrounds in several locations.
York funnel cakes have been declared a veggie by Clem and therefore good for and on ya. Don't leave York without at least one–a–day. Remember: a funnel cake a day keeps the very dangerous York blue possum away. (he is blue because he only comes out on Sunday and misses York )
There is so much to see and do at the York fairgrounds (let alone other events earlier in the week), that it is tough to do it justice in one day. Although there are thousands of tables to view, a lot of us just enjoy the opportunity to socialize with the membership. This means that time management is critical. As an initial suggestion, I would recommend that if your interest is mostly new stuff, start at the Orange or Purple Halls. BUT if you're more of a collector into pre/post war, I'd start at Blue and work counter- clockwise, Silver, White, and Red. If you are more interested in a specific spare part, head directly to the Orange/Purple Halls. As one gets more experienced in the event, you will be able to chart your own course to your favorite buildings. I let the "inner feelings" direct me to the goodies.
Load-in and unpacking for member table holders at the York Fairgrounds is from 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon . Dealer load-in to the Orange , Brown and Purple Hall occurs from 9 AM - 12 noon . No trading during setup.
Registration counter in the Silver Hall is open 9:00AM-7:00 PM .
“The new TCA Grading System” presentation by Ron Morris of the Standards Committee. - The talk is open to all and will be presented at York Thursday 3-4 PM in the old Auction Area, Silver Hall.
TCA Standards Committee Meeting: 7:00 PM Thursday old auction area Silver Hall.
Other special interest groups will be meeting Thursday for education and fun - see your York Reg. Package for details.http://www.easterntca.org/regpacket.htm
They are listed in “alfa” order.
Marx show & Tell Meeting new location: 7:00 PM Thursday October 13th, 2005
Liberty Fire Company
160 East 8th Avenue
York , PA.
Bring an Old Train
Accessory or Toy
Bring an Ol' Friend
Relax and Enjoy!
York, TCA & You
Very best,
Mike Spanier
TCA 85-21856
PS If directions are needed email: Marxshowntell@aol.com
PPS Minutes away from the York Fairgrounds
Thursday October 13, 2005 the Glen Rock Fire Dept layouts will be open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
We are located about 15 min south of the fairgrounds off Route 83 south or Route 616 south. We are located in the library building at 32 Main St. , Glen Rock, PA. We have 4 layouts, HO (10x20), G (10x20), American Flyer (16x32) and O (16x32). Once again the offer is out that if you buy something that you just can not wait to run, we will let you play with your toys. On the O we have both DCS and TMCC. Please feel free to tell anyone and everyone. You may want to bring your camera as pictures are allowed as long as you don't take a picture of me as I'm not responsible if it breaks.
Please see the website
http://www.grfd.org
For directions and/or pictures of the layout. Or you can email me offlist with the hotel and location you are staying and I can give you directions. I can tell you things change on the O gauge layout and there may be work going on at that time but the trains will run.
Gene Anstine
http://www.grfd.org
FRIDAY:
York Meet open .
ALL motel meets are closed. The TCA Internet discussion Group (TTML) meets for breakfast on the fairgrounds at 7:30AM - 9:00 AM in the Fairgrounds restaurant. Ole Clem wanders in about 8 AM and gives a sterling speech that no one listens to, but all seem know that with his welcoming remarks, the wonderful Yorkin experience is happening once again. Mrs. Clem may come this time so remarks may be tampered with and tempered by the situation at hand. There is a slim chance that the truth will be told.
Pictures are taken there but usually the ugly mega pixels of the two Clems together(Clem and the Other Clem make quite a pair-clearly post Office kind of photos) are too much for the non-Linex cameras. And don't forget to sign up for breakfast.
http://www.toytrains.info/york_signup
Wear your special badge. http://www.toytrains.info/york_badges.asp
The TCA Meet opens at Fairgrounds at 9:00 AM , but individual table holders can unpack their table between 8:00 AM-9:00 AM . You can bring boxes in between 8:00-9:00 AM , as well. Dealer halls unloading and setup is 6:30 AM to 9:00AM .
Registration counter is open from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM .
Eastern Division Bylaws meeting Friday 1-3 PM Orange Hall meeting room.
Special meetings also occur on Friday. Check you meet notice for details.
SATURDAY:
York Meet opens 9:00-4:00 PM
Dealer setup from 8:00-9:00AM
COLORS DAY: If you have Division or Chapter or train group colors (shirts, etc., why not wear them Saturday and show off).
The Eastern Division General Membership Meeting is at 11:00AM in the Silver Hall auction room. Members please attend as there is much business to attend to.
Hope you have a great time at your Eastern Division York Meet !
Remember: trains are about people, so meet some new friends and greet some old ones-for sure.
Also thank any volunteers you see, as they work very hard for your show.
See ya at York ,
Clem Clement
clem.clement@cox.net
---------------------------------------------
Family Fun at York :
The following is an up-date to last year's massive listing. Since Dan Pfeiffer has everything archived on his site this follows Chip Miller's suggestion and is a “Cliff Notes” version.
Even though this has been sent to TTML, this is a newer listing with changes to the new I83 exit numbers throughout, and even more editing done to the surplus information.
In keeping with the thought that anyone who downloads this has access to a computer.
- Most places have websites detailing their particular interest.
- A comprehensive listing is archived at
Toytrains.info.com.
- Keeping this a “Cliff Notes” edition, I deleted any extraneous information and included their website instead. For those who did not have a website or those URL's that didn't work, (I.E. York county Parks), I left addresses and telephone numbers.
There have been changes to phone numbers, websites, and tours. Everything is up-to-date as of 03-30-05 .
VISITORS CENTER
The Downtown York Visitors Center is located at 149 W. Market Street in downtown York . The center is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and extended hours during downtown events.
YORK COUNTY HERITAGE TRUST (YCHT)
(YCHT) The Trust has a group of Museums throughout York . All sites within the Trust cost: Adults $6.00, Senior Citizens, College Students & Children over 12 years old $5.00, Children 12 and younger, FREE.
Website: http://www.yorkheritage.org/
The Museums are:
(YCHT) HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
(YCHT) THE GATES HOUSE, PLOUGH TAVERN, BOBB LOG HOUSE, and THE COLONIAL COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
(YCHT) BONHAM HOUSE
(YCHT) AGRICULTURAL and INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM
(YCHT) THE FIRE MUSEUM OF YORK COUNTY
WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC YORK
Website:
www.yorkcity.org/visitors/walkingtour/index.htm
THE MURALS OF YORK
Website: www.yorkcity.org/econ/murals/index.htm
WORKER'S HOUSE MUSEUM
Address: 470 E. Market St .
Phone: 717-852-7007.
WEIGHT LIFTING HALL OF FAME
Website: www.yorkbarbell.com/hallfame/hall00.html
POLICE HERITAGE MUSEUM, INC
Website: www.policeheritagemuseum.com
INDIAN STEPS MUSEUM
Website: www.pplweb.com/holtwood/things+to+do/indian+steps+museum.htm
WATCH AND CLOCK MUSEUM
Website: www.nawcc.org/museum/museum.htm
HANOVER FIRE MUSEUM
Website: www.visitpa.com/visitpa/visitDetails.do?name=Hanover+Fire+Museum
Address: 44 Frederick Street , Hanover , PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-6674
WIRT PARK FIRE STATION MUSEUM
Website: www.borough.hanover.pa.us/images/hanover/hbfiremuseum.html
HANOVER AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/visitDetails.do?name=Hanover+Area+Historical+Society
Address: 105 High St. , Hanover
Phone: (717) 632-3207.
NEAS HOUSE MUSEUM http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/visitDetails.do?name=Neas+House+Museum
Address: 113 W. Chestnut St. Hanover
Phone: (717) 632-3207
STATE PARKS:
Samuel S. Lewis
Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/samuelslewis.aspx
Gifford Pinchot
Website: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/giffordpinchot.aspx
Codorus
Website: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/codorus.aspx
YORK COUNTY PARKS:
Rocky Ridge -- From Route 30 bypass, take Mount Zion Road exit. Follow Route 24 North ( Mount Zion Road ). At top of hill turn right on Deininger Road . Follow road back to park.
William H. Kain Park -- From York , follow South George Street (extended) to Jacobus. For Lake Redman area, turn left on Church Street and go 0.6 miles to main parking area. For Lake Williams area, turn right on Water Street and go 0.5 miles to main parking area.
Richard M. Nixon Park -- From York , follow South George Street (extended) through Jacobus to Valley Road . Turn right. Follow road 0.8 miles to bottom of hill. Turn right at park sign. At stop sign, turn left and follow road into park.
John Rudy Park -- From Route 30, follow Sherman Street North three miles to Mundis Race Road . Turn left. Park is 0.6 miles on the right.
Apollo -- From Route 74 south of Red Lion, take Burkholder Road east to New Bridgeville. Take Route 425 east. Turn left at Boyd Road . Parking lot is at the end of the road.
Spring Valley Park -- Follow Interstate 83 to Glen Rock exit. Turn left on Route 216. Go 0.1 mile and turn right at Potosi Road . Travel another 2.1 miles to Crest Road and to the entrance of the park's Animal Activity Center . To find the Fish for Fun pond, stay on Potosi Road going past Crest Road until Line Road then turn right. To enter the park from its northern access, continue from Glen Rock exit on Route 216. Go 2.9 miles and turn right on Line Road .
P. Joseph Raab Park -- From Route 30, take Route 616 east through York New Salem, continue toward Seven Valleys . Turn right onto Green Valley Road . Continue for 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Hoff Road . Travel 0.6 miles to park entrance on the left.
YORK COUNTY HERITAGE RAIL TRAIL http://www.york-county.org/gov/Parks/RailTrail.htm
Three additional historic structures are on the trail:
Hanover Junction, New Freedom train stations and Howard Tunnel, oldest continuously operated railroad tunnel in nation.
http://www.york-county.org/gov/Parks/TrailHistory.htm
The trail has two distinct styles of milepost markers: large white posts with black lettering are historical markers used by the Northern Central Railroad, and more numerous green posts with white lettering. These posts indicate actual mileage from the origin of the Northern Central Railroad, the Baltimore , MD station. Trail Distances from the Maryland Line. The park is open year round, 8 am until dusk, and is patrolled by York County Parks Rangers. Park regulations are posted at each parking lot. The Museums are open May thru October.
Directions to Rail Trail Parking lots:
York City (From North):
Follow N. George or Business I-83 south for approximately 3 miles to W. Philadelphia Street . Turn right on W. Philadelphia Street . Follow 3 blocks to Pershing Ave. Follow to parking area.
York City (From South):
Follow north approximately 3 miles to West Princess Street . Turn left on W. Princess street and follow 2 blocks to Pershing Avenue . Turn right on Pershing Avenue and follow 3 blocks to parking area.
York City (From East):
PA Route 30 to North George Street (just after passing under I83). Left on North George, travel about one mile to West Philadelphia St . Travel 2 blocks to Pershing Avenue - left on Pershing and you're at the trail head.
York City (From West):
PA Route 30 to route 462 (stay straight on 462 when 30 exits to right). Follow 462 approximately 4 miles to downtown York . Just after crossing Codorus Creek, left on Pershing Avenue and you're at the trail head.
Hanover Junction:
Interstate 83 to the Loganville Exit. #10. Follow signs to 214. Take 214 West. Continue on 214 West for approximately 5 miles to 616 South. Follow 616 South. Rail/Trail parking lot is approximately 1 mile on the left. Alternate Route: Take Route 30 to 616 S. Hanover Junction is approx. 6 1/2 miles on the left.
Glen Rock:
Interstate 83 to Glen Rock Exit #8. Follow 216 West for approx. 4 1/2 miles to Glen Rock. Right onto Water St . Cross railroad tracks and turn right to follow tracks for approx. 1/10 mile to Rail/Trail parking lot
Railroad:
Interstate 83 to Shrewsbury Exit #4. West on 851. Rail/Trail parking lot is about 2 miles on the right.
New Freedom:
Interstate 83.to Shrewsbury Exit #4. West on 851 to Railroad Borough. Left onto West 851. 1 1/2 miles to New Freedom Borough. Rail/Trail parking lot at Front and Franklin Streets (at the old train station).
PUBLIC GOLF COURSES IN YORK COUNTY :
Briarwood and Briarwood West Golf Club -- 4775 W. Market St., York ; 792-9776 or 792-5016.
Cool Creek Golf Club -- 300 Cool Creek Road , Wrightsville; 252-3691.
Midlantic Eagleview Golf Club -- 2531 Municipal Road , Dover ; 292-9727.
Grandview Golf Club -- 2779 Carlisle Ave. , York ; 764-2674.
Hawk Lake Golf Club -- 1605 Loucks Road ; 843-9303.
Heritage Hills Golf Resort -- 2700 Mount Rose Ave. , York , 755-4653.
Hickory Heights Golf Course -- RD 1 Lehman Road , Spring Grove, 225-4247.
Honey Run Golf Course and Country Club -- 3131 S. Salem Church Road , York , 792-9771.
Little Creek Golf Course -- Spring Grove RD 1, 225-1702.
Pleasant Valley Golf Club -- Stewartstown RD 1, 993-2184.
Range End Country Club -- 303 Golf Club Ave. ,Dillsburg; 432-4213.
Rolling Acres Golf Course -- 490 Windsor Road , 755-1406.
Valley Green Golf Club -- 1227 Valley Green Road , Etters; 938-4200.
PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS
Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
Website: www.strandcapitol.org/index.html
Dream Wrights Youth & Family Theatre
Website: www.dreamwrights.org
Eichelberger Performing Arts Center
Website: www.goepac.com
Mt. Wolf Gospel Arts Dinner Theatre
98 S. Sixth Street , Mt. Wolf
Telephone: [1] 800-818-6883
York Little Theatre
Website: www.ylt.org
FACTORY TOURS
FAMILY HEIR-LOOM WEAVERS
Website: www.familyheirloomweavers.com/
GLATFELTER PAPER
Website: www.glatfelter.com
HARLEY DAVIDSON, Inc.
Website: www.harley-davidson.com/CO/FTY/en/york.asp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US
HOPE ACRES FULLY ROBOTIC DAIRY FARM
Website: www.hopeacres.com
NAYLOR WINE CELLARS
Website: www.naylorwine.comPERRYDELL FARM DAIRY
Address: 90 Indian Rock Dam Rd. York , PA
For details, call (717) 741-3485 and ask for Diane.
THE PFALTZGRAFF COMPANY
Website: www.pfaltzgraff.com
SEVEN VALLEYS VINEYARD AND WINERY
Website: www.sevenvalleys.com
SNYDERS OF HANOVER
Website: www.snydersofhanover.com/Pages/Other/facstore-hanover.html
UTZ SNACKS
Website: www.utzsnacks.com
WOLFGANG CANDY COMPANY
Website: www.wolfgangcandy.com
To find the detailed listing go to Toytrains.info.com
at: http://www.toytrains.info/get.asp?mod=subject&subject=%28%22family+activities+%25+york%22+%22family+fun+%25+york%22+%22York%2C+PA+and+the+steam+locomotive%22%29+%2Dwas
See ya around York ,
Scott Arber
I thought this might be of some interest for this October's York only.
A couple of excerpts:
" Lancaster County , Pennsylvania , served as the principal filming location for the [1985] movie [" Witness, " staring Harrison Ford], and the local visitors bureau has set up a special tour package for those who want to share in the experience. The Witness Movie Experience Tour is a three-hour motorcoach tour that departs from the Pennsylvania Dutch Visitor Information Center. It is being held for this [20th] anniversary year only and will include, for the first time ever, a look behind the scenes of the actual farm featured in the film.
The Witness Movie Experience Tour is available at 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. , Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays now through November 21 only. Because of limited dates and times to visit the farm, reservations must be made."
The above text is in the 3/4 mark of the film review by Teddy Durgin at:
http://home.ezezine.com/171_3/171_3-2005.08.24.23.28.archive.html
and appropriate contact telephone numbers are given.
Mike Nickerson
California
not yet a TCA member
Below are selected comments from the TTML about the fall 2004 and spring 2005 York Meets. Offered to remind all of the wonderful times we all had in the past and to stir the mind and soul for the next great York Meet.
Clem
Just got back from York and thought I would post a few observations.
The Holidome is still the premier meet, although in my opinion, there appeared to be fewer vendors than at previous meets. Perhaps this is the result of the poor weather projections. Fortunately, the forecasters were wrong, both yesterday and today were dry, but a little cool and breezy. Still a lot to see and better than many local meets I have attended.
The Best Western seems to be growing each meet. As mentioned in an earlier post, the vendors had overflowed the parking lot onto the grass area. Lot of good vendors at this venue. Of special interest was a vendor demonstrating a sound system for the RMT Beeps. Although still in the developmental stage, if sufficient interest is expressed, the vendor stated he hoped to have them available in the Fall as an add-on which would retail for approximately $40.00. Sounds consist of a diesel horn and engine sounds and, in my opinion, were quite good. I think it would be a nice addition to the Beep.
The Billy Budd and firehouse were pretty much the same as in the Fall. Fortunately, the Billy Budd has seemed to stop the decline in vendors. A long way from where it used to be when it overflowed to surrounding lawns, still it seemed to have about the same number of vendors as last time.
All in all, a satisfying trip. I overheard some vendors talking, and it seems as if some, at least, plan to set up a day earlier in the Fall to compensate for the change in the TCA schedule. Hopefully, Tuesday and Wednesday will be prime days for the bandit meets.
Rolland May
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 07:39:09 -0400
From: " Clem Clement " <clem.clement@cox.net>
Subject: TTMLERS at York
Home safe as I hope all are.
I am so honored to be able the chat with you guys at the TTML breakfast. What a fun way to start the Yorking experience! I so enjoy it although The Other Clem's shirt was ugly! You folks make my day with your funning. We were honored with Pres Paul and past Pres Gordon in attendance as well. I know Chip's secret and I ain't tellin!! It is some feeling I tell you to wear the breakfast badge and be acknowledged through out the meet as a fellow TTMLER. Thanks for making my day so sweet. I hear no TTMLER told one lie all week-true? Did you guys see Dr Joe 's art work? He is so sophisticated with his designs!
Hope all had a great time, found some new toys and had a safe trip home.
Happy times all and see ya at Spring York.
Clem
Message: 24
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 15:14:21 -0000
From: "gordondma" <gordondma@comcast.net>
Subject: view from sell side of York table
As a first time table holder at York , I was impressed by how different things look from the other side of the table. In past Yorks I anxiously waited while people shuffled slowly, very slowly, past the postwar tables, so I could get to the prewar tables before everything disappeared. This Friday, I kept asking myself: where are the shuffling hordes? It seemed like half as many people, yet the numbers were the same. Nevertheless, the experience was great and I did manage to sell half the items I brought. I think next York I will lower the tag prices on Saturday as well as give more bargaining room. I figure my prices were likely too high for the items remaining on Saturday. A lower tag price would probably help. The risk is that I would have less bargaining room, but at least the conversation starts. And I will try harder to forget how much I paid for the item, since I likely paid more than today's value for quite a few of them. On Saturday there were many fewer people, so it might not matter. The most fun of the sale side of the table was being able to chat with people about some of the items I had, teaching some what I knew, and learning from others new things I didn't know. There are a lot of experts at York ! The TTML breakfast group was great. We enjoyed another greeting and presentation from Clem, and a special update about upcoming ballots and votes from past president Paul Wasserman. Sam Butler promised to give us more tales of railroading adventure, especially from the early years of railroading. And Bob Mintz took lots of photos so those unable to attend York can match name with face. Every York I am more amazed by the amount of work that Clem and the huge number of volunteers do to make York happen. From the sell side, I saw even more of that effort and success. Thanks again Clem for a terrific York !
Doug Gordon
97-46307
Message: 5
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 23:02:35 -0000
From: "jlechner2001" Joseph.Lechner@mvnu.edu>
Subject: York reflections
I second the vote of thanks for Clem Clement and his hundreds of team members from Eastern Division for a well-run York . Unofficial breakfast conversation indicated that the total two-day registration was 19,000 persons. If accurate, that sets a new all-time record. It is a tribute to Eastern Division that the event is so well-organized that it never feels like you're in that big crowd, just a happy throng of train fans doing what they enjoy best.
I appreciated the opportunities to greet more of you at the breakfast and at the Internet table throughout the day. I feel like I already know you through your messages but it's still special to meet face to face.
Took my daughters to a movie this afternoon. Posters for "Polar Express" are already hanging in theaters, due to open in November.
I've seen Lionel's model of the Express twice, first at Pittsburgh and now at York . Which of you will be the first to convince your local multiplex to let you install a working layout in the lobby?
A good weekend to all,
Joseph Lechner
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 20:27:56 -0400
From: "Les Mathis" < lhmathis@verizon.net >
Subject: York
Another York experience is behind us. The innate keeping of records born of being in the regulatory/enforcement arena for over 35 years has resulted in the following data concerning my travels to York: # of years attending the York meet: 32 # of times attended: 47 (Oct- 31 times and April- 16 times)# of times in Blue Hall 18, Red Hall 14, White Hall 10, Silver Hall 1, no table 4 # of miles driven to attend: 15,322 (a ho-hum amount for some attendees). # of people who have become friends: too numerous to count. (the best part) # of hours spent jawing, bs'ing about trains, etc: too many to count.
# of items sold: who cares
# of items purchased: Ah I can't say. don't want my better half to know (lol)
My impressions of York October 2004:
Lots of people. Mind boggling. Quite a few "eye candy" 5 digit $, rare items coming out of the woodwork. Marklin "Crocs" in 1 and O gauge for example. K-line's fantastic display. Lionel's GG-1. A house on fire being put out with real water. Smoke pellets that have more pharmaceutical elegance to them than those made by the old Lionel. Electronic gizmos up the Kazoo including Police/Fire/EMS vehicles with working LED lights. Scale track/buildings/scenic materials - the heavy trend to realism. And of course table upon table of ubiquitous 6462s ad nauseum that came not only to this meet, but for years past and probably years to come. Damn I have to wait another 6 months to do it all again.
Les Mathis
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 21:17:47 -0400
From: " John Zobel " <jzobel@adelphia.net>
Subject: view from sell side of York table
In reply to Doug's comments regarding his pleasant York experience, may I offer a few observations. As a long time York attendee (15+ years without a miss) I have seen the show expand from a very large club meet to the unbelievable and overwhelming event that all the attendees enjoy today. Not only has the number of train collectors who attend grown to epic proportions but also we now have virtually all the train and train related manufacturers and dealers in attendance. All of these individuals are counting on a well run show in order to promote and sell their products. The logistics of organizing and managing this event to everyone's (collectors, manufacturers and dealers) satisfaction is an enormous undertaking.
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 18:37:14 -0000
From: "Scot" < trainbud@optonline.ne t>
Subject: More York Thoughts
I'd been to " Yorks " before. This was my fourth, and I'd decided to make this one substantially different. I decided I'd really 'see' York , not merely run from hall to hall.
I really wish I could convey how that decision affected me. It has been a cathartic experience. I listened to, and enjoyed, a country radio station; you can't get that in the NY area. I still have the songs rattling around in my head, continuing that pleasurable experience. I had real food~ Maple Don uts; PA. diner food; and a great lunch at the York Fairgrounds restaurant. During the three days I was there I laughed and was relaxed and everyone was friendly. And I got to look at and touch trains I'd only ever seen in pictures! It was wonderful.
I got involved~ I volunteered to help with the show. Friends, if you get the chance, do this. You see the show from a totally different perspective, meet some good people, and get to smile a little more. It will do your heart good.
I went to a couple of discussions, including the excellent program that the knowledgeable (and passionate) Joe Algozzini put on. I saw fragile, one-of-a-kind paper items; awesome stuff you may never read about or see in any museum.
On the way home I realized how much I do miss the PA area (I lived in the Allentown area for 13 years); how much that was a part of my life. I got to revisit the good parts of that time in my head. I drove for miles and was comforted by the beautiful Autumn colors and those country songs I can't get here.
At the show, I saw more than trains. I saw husbands and wives working together at a hobby about which they both care; and it was plain that they care for each other. I saw friends sharing; camaraderie, knowledge, joys and concerns. I caught up with one of my long-time acquaintances; shook hands and laughed with some new ones. And everyone was cheerful.
I did see trains~ boy, did I ever! I saw trains dang near one hundred years old; some showing their age, some not, and some with a shiny new coat of paint and a new set of wheels, ready to be played with and cherished for the next hundred years. I saw some rare old tunnels; factory-made with brass or tin, their paint flaking, a tiny chalet clinging to the side of a painted roadway; a home-made paper-mache tunnel, its blue lake painted aside snow capped peaks~ a tiny well-weathered cardboard house beside it. I saw trains worth ten dollars and held trains with a price tag of a thousand times that. I took the time and nurtured the flicker of an interest in old O scale train cars by looking at, and handling, and learning about, car kits from the 30's and 40's. I saw thousands of train collectors, hundreds and hundreds of cabooses, hundreds of thousands of smiles and realized there is MUCH more to the hobby 'out there' than even all this.
The trip cemented a belief that that this is the one *true* hobby that I have. This is where I belong.
There are other forums today with a lot of angst among the posters regarding this show. York is what you make it~ a social experience; a toy train temple; an all-day wrestling match over 5 dollars. I chose to make it relaxing, informative and fun.
I humbly thank you, the Eastern Division members who work to benefit us all with this great show.
Scot Kienzlen
"The Ellison Guy"
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 18:17:34 -0400
From: Ed Smith <emorse@prodigy.net>
Subject: MTH Not Lionel at York
I had a completely different experience at the MTH Booth. Got to talk personally to Mr. Wolf and he graciously signed 30 or so catalogs and other MTH stuff. Never made a comment and seem to enjoy signing them in the MTH Purple pen I provided. He mentioned he himself only had one copy of his early items. I would give him 15 to sign and then step back and wait for other folks on line to chat with him. While I was waiting, someone asked him the price of a train set on the wall and he stopped what he was doing, went and picked up a 2005 catalog and showed the gentleman the price. I was very impressed with that and all the other MTH personnel around the booth. He personally took care of the request.
York was the most amazing thing/collection of trains I have ever seen in my life. I saw items at dealers table that I didn't know even existed. Very well run and not much pushing and jostling, but there are a lot of rude people out there. Overall?? If you ever get the chance to go to one of these meets, do it. Make it a vacation or whatever, but do it. I guarantee you will talk about it the rest of your life. And kudos to the gang that put it together.
Ed Smith
Message: 6
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 00:58:11 -0000
From: "jlechner2001" Joseph.Lechner@mvnu.edu>
Subject: Perusing the Halls
Friday, 17058 steps taken, 7.269 miles walked, 1245 calories burned. Saturday, 7514 steps, 3.203 miles, 548.6 calories burned.
Scott Arber >>
Can you express the number of calories burned in Maple Don uts???
Tom Bianculli >
cake donut with crumb topping: 240 calories
frosted creme filled bismarck : 340 calories
Friday: 5 cake donuts or 3 bismarcks + 1 donut
Saturday: approx. 1 donut + 1 bismarck
Special Eastern Division dietary rules apply.
Trips from Silver Hall to the Red or White Hall consume more calories because it's up hill. Return trips to the Silver Hall consume fewer calories.
Maple Don uts eaten while riding the Red Rabbit around the fairgrounds are twice as fattening as those eaten while walking.
Calories eaten by volunteers working at the registration desk are not counted.
Funnel cakes are low in calories because all the gooey stuff drains out the spout of the funnel.
Yorking with your friends-priceless
Joseph Lechner
Message: 17
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 12:52:28 -0400
From: " Clem Clement " <clem.clement@cox.net>
Subject: Maple Don uts
The York County just called and asked what they wanted me to report about the meet. I did all the counts and complements and nice things, and then I said how killer the Maple Don uts were!! I mentioned that York is a second home to many of us. I think they are really going to publish that 17,000 fools come back to York twice a year for the town, the trains and Maple Don uts. Scott, get on your horse and see if Maple makes a sugarless donut or the kind for those who have special dietary habits. I know we have folks who can't take some of the ingredients in the regular donuts and maybe they could enjoy some if there were the sugarless kind available. If they don't make 'em, tell 'em to get on it.
Clem
(So busy this time that I did not have a donut)
Message: 21
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 12:59:49 -0400
From: " Clem Clement " <clem.clement@cox.net>
Subject: York Restaurant reports
Anybody find a new and special restaurant this time that they need to report about? I got to go to the Central Café this time. Very friendly folks and scrumptious food. At my secret personal mega-favorite restaurant I got to have the York County favorite special dish: Chicken and noodles over a waffle. Bonkus donkus it was good. White sauce a drippin' down off the plate all the way around as the waffle is too big for the plate and off my chin, wide noodles and a good waffle underneath. I even hugged the waitress over that one. I introduced a friend to the dish and when he called his wife, she said it sounds terrible. He straightened her out- it is gooder'n a Blu Comet. Don't try it at home- ya gotta try it at YORK .
Clem Clement
Message: 7
Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2005 09:07:33 -0400
From: "Christopher Uchrin" <uchrin@blast.net>
Subject: York newbie Question
I am going to my first York this October.
I have already registered and received my badges (and printed out my TTML badges).
I'm assuming (!) that I don't have to go to the registration desk, but where should I go? (Be nice.) The hall of my choice?
Thanks in advance for the responses.
This is a great question. First, the decision to pre-register is your second GREAT decision (the first being to attend York !). You've saved yourself, roughly speaking, an hour of useless line-waiting. This is time that can be much more usefully spent buying stuff (from me, for,instance!).
Strategy is another thing and I imagine every "seasoned" attendee has their own. Unless I am seeking a "one-of-a-kind" part, I pretty much follow what Steve Serenska had written. I check out the member halls first and leave the dealer halls for last, especially since they stay open,later (or have in the past). My first 20 or so Yorks were as a buyer. Now that I have been a seller (thinning out an inherited collection, my father's), my strategy is pretty much to stay near my table. Also remember to eat. The TTML breakfasts are fun. However, flex-time your other meals to avoid needless line-waiting. If you do find yourself in a line, however, strike up a conversation with your fellows. After all, this is a SOCIAL event! Make new friends! And if you see something that you just must have,remember, the selling price is what you pay for it. Most of the time, the listed price is a starting place for negotiation.
I hope this helps,
Chris Uchrin
TCA 82-17810, LOTS, TTOS, MEA, NASG
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