Clem's York Primer-Fall 2006

YORK TRAIN MEET MADE EASY

By Clem Clement , Eastern Division President

The dates for the York train extravaganza this fall are October 19-21, 2006 . The National Toy Train (TCA) museum in nearby Strasburg , Pa. is available all week and a must see location. Their special day is Wednesday October 18, 2006 . Please plan to attend and enjoy the Museum's special presentations.

SPECIAL NOTES:

(1) The Fall York meet 2006 will be THREE wonderful days on the York Fairgrounds again. The Black Hall will be open with two special layouts: S gauge and Standard gauge. You just gotta see this! A great time to meet old friends and make new ones. Come and see and play trains with us. REMINDER: Bring the badge holder we gave you last time. Replacements are $1.

(2) The Eastern Division York Meet Notice reflects minor changes to the meet this time. 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 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? I have removed much of the duplication between Clem's Primer and the Meet Notice 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 vehicle traffic situation outside the Fairgrounds. Dealers in the Brown, Orange and Purple Hall may pre-register for the next meet Saturday between 12-2 pm in the Orange Hall in the ticket windows.

(3) Eastern Division, TCA has its own web site. Yeah and a “tippo” of the old baseball cap to Debbie Geiser for her super efforts. The entire York Meet Notice is posted on this site. 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. 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 hurricanes, gas 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; particularly with the airline baggage situation. The location will be a truck/office near the entranceway to the Blue/Silver halls. The USPS phone number in York is 717-848-2717. The following times for York Fairgrounds office to be open are Friday 12-4 and Saturday 10 -2PM . 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) 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 in recent years. They must be hearing us. I83 between Leaders Heights (exit #14) and Queen Street (exit #16): they are taking out “Deadman's Curve” at exit#15, George Street. 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. Scot Arber

(8) Pre-Register even if you aren't sure you can come to York . This will preclude you standing in the registration line. Guests can now register in advance as well as during the meet. You may join TCA at the Meet.

(9) 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.

(10) Wednesday, TCA Museum Events will be super-Be There!

(11) 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 3 meets each year near Baltimore/Washington 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 just 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

(12) We continue to seek new volunteers to help with the York Show. Wednesday at 1:00 PM there will be a briefing in the Blue Hall outside of the Blue Hall Restaurant for those who can help us. The York meet requires a huge number of members to make it happen. You can also volunteer at the registration counter. Please volunteer-it is your meet. Contact our Volunteer Committee Chairman, John Zobel, 716-662-7760 to volunteer.

(13) There is local shopping trip to the mall. Bus leaves from the Blue Hall Thursday every hour from 12:00 AM until 4:00 PM and Friday from 10-4 PM . $1 each way- exact change required.

(14) UPS has an office on 2180 White Street York . That is just past the Fairgrounds on Carlisle Road (Route 74) to 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.

(15) Traffic at the Carlisle Gate can be horrendous. The new light is installed 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.

(16) You can get York weather info at http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USPA1834.html

(17) Steve Bohn is the new Marketing Coordinator for the York Expo Center . 717-848-2596 ex 118.

(18) 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 York Fairgrounds.

(19) Eastern Division General Membership meeting will be held in the Silver Hall auction room 11:00 AM, Saturday.

(20) Guests can attend York only once as a guest. A guest can join TCA on the spot at York . Certainly one signature is the sponsor and the second signature can be optioned easily from a friend. The TCA National Business Office Operations Manager, John Luppino and Nicole Berninger are present to help with National questions. 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.

(22) There are three restrooms open 24/7 on the Fairgrounds: outside the Red Hall, the far restrooms in the Orange Hall, the firehouse and near the old Gold hall.

(23) The York Meet registration desk will be open:

3-7PM on Wednesday

9-7PM on Thursday

9-7PM on Friday

9-2PM on Saturday

(24) On the subject of Hall closing we publish that the dealer's halls close at 7 PM . This means the doors are to be shut. This does not mean that you can enter at two minutes before 7 and shop for an hour. Plan ahead and get in the halls earlier. We contract for security and they expect to close the halls promptly. Additionally some of our security force has other commitments/jobs after our hours and need to get to them.

(25)The PA tax people visited our dealer halls this York . They asked for and were given free reign of the dealer halls and did so. I expect them at every meet.

(26) Anne Druck, the President of the York County Visitor's Bureau, visited us and announced a hotel rate study at our bequest. Her remarks were:

“Hi Clem. Thanks so much for the time you took to take me on a tour of the TCA meet and all the introductions you made. The new display was really nice - it had to be a hit with your members. It was valuable and interesting to receive feedback from your members. From the NJ couple who were pleased with the facility and service at the Yorktowne to the gentleman who is staying in Hanover for a $49 rate. I have some more information for you regarding York County 's hotel status. First is the attached letter from John written in response to one of your members. This is one of the most well written letters I have read and it does a great job of explaining the situation. I know you are already knowledgeable of the information John provided, however, it may help you to share this when appropriate. According to Smith Travel Research, the average York County hotel rate for all of 2005 was $72.16/night. YTD, 2006 we are tracking 3% above 05.

According to the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau hotel survey, the 9 properties in metro York reported an average rate $82.12/night for all of 2005. This means that the gentleman who was able to find a rate in the county for $49/night is getting a fabulous deal! Kudos to him for being a savvy consumer. It is helpful to know that we are providing such a wide range of facility and price options. There was another significant factor influencing hotel rates in our region. April 19-23 were the dates of the Great Carlisle Collector Car Auction which generates a tremendous room demand. The combination of this show and TCA drives the market in our entire region. At least one of our properties has not raised the TCA rates for 5 years during a time when overall rates have experienced significant growth. I feel confident that they are not alone in keeping rates steady for your group. As committed, we will survey our member hotels and provide that data to you.

Ultimately, we cannot control rates, however it is my intent to provide you with the information and support whenever necessary to demonstrate the value that TCA members receive. Just let me know if this sparks any ideas and if we can provide further assistance. Thanks, Anne Druck”

(27) Dealers in the Brown, Orange and Purple Hall may preregister for the next meet between 12-2 pm in the Orange Hall at the Ticket Windows.

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. The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau has added new functions to the organization's website, www.Yorkpa.org . An interactive online maps and an online reservations function will make the site more user-friendly. A map 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 . Each map shows 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.

For more information on the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 1-888-858-9675, or visit www.yorkpa.org

TRAVEL DIRECTIONS

To get to the York area from the South, I sometimes 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.) If you are going directly from the Washington area to the York Fairgrounds, 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 another 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 to 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 Long Island/NYC/Jersey York 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 $70 from NY, $65 from NJ. Call 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.)

You could bring your own favorites! 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), The Reliance Fire Hall on 1341 West Market Street and at the Holiday Inn Holidome at West Manchester Mall north of Route 30 on Carlisle Road (1400 Loucks Road). 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 inside the main meeting room and sometimes outside in the parking lot. 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 second 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.

The Reliance Fire Hall show is primarily for our S gauge folks. The Reliance Fire Hall is at 1341 W. Market Street Ph. 717-843-6305. Simply it is out the Market Street gate of the Fairgrounds turn right and go a couple of blocks.

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.

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/

For Lancaster County . Dialing 1-800-PADUTCH (1-800-723-8824) will connect to a "Lodging Hotline" or the visitor's Bureau website, 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's 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, and 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. 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 place 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 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 and going a bit farther up 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.

At 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. (Tina Smith)

“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 it's 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

The Culinary Arts Center Restaurant of York sometimes run specials. 1063 N George St. http://www.yorkchef.com/ 717 846-5000.

Bill Mack's Ice Cream Shopppes are super. 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 Shoppes 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)

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. 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.

"Where should you never set up your camper?"

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.

"Is there a fee to camp if your camper does not require water or electricity?"

Yes. 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. The Fairgrounds charges us per user, no matter what they use.

"Where is a good location to camp on the Tuesday night before the show?"

“My preference is Indian Rock Campground, just outside of town to the south and west. They run a reasonable rate 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). 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. 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). 717-332-6796

One last item. You can check out the forecasted weather for York by going to www.weatherchannel.com or <http://www.weather.com> and typing in the zip code of 17404. But no matter what they say, bring a warm sweater or jacket.

NOW THE DETAILS:

MONDAY:

The Billy Budd may be in operation. I haven't heard definitely. The inside meet at the Holidome sets up on Monday as well. I don't know when the Reliance Hall opens.

TUESDAY:

The Holidome ballroom will open about 7:30 AM till about 7:00 PM . Times are approximate. The correct times get posted on the main doors. The outside parking lot trading area is open as well and gradually fills during the day. Clem has a booth location at G-2 outside (alphanumeric painted on asphalt.) I stay at the Holidome (Phone: 717-846-9500).

At the Billy Budd Holiday Inn, the rooms are full of wondrous trains and some dealing is done the Sunday before York . They do give out parking tickets if you park dumb. They serve breakfast inside the Billy Budd. (This show is pretty much over, due I think in part to the peddler's tax that that district levies on its dealers.) Please keep me informed if this show rebuilds. The Best Western is in full swing during the day (It is an outside show only).

The Reliance Firehall is open all day.

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 3-7 PM .

The Billy Budd opens around 7:00 AM . The Holidome parking lot trading area opens around 7:00 AM till? for booth set up and trading. The inside opens around 7:30 AM .

The Best Western Motel shows open Wed 8:00 AM till? The Best Western had a 50 or so dealers outside and is a growing show. The Reliance is open as well.

York Meet volunteers meeting Wednesday 1 PM in the Blue Hall outside the lunch area.

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; you're Meet Notice, or the TCA web site for current details. http://www.traincollectors.org/

You must attend!

For the latest Open House Schedule, visit the TCA Museum at http://traincollectors.org or http://www.nttmuseum.org/

OPEN HOUSE (UPDATED)

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

10:00 AM

Museum opens. Come in and join us for our open house! A demonstration of the NEW TCA X-Change internet site will be provided shortly after opening in the theater area. We will be selling excess train boxes and various well-used rolling stock. In addition the remainder of the Lavinus Cabooses will be on sale in the lobby. The day also includes door prize drawings following our guest speakers.

11:00 AM

Third Rail of Sunset Models will return this fall. Scott Mann will entertain your questions and discuss their current and future offerings.

12:00 Noon

Marklin has promised to show you some interesting new items for your collection. Jeff Stimson will be happy to take your questions and listen to your ideas.

1:00 PM

Weaver will be joining us. Anna Hartman will display new items and conduct a question and answer session.

2:00 PM

MTH has great reviews on their new product line for this upcoming season. Mike Wolf will show the latest releases for 2006, coming attractions for 2007 and address your questions.

2:45 PM

Presentation by Southern Division President to NTTM

3:00 PM

Special Presentation -- Lavinus Observation Car Commissioning. We are looking forward to the realization of a dream and a permanent platform for presentations.

3:30 PM

ATLAS will be here to introduce their new lineup for 2007. Jim Weaver is always eager to answer your questions and discuss future items. Is their a Steam Engine in the future?

4:15 PM

Lionel, as usual, will have several new surprises with the introduction of their latest re­leases. Come see what Jerry Calabrese and Company are offering for the coming Holiday Season.

5:00 PM

Special door prize drawing for kids under 15. You must be present to win. We have a lot of items for the budding train enthusiast.

6:00 PM

The National Toy Train Museum closes for the night. Thanks for your support and enjoy the Eastern Division York Meet on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Directions to the National Toy Train Museum from York Fairgrounds

Follow Route 30 East approximately 42 miles, then turn right onto Route 896 (just past Rockvale Outlets).

At the second traffic light (in the center of Strasburg), turn left.

Keep left at the fork, following Route 741 East, and pass the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Turn left at the next traffic light ( Paradise Lane ), cross over the tracks and turn right into our parking lot.

Shuttle Continue

We will again offer the shuttle service from 9 AM to 6 PM between satellite parking locations and the museum. Satellite parking is provided at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the Strasburg Railroad, and the Choo-Choo Barn parking lots.

Restaurants are available at each of these lots. The shuttle route takes approximately 15 minutes and members may ride at any time. Committee volunteers will assist with the parking at all locations. Please be considerate and work with them; they are doing a great job for you.

Volunteers!

We currently have around a dozen active volunteers who do all the behind the scenes work at the Museum and host the open house twice a year. Each volunteer wears a TCA Museum shirt or sweater. Take a minute to thank them during your visit for their hard work throughout the year. If you have an interest in helping at our world class NTTM, please consider volunteering your time. For more information, contact either:

Roy Aydelotte 410-923-6496 NTTMCommittee@aol.com , or

Keith Arnold 717-682-8056

We welcome folks with all levels of talent and gladly share our knowledge. We offer hands on-training in many aspects of behind-the-scenes-work. New faces are always welcome!

For latest Open House Schedule, visit www.nttmuseum.org

Enjoy the Eastern Division York Meet!

Directions to The National Toy Train Museum from York Expo Fairgrounds

Follow Route 30 East approximately 42 miles.

Turn right onto Route 896 (just past Rockvale Outlets).

At second traffic light (in center of Strasburg), turn left onto Route 741 East.

Follow Route 741 East, passing Strasburg Railroad & Railroad Museum of PA.

Turn left at traffic light onto Paradise Lane .

Pass the Red Caboose Motel and turn right into Museum parking lot.

Shuttle service to and from satellite parking at the Strasburg Railroad, Choo Choo Barn and Railroad Museum of PA runs approximately every 15 minutes.

Restaurants available at those sites.

Volunteers – Be sure to thank our Museum volunteers who devote so much time and talent to make The National Toy Train Museum the very special place it is. New volunteers welcome!

The Toy Train Paper & Memorabilia Meet will be held on October 18, 2006 at the Shiloh American Legion Post 791, 1490 Poplars Rd. York , from 4:00 until 6:00 PM . Directions:

on the right at 1490 Poplars Road , York , PA (717-764-6190). Drive past the building and pull into the parking lot along the side and back of the structure. Enter through the blue double doors on the left side of the building near the cannon.

For more information contact Joe Mania at joe@jlmtrains.com

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. Parking guides will assist you. Huge crowd! If you can't get to the fairgrounds early, 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 York Meet Notice)

White Hall, Red Hall, Silver and Blue Halls: Individual Collectors

Orange , Brown and Purple Halls: all dealers

Black Hall: Layouts

The shuttle bus to the local shopping mall leaves just outside the Blue Hall Thursday every hour from 12:00 noon -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, 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 , Brown 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/Brown 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-7PM on Thursday

TCA Standards Committee Meeting: 9:00 AM Thursday morning old auction area in the Silver Hall.

Other special interest groups will be meeting Thursday for education and fun - see your York Meet Notice for details. They are listed in “alfa” order.

The Glen Rock Hose & Ladder Co.'s train displays will be open Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. We are located in the Glen Rock Public Library, 32 Main St. , Glen Rock, Pa. It is about 15 minutes south of York . We have HO, American Flyer, O, and G. http://www.grfd.org If you need directions or more information email me. glnrckchf@aol.com Gene Anstine

FRIDAY:

YORK MEET ALL HALLS OPEN AT 9 AM .

The TCA Internet discussion Group (TTML) meets for breakfast on the fairgrounds at 7:30AM - 9:00 AM in the Fairgrounds restaurant. Ol' 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 continues to happen once again. Mrs. Clem may attend as well thus remarks may be tampered with and tempered by the situation at hand… There is a slim-to-none chance that the whole truth and nuthin' but 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

Dealer and Member Hall table/booth 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. Registration counter is open from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM .

SATURDAY:

YORK MEET OPENS 9:00-2:00 PM

Dealer and Member setup from 8:00-9:00AM . The registration desk will be open 9-2PM on Saturday

COLORS DAY: If you have Division or Chapter or train group colors (shirts, etc.,) why not wear them Saturday and show off.

Dealers in the Brown, Orange and Purple Hall may pre-register for the next meet between 12-2 pm in the Orange Hall at the Ticket Windows.

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

Clem's Primer Part II

Family Fun at York :

This is the latest listing, up-dated as of March 12, 2006 From Scott Arber toyrail@yahoo.com . (I recommend you confirm times and details as these are frequently changing. Clem)

This is again a &#8220;Cliff Notes&#8221; edition.

- A comprehensive listing is archived at

www.Toytrains.info.com

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 Website Addresses, Golf Courses and Factory Tours. Most notably, the deletion of the Pfaltzgraff Pottery Factory Tour With the sale of the brand name its Thomasville factory has been closed.

NEW TO THIS EDITION is Authentic Shopping Outlets. These are outlets owned and run by the factories. Not &#8220; Outlets&#8221; that owned by a third party that licenses the name. Most are located at the factories themselves.

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.

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

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.com PERRYDELL FARM DAIRY

Address: 90 Indian Rock Dam Rd. York , PA

For details, call (717) 741-3485 and ask for Diane.

THE PFALTZGRAFF COMPANY—has an outlet store but is no longer offering factory tours.

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