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Clem's York Primer - Spring 2007
YORK TRAIN MEET MADE EASY
The dates for the York train extravaganza this spring are April 19-21, 2007. The National Toy Train (TCA) museum in nearby Strasburg, Pa. is available all week and a must-see location. Their special day is Wednesday April 18, 2007. Please plan to attend and enjoy the Museum’s special presentations.
SPECIAL NOTES
FLASH ROAD CONSTRUCTION NEWS: PENNSYLVANIA WILL BE FIXING RT 30 IN YORK FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. CONSTRUCTION WILL BE ON RT 30 STARTING NEAR KENNETH ROAD (WHERE THE OLIVE GARDEN, BEST WESTERN PRESHOW MEET AND THE DINER ARE AND WEST INCLUDING CARLISLE AVENUE (THE STREET TO THE FAIRGROUNDS). PLAN AHEAD.
- The York meet will be three wonderful days on the York Fairgrounds again. The Black Hall will be open with a special layout. You’ve just gotta see this! The Flower City Tinplate Trackers from the Rochester, NY area will be operating Hi Rail O gauge layout. Eastern Division’s York Meet is a great time to meet old friends and make new ones. Come and see and play trains with us.
REMINDER: Don’t forget your badge. Reprints are $5 each.
- 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 map of the fairgrounds is on the back of the notice.
The entire meet notice is located on the TCA Eastern Division web site. Why not copy it, highlight the subjects of special interest to you, and bring it with you? Much of the duplication is removed between the Primer and the Meet Notice so you will need to read both thoroughly to get the full story. The Primer is a personal view of York to help make things easier for our friends.
Note: member halls close Thursday and Friday at 5:30 P.M. This gives those table holders and all attendees more time to peruse the dealer halls, which stay open till 7:00 P.M.
Dealers in the Brown, Orange and Purple Hall may pre-register for the next meet Saturday between 12-2 pm in the Orange Hall at the ticket windows.
- TCA Eastern Division has its own web site. Check us out at www.easterntca.org. The York Meet Notice is posted there as is other Eastern Division information.
- At 11:55 A.M. on Thursday the Eastern Division president or his representative take the mic and ask all to join in a moment of silence for those who have gone before us 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 be respectful. The meet then will be opened at 12:00 noon.
- In my view, 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 with the fighting that 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 and will give us all great support. If I had my way, the official greeting at York would be a hug. America hugs.
- UPS has agreed to have a 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 in the lobby entranceway to the Blue/Silver halls. Open Friday 12:00 – 4:00 P.M. and Saturday 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. 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.
- New road construction has started on RT 30 near RT 74. RT 74 is Carlisle Ave that is between the Holidome and the York Fair grounds. RT 30 will be restricted to single lanes 24/7. I would expect backups during most of the day as single lane traffic is formed. From the west coming in on RT 30, continue on RT 462(W. Market Street) to the Fairgrounds on your left. From the south, get off I-83 at 83 Business and proceed into town as described in the travel section below. From the east on RT 30 or coming south on I-83 allow extra time. Look at MapQuest or another map service for alternate routes. From RT 30, Pennsylvania Avenue can be taken into York center and then work your way west in traffic to the Fairgrounds. Contact AAA for suggestions. Plan for it. Allow plenty of time to go/from to the Museum.
Information on the RT 74 construction is sketchy at press time. Check the TTML just before leaving to travel to York. I wish I had better intelligence for you.
Suggestions for negotiating York traffic:
WSBA--AM-910 radio has regular traffic updates
WSOX--FM-96.1 the same
WGAL--Channel 8 TV has regular traffic updates from 5 to 7 AM every 10
minutes
WROZ--FM-101.1 "The Rose" regular traffic updates.
AVOID the traffic on Wednesday - come to NTTM in Strasburg. Loads of free parking on 5 lots, free shuttle bus ride. Jim Lyle
Watch your speed; roads are heavily patrolled. Remember Pennsylvania's law - lights on in all ACTIVE construction zones. Fines are doubled in construction zones. Scot Arber
- Pre-register even if you aren't sure you can come to York. This will preclude standing in the registration line. Guests can be registered in advance as well as during the meet, but must show a picture ID and pick up their badges in person at the registration desk. Guest badges are NOT mailed. You may join TCA at the Meet.
- Use of cameras, camera phones, walkie-talkies and camcorders are PROHIBITED in all HALLS. Cellular phones may be carried, but not used in any of the halls, except dealers who may use cell phones for credit card calls at their booth or table.
- Wednesday, TCA Museum Events will be super… Be there!
- 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 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 are welcomed.
The Kid's Korner @ York will be open throughout the York show: Thursday afternoon, Friday 10:00 A.M. ‘til 4:00 P.M., and Saturday 9:00 A.M. ‘til 12:30 P.M. Bring your kid (Age 0-110) and join in. There's 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!
- We continue to seek new volunteers to help with the York Show. Wednesday at 1:00 P.M. 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.
- 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 ‘til 9:00 P.M. Phone 717-852-8454.
- 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.
- You can get York weather info at:
- Steve Bohn is the new Marketing Coordinator for the York Expo Center.
717-848-2596, ext 118.
- The Fairgrounds have set up the flag area on the North side of the main entrance to the Orange Hall. U.S. and PA flags will be displayed. There is a brick purchase program for that location sponsored by the York Fairgrounds.
- Eastern Division General Membership meeting will be held in the Orange Hall promenade 8:00 A.M., Saturday.
- 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 obtained easily from a member 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.
- Did you know that hall floor plans for the Orange, Brown and Purple Halls are available in each hall? They will be available in the promenade outside the Orange Hall entrance doors near the snack bar and at the telephone station in the Purple and Brown Halls. Front side of the floor plan is the table locations and back side is the dealers in alphabetical order by company name. Get 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!)
- There are three restrooms open 24/7 on the Fairgrounds: outside the Red Hall, the far restrooms in the Orange Hall and the firehouse.
- The York Meet registration desk will be open:
3:00-5:00 P.M. on Wednesday
8:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. on Thursday
8:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. on Friday
8:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M. on Saturday
- On the subject of Hall closing we publish that the dealers’ halls close at 7:00 P.M. This means the doors are to be shut and everyone must be out. This does not mean that you can enter at two minutes before 7:00 and shop for an hour. Plan ahead and get to 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.
- 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.
- Anne Druck, the President of the York County Visitor’s Bureau, visited us and asked if there is anything she or her staff can do to make our visit to York County more pleasant. Her people maintain a booth near the registration counter for your convenience. Contact them if you have accommodation issues. Her staff is most helpful. Thanks, Anne
- WHEELCHAR/SCOOTER RENTALS: contact Dave Bubernack, D&R Mobility - 570-648-7418 for reservations or questions. He will setup again on the Fairgrounds at the Fire Station.
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 map and an online reservations function will make the site more user-friendly. One 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 construction – nearly complete – 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 Ave, then right on Carlisle Ave. 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 Ave.) south to Fairgrounds. If you travel Route 30 from the west, New Oxford is a neat town to visit with lots of antiques.
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 Street 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike extension (276) which becomes the Pennsylvania 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 five 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). A start-up show will be at the Springettsbury Fire Co. 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.) 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, under I83, 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 and other rooms. Parking may be controlled at the Holidome 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. Its location is out the Market Street gate of the Fairgrounds turn right and go a couple of blocks. From there, if you go east thru town you come to Springettsbury Fire Hall, 3013 E Market St., York. (It is east of I83, so you could also get on R30 to I83S to E Market St.)
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 or any accommodation issues. 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.
RESTAURANTS
Various comments from members follow.
“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 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 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
The Culinary Arts Center Restaurant of York sometimes runs specials. 1063 N George St. www.yorkchef.com/ 717 846-5000.
Bill Mack's Ice Cream Shoppes are super. Located on Route 74 nearly 4 miles north of the Holidome in Dover, PA. Worth the trip for a 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:
- 5745 Lincoln Hwy EAST, York PA 17402
- 3890 Carlisle Road, Dover, PA 17315
- 731 S. Queen Street, York PA 17403
- 1305 Mount Rose Ave., York PA 17403
- 1938 W. Market Street, York PA 17404 (Go right out of the gate)
Late restaurant info:
Accomac Inn www.accomacinn.com
Altland House Abbottstown www.altlandhouse.com
Serenity-Station at Seven Valleys Restaurant & Day Spa www.serenity-station.com
The Blue Moon 717-854-6664
The Commonwealth Room - AAA 4 Diamond Restaurant www.yorktowne.com
The Left Bank Restaurant 717-843-8010
Windows Restaurant at Heritage Hills Golf Resort www.hhgr.com
~Tina
Moonlight Cafe. 4140 South Main St., Dover. Go up Rt.74 'bout a mile past Mack’s ice cream. It's on the same side as Mack’s. It's small and easy to miss. It's sandwiched between an RV dealer and a used car dealer.
Be prepared, it only seats about 35 and the locals fill it up at peak times. If the lot looks full, park at one of the two dealers if they're closed. Also, cash only, no checks or credit cards.
If there's something you have a hankering for that's not on the menu, ask. If it's Italian, chances are Vito can make it. Oh, one last thing. Take your appetite with you, you'll need it. Scott
RV ACCOMODATIONS
You can't use the Fairgrounds RV Accommodations till 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday. After that enter from the back side of the fairgrounds and Dave Goodhart 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.) 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 bothers you.
"Is there a fee to camp if your camper does not require water or electricity or if you have a tent or sleep in your car?" Yes. You need the RV permit if you intend to sleep on the grounds, camper, use a tent or just sleep in your car. 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 per 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
At Ben Franklin Park in York, PA is approximately 5 minutes west of the York Fairgrounds from 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
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. The Reliance Hall and Springettsbury open 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY
The Holidome ballroom will open about 7:30 A.M. ‘til about 7:00 P.M. 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. (Phone: 717-846-9500).
At the Billy Budd Holiday Inn, the hotel rooms are full of wondrous trains and some dealing is done the Sunday before York. Police give out parking tickets if you park dumb. The Best Western is in full swing during the day (it is an outside show only). The Reliance Firehall and Springettsbury are open 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY
Dealer load-in to the Orange, Brown and Purple Halls occurs from 9:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M. No trading during setup.
Registration counter in the Silver Hall is open 3:30-5:00 P.M.
The Billy Budd opens around 7:00 A.M. The Holidome parking lot trading area opens around 7:00 A.M. ‘til? for booth set up and trading. The inside opens around 7:30 A.M.
The Best Western Motel shows open Wed 8:00 A.M. ‘til? The Reliance and Springettsbury are open 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. as well.
York Meet volunteers meeting Wednesday 1:00 P.M. is in the Blue Hall outside the lunch area.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR WEDNESDAY
The National Toy Train 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 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. See the recent National Headquarters News, your Meet Notice, or the TCA web site for current details.
For the latest Open House Schedule, visit the TCA Website.
New Schedule for the NTTM's York Open House
Posted by Paul F. Edgar, Mon Mar 26, 2007
Hi Folks,
This is Paul Edgar, Co-Chairman of the Education & Museum Committee. We have just today finished most of the winter’s projects and the museum has several new displays and many renewals, especially the S-Gauge layout, it sparkles. Bring your sunglasses!! We have completely revamped the Open House for this April's York Week. We are having a "Toy Train Hobby Fair" in the museum (where the layouts are) Six manufacturers will be promoting their product from 12:00-2:00. Each manufacturer will have a free 10 minute WebCam shot which will be on YouTube that evening, April 18th and later on the TCA's own web site. The participants are, Atlas O (featuring their new steam switcher), Weaver, S-Helper (Marklin had scheduling problems), Ross Custom Switches, David Doyle(book signing for his 3 lates releases, and the Rocky Mountain Div, promoting this summers National Convention in Denver. The complete schedule follows:
10:00-12:00 The museum opens; our own flea market with very low prices on well used items & boxes, and some surprises begins. John Luppino, Operations Manager, will giving a demonstration of the TCA's new Buy & Sell Board at I believe 10:30 in the Library.
12:00 - 2:00 The new Toy Train Hobby Fair in the museum featuring Atlas O, Weaver, S-Helper, Ross Custom Switches, David Doyle book signing, & the Rocky Mountain Div promoting the National Convention this summer in Denver.
2:00 Refreshments
3:00 MTH (in the Atrium)
4:00 Lionel (in the Atrium)
5:00 Kids Special Door Prizes, must be present to win.
5:30 Closing
So you can see, lots of new things to see and do at your museum. Be sure to save some time and come on out and join us for all the fun. This will be the first unveiling of Atlas O's new switcher and you can see it for 2 hours up close and personal. So forget about those bandit meets, we have our own flea market and much lower prices. For more info contact:
Paul Edgar, Co-Chairman, Education & Museum Committee, NTTM
H 717-993-9306
C 703-887-9819
trains@verizon.net
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, ChooChoo Barn and Railroad Museum of PA runs approximately every 15 minutes.
Restaurants are 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 Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the Liberty Fire Company, 160 E 8th Avenue, York.
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 A.M. 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 too 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 P.M. $1.00 each way, exact change only.
Restrooms 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.
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 A.M.-12:00 noon. Dealer load-in to the Orange, Brown and Purple Hall occurs from 9 A.M.-12 noon. No trading during setup.
Registration counter in the Silver Hall is open 8:30A.M.-5:30P.M.
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 “alpha” order.
Thursday evening Flyernut gathering. 8:30 PM at the Reliance fire hall, 1341 W Market St, York.
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 9:00 A.M.
The TCA Internet discussion Group (TTML) meets for breakfast on the fairgrounds at 7:30A.M. - 9:00 A.M. in the Fairgrounds restaurant. Even though Ole Clem is past president now, he plans to wander in about 8:00 A.M. and give a sterling speech that no one listens to, but all seem know that with his welcoming remarks, the wonderful York 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 nothin’ but the truth will be told. Jocularity and silliness prevail.
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 A.M.-9:00 A.M. You can bring boxes in between 8:00-9:00 A.M., as well. Registration counter is open from 8:30 A.M. -5:30 P.M.
I suggest you get to Fairgrounds around 8:00 A.M. or earlier and park. Parking is free. Huge crowd!
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 P.M. $1.00 each way, exact change only.
Restrooms 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.
You are invited to Eastern Divisions Ice Cream Social 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in the promenade area of the Orange Hall. Entertainment by our own members and a chance to meet and chat with fellow collectors. Come one come all and enjoy the fun.
SATURDAY
The Eastern Division General Membership Meeting is at 8:00 A.M. in the Orange Hall Promenade. Members please attend as there is much business to attend to.
Free Coffee and Maple Donuts 7:30-8:30 A.M. in the promenade of the Orange Hall.
York Meet opens 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Dealer and Member setup from 8:00-9:00A.M. The registration desk will be open 8:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M. 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 12:00 -2:00 P.M. in the Orange Hall at the ticket windows.
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. 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 "CliffNotes" edition. A comprehensive listing is archived at www.toytrains.info.
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 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.
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
THE MURALS OF YORK
WORKER'S HOUSE MUSEUM
Address: 470 E. Market St .
Phone: 717-852-7007.
WEIGHT LIFTING HALL OF FAME
POLICE HERITAGE MUSEUM, INC.
INDIAN STEPS MUSEUM
WATCH AND CLOCK MUSEUM
HANOVER FIRE MUSEUM
WIRT PARK FIRE STATION MUSEUM
HANOVER AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
NEAS HOUSE MUSEUM
STATE PARKS:
Samuel S. Lewis
Gifford Pinchot
Codorus
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
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://ycwebserver.york-county.org/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
Cool Creek Golf Club
Midlantic Eagleview Golf Club
2531 Municipal Road, Dover, 717-292-9727.
Grandview Golf Club
Hawk Lake Golf Club
Heritage Hills Golf Resort
Hickory Heights Golf Course
Honey Run Golf Course and Country Club
Little Creek Golf Course
Pleasant Valley Golf Club
Range End Country Club
Rolling Acres Golf Course
Valley Green Golf Club
PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS
Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
Dream Wrights Youth & Family Theatre
Eichelberger Performing Arts Center
Mt. Wolf Gospel Arts Dinner Theatre
98 S. 6th St., Mt. Wolf, 800-818-6883
York Little Theatre
FACTORY TOURS
FAMILY HEIR-LOOM WEAVERS
GLATFELTER PAPER
HARLEY DAVIDSON, Inc.
HOPE ACRES FULLY ROBOTIC DAIRY FARM
NAYLOR WINE CELLARS
PERRYDELL FARM DAIRY
For details, call (717) 741-3485 and ask for Diane.
PEWTAREX FACTORY OUTLET STORE
THE PFALTZGRAFF COMPANY—has an outlet store but is no longer offering factory tours.
SEVEN VALLEYS VINEYARD AND WINERY
SNYDERS OF HANOVER
STAUFFER'S COOKIE OUTLET
SUSQUEHANNA GLASS FACTORY OUTLET
UTZ QUALITY FOODS FACTORY STORE
WOLFGANG CANDY COMPANY
YORK WALLCOVERINGS HOME
To find the detailed listing go to www.toytrains.info.
See ya around York!
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