e-Train - TCA, Toy Trains, Train Collectors Association

The Primer is a composite of the personal experiences and views of several attendees and is designed to enrich Eastern Division, TCA’s York Week Experience. It is not sponsored by any organization; business; company nor does it sell or promote a particular product. This version negates all previous versions. In my view, York is much more than a train meet. It is about the gathering of families, friends and acquaintances -Your TCA Family.

This Primer will highlight the TCA Eastern Division York Train Meet; the TCA Museum, Library and Business Office Activities; member meetings and specified train group activities; non-TCA sponsored train events locally; local attractions; restaurants, tips on navigating the events and the locale. For the price of admission which includes free parking, this is the best deal for a 3 day train meet in the universe. My hope is that the Primer will help you enjoy the week as much as I do.

New info is presented in red.
NOTE: Part II with Local Information & Accommodations is here.

EASTERN DIVISION’S YORK MEET IS APRIL 22 ,23 &24, 2010.
York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave, York PA, 17404

THE NATIONAL TOY TRAIN (TCA) MUSEUM/LIBRARY/BUSINESS OFFICE
300 Paradise Lane, Strasburg, PA

The museum, library, and business office are open all week and are a must see. The Open House on Wednesday features a schedule of special events; refreshments and prizes, which are detailed further on in the Primer and on the TCA web site. Please plan to attend and enjoy the Museum’s special presentations and displays.

NOTE: THE EASTERN DIVISION MEET NOTICE IS THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FOR GUIDANCE REGARDING THE YORK TRAIN MEET. READ IT Thoroughly and bring it with you to the meet.

MEET HOURS:
Dealer Halls- Orange (Toyota) ,Brown (JS Smith Ctr.) & Purple (Heritage)

Set-up ONLY: Dealer Badge Required
Wed ...9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thurs..9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Fri/Sat.8:00 am - 9:00 am

OPEN to all attendees
Thurs 12:00 noon - 7:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Member Halls- White (Horticultural), Red (Old Main), Blue (Memorial West) & Silver (Memorial East)

Set-up Only: Table Holder Badge Required
Thurs 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Fri/Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Black Hall (Pennsylvania Room): Pittsburgh independent hiRailers running layouts during Member Hall open times.

Registration Hours:
Wed.......3:00P.M.-5P.M.
Thurs/Fri.8:30A.M.-5:30P.M.
Sat.......8:30A.M.-2:00P.M.
Sat.. Dealer Preregistration ONLY Orange
Hall. Listen for announcements for times.

Kids Korner (Parents/guardian must remain
with child)
Thurs. . 12 Noon-4:00 PM
Fri. . . 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Sat. . . 9:00 A.M.-12 Noon

General Meet Rules include:
Badges must be worn at all times. Reprints are $5 each. If you sleep on the fairgrounds must pay the $40 RV fee. This is a York Expo Center liability requirement. RV’s, campers, self –contained vehicles permitted on the grounds Wednesday 9 A.M.--Saturday 6 PM. See detail rules in Registration Packet.

1. Note the announcement rules have changed. Now the meet Chairman or Registrar must approve every announcement over the PA system. Thus no more announcements such as: “Clem return to your table you have a customer for that $238,954,192,846.48 Marx loco.” Or “Smitty” meet us at the bar.” Very few calls are allowed. Plan ahead and collect cell phone #. Callers/receivers in the halls should set their phones to vibrate and then hustle outside to take the call or use blackberries.

3. Pre-Register if you can. The money is nonrefundable but general admission is inexpensive and can eliminate any waiting in registration lines.

4. Guests can be registered in advance, but must show a picture ID and pick up their badges in person at the registration desk. Guest badges are NOT mailed.

5. Guests can attend York only once. Bring a train friend to York and sign ‘em up for TCA. 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 new member is probationary for a year, but that doesn’t restrict them from attending any meets including this York Meet.

6. The TCA National Business Office has several tables near the registration counter staffed to assist with membership issues. Operations Manager, John Luppino, Director of Development, Jane Boyce and other staff members are available to assist you. The Museum gift store booths have been moved to near the registration counter in the Silver Hall.

7. Bring your meet notice with you as reference. The map of the fairgrounds is on the back of the notice.

8. Member halls close earlier than dealer halls to allow member table holders the opportunity to shop with our dealer members.

9. Hall floor plans will be available from Hall Captains and will be at the Registration Desk or online. A large poster with a hall chart and list of table holders will be at the entrance of each hall. Hall plans are available on the Eastern Division web site as well.

10. Dealers: Advanced registration for the next York will be available in the Orange Hall Saturday. Listen to announcements for the times.

11. Volunteers are welcomed and needed. Wednesday at 1:00 PM there will be a briefing in the Blue Hall outside of the Hall Restaurant. The York meet requires a huge number of members to make it happen. Contact our Volunteer Committee Chairman, John Zobel, jzobel7@verizon.net or
(716) 662-7760 to volunteer.

12. KIDS KORNER @ TCA YORK—
The WB&A Chapter brings Kid's Korner @ York to the open space between the Blue and Silver Halls. Plan to visit, stay and play. Pete and Mary Jackson are managing Kids Korner. There are ride'em trains that circle the perimeter of the area, small train loops, a windup layout and lots of push-me trains for kids to play. Donations of play train toys are welcomed. Bring your kids (Age 0-110) and join in. There ain't no age or fun limit! There is a lot to do; track to assemble (probably plastic type), trains to push on the rug, windups to run, sharing concepts to learn, teaching to be done and fun for all. We do ask that you not leave your kids unattended, this is not daycare. I have found in my experiences, that the adult that who gets down flat with the kids, learns/watches/helps the play activity, gets, by far, the most enjoyment. Photos may be taken in this area. We are seeking volunteers to help to continue making this activity a success.

Snack donators are: Glenda Heffner; Stauffer Biscuit Company; 375 South Belmont Street, York, PA 17403 and Willa Lau or Megan Wertz Snyder's of Hanover; 1250 York Street,
Hanover, PA 17331)

WB&A, the very active Chapter of Eastern Division, conducts two open meets per year in the Baltimore/Washington area, as well as two “members only” mini meets. http://www.wbachaptertca.org/index.html

13. UPS has a booth in the Lobby entranceway to the Blue/Silver halls to accept, wrap and mail trains. It is Open Thurs 12-5P.M., Friday 12-4P.M. and Saturday 10-2P.M. For incoming parcel receiving service, as well as outgoing service:
store3038@theupsstore.com

Remember Uncle Clem's secret plan: Mail your expensive goodies to your office so that when you report to your significant other, you have no evidence of your wise investments.

14. WHEELCHAIR/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. I suggest you reserve early.

TCA Museum open house 10:am till 6:pm. See Wednesday Day activities below and on various web pages.

The Toy Train Paper & Memorabilia Meet -
6 -8P.M.Liberty Fire Company, 160 E 8th Avenue, York. For more information contact Joe Mania at joe@jlmtrains.com or www.ttpandm.com

Plasticville Collectors Breakfast (PCA)-8:30 A.M. Alexander’s Restaurant, 840 Carlisle St., York

Strategic Planning Committee Meeting 7:30AM Orange Hall small meeting room Blue hall-side of main entrance to Orange Hall

The shuttle bus to the local mall leaves from in front the Blue Hall every hour Thursday 12-4PM. Friday every hour from 10AM-4PM. $1.00 each way, exact change only. Shopping II – Bus trip to Lancaster area Outlet Mall Friday 10A.M. Returns 4P.M. Mark Reservation Box on Meet Registration Card. $10 round trip paid in exact cash to the bus driver.

17 FAIRGROUNDS INFORMATION:
Emergency Phone Number during Meet
(717) 848-2596
First Aide Station–next to the Fire Station near the Brown Hall. The Fairgrounds flag area near the main entrance to the Orange Hall U.S. has an honorary brick purchase program sponsored by the York Fairgrounds. Contact Fairgrounds at (707) 848-2596. Rest rooms open only during meet hours are inside the Blue, White, Black, and Brown halls, the inside lobby between the Blue and Silver Halls, east outside area of the Red Hall, next to the EMT (First Aid) building and the Orange Hall promenade area. Restrooms open 24/7 on the Fairgrounds: the west side Orange Hall promenade restrooms include coin–operated showers have an outside entrance for use after hours and the Firehouse.

18. RV ACCOMODATIONS
Fairgrounds RV Accommodations Open 9:00 AM
Wednesday till Saturday 6:00 P.M.

Enter from the back side of the fairgrounds through Gate 6, Highland Ave. 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. You need the permit if you intend to sleep on the grounds: camper, tent, sleeping bag or your car. Current fee is $40. The Fairgrounds charges us per user, no matter what you use.

19. The PA Tax Office can and does send people to visit the halls during York. Space holders in the Orange, Brown and Purple Halls are required to have PA Tax number. If you have a dealer license be prepared to show it.

20. York County maintains a booth in the Silver Hall during the meet for your convenience. Contact them if you have accommodation issues or questions. The staff is most helpful.

York area from the South: travel to the Baltimore loop and then go up 83 North. Direct from the Washington area to the York Fairgrounds, in York, 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.

Alternate, 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." At Market St. make a left. The Fairgrounds is one block away on your right.

Alternate route from the Washington area: Route 15 North to Route 30 East to York, then Route 74 (Carlisle St.) south to Fairgrounds

From the North/Northeast:
“New York via the New Jersey Turnpike, south to Exit 6, the PA Turnpike extension (276) which becomes the PA Pike, (76). The exit is #21, Route 222, which takes you south and west to Route 30. Continue West on Rt. 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 hail from New York City, Long Island or New Jersey, there is a TCA Show bus which will take you to York, gets you to breakfast locally (at your cost, but cheap) and brings you home. Included is an all you can eat buffet on the way home. 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)

Bus Info from Lenny Joerg:
“Les and I are doing the buses again. We already have 50 riders so it should be a good turn out! The stops are still Commack, West Babylon, & Hicksville on Long Island along with the Bronx & Flushing NY and finally Woodbridge NJ. The cost has risen to $75 but it still includes supper at the Old Country Buffet. We still stop at Alexanders for breakfast but it is not included in the fare! For more info I can be reached at (631) 874-6834 or via email. Lenny Joerg sljoerg@optonline.net

22.York traffic and weather information:
WSBA--AM-910 radio regular traffic updates
WSOX--FM-96.1 the same
WGAL--Channel 8 TV 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 Pennsy's law - Lights on in all ACTIVE construction zones. Fines are doubled in construction zones. PENNDOT is fast-tracking rebuilding Rte. 30 from Rte. 24-Mt Zion Rd to Rte. 83. Plans were already in the pipeline, accelerated by "Stimulus Package". Not sure if it will be an issue.-- Jim Lyle

Traffic at the Carlisle Gate can be horrendous. Please be careful. I recommend Gate 6 on Highlander Ave. - the Northwest end of the fairground opposite from the Blue Hall area or from the Blue Hall on past the Orange Hall to the fence). That gate is always open and you can turn left or right easily.

The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCCVB) is the official tourism promotion agency for York County. The organization's website, www.Yorkpa.org or call (888) 858- 9675, or (717)-852-9675, www.yorkchamber.com

Nearby Lancaster County Visitor’s Bureau can be reached at (800) 723-8824 or www.padutchcountry.com.

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.
Contact them at indianroc@aol.com

Ben Franklin Park in York, PA is approximately 5 minutes west of the York Fairgrounds. 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. (717) 792-9612 www.benfranklinRVPark.com

The best place to camp is the Gifford Pinchot State Park which is located on Rte. 74, about 12 miles from the York Fair Grounds. It has camp sites on a lake, has great showers/bath rooms and is very quiet.--Bob Obara

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:

The old Billy Budd is now The Studio Lodge. PH. (717) 845-5671. It is located at the confluence of Route 30 and Interstate 83 (334 Arsenal Road.) (The cute little homes across the street have been torn down.) Contact Rich Dedufour (609-466-3933) or Kenny Post for table info.

Holiday Inn Holidome at West Manchester Mall north of Route 30 on Carlisle Road (1400 Loucks Road.) Phone: (717) 846-9500).

The Reliance Fire Hall (West York FD) on 1341 West Market Street. Contact Fred (888) 494-5821 or Barry @ (717) 424-1308 for tables.

Springettsbury Fire Co., 3013 E Market St., York. Contact Fred Jester @ (888) 494-5821 or Barry @ (717) 424-1308 for tables.

The Hotel at the confluence of Route 30 and I-83 is known as the Studio Lodge (former Billy Budd) When you exit off of I-83 onto Route 30 going east, make a right at the next intersection (Arsenal Road) and the Studio Lodge is on your left. The train meet is held inside the main meeting room and sometimes outside in the parking lot. Many guests display their trains inside their rooms. From the Studio Lodge, 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. 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, hall area and adjacent rooms.

The Reliance Fire Hall show is primarily for 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 Rte. 30E 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 Fairgrounds on your right. This is where all the action is Thursday afternoon, Friday and Saturday.

Red Lion Area Historical Society & Red Lion Train Station Model Railroaders are holding an Open House at the former Maryland and Penna. Railroads Authentic and historic Red Lion Train Station. The “0” Gauge Model Railroad layout will be on view Tues., Wed., & Thurs., from 6PM-9PM each evening. The train station is located at 73 N. Main Street, Red Lion, PA I 7356 PA Route 24, (½ block north of the town center square) For more information go to the Red Lion Area Historical Society’s website at
http://www.redlionpa.org/history.htm

Over 800 vintage toys are on display TCA week at 3988 Sheppard Lane. This is North on Carlisle Rd about 4.1 miles North of the Holidrome. Call before attending (717) 818-6660.

26. Baseball.
Saturday, April 24th is TCA Appreciation Night at the York Revolution Baseball game. Field Box seat tickets are reduced to $7.00/person for TCA members. Modular layouts will be on display. Click here and use the code mrrcy for your discount. For more information please contact registrar.

The Studio Lodge (Former Billy Budd)opens on Monday evening 7pm-9pm; The Holidome sets up on Monday.

The Reliance and Springettsbury Fire Halls open 9-6pm. I dunno about the Best Western.

The Holidome ballroom will open 7:30 AM till 7:00 PM. Times are approximate. The correct times get posted on the main doors. The outside parking lot trading area opens early and gradually fills during the day. (Phone: (717) 846-9500).

At the Studio Lodge (Former Billy Budd,) the hotel rooms may be full of wondrous trains and some dealing is done as early as Sunday. Police issue tickets if you park dumb. Hours: 8 am-5pm

YORK MEET DEALER SET UP: Orange, Brown and Purple Halls 9:00 AM-7:00 PM. Dealer badges required. Registration is open from 3-5 P.M.

The Holidome parking lot trading area opens around 7:00 AM till? The inside opens around 7:30 AM.

The Museum is in nearby Strasburg, Pa. It is an excellent full day of special activities. See the recent HQ TCA Newsletter; York Meet Notice, or the TCA web site for current details.
http://www.traincollectors.org/

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 and the Railroad Museum of PA. Turn left at traffic light onto Paradise Lane. Pass Red Caboose Motel. 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(East Lot) runs approximately every 15 minutes. Parking also available at Red Caboose Motel Main Lot. NO PARKING at cabooses. Breakfast available at Red Caboose, lunch available at ChooChoo Barn (Isaac’s), Strasburg Railroad (Dining Car Restaurant) and the Red Caboose. Parking Crew will be on site at Red Caboose and NTTM. Signs will be posted at all locations.

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!
Charlie Hirschmann-Chairman, Education & Museum
Committee, NTTM (717) 299-4245
chirschmannprr@paonline.com

YORK WEDNESDAY AT NTTM—Parking

The "Strasburg Bypass" work continues, minimal delays today, work was on Rts 896 & 741, around the ChooChooBarn, one of our SHUTTLE STOPS. The former "wye" is being removed, in favor of a traffic light controlled crossing by 896 OF 741, to bypass the "Square" in Strasburg. Construction has started at NTTM We once again have our FIVE (5) lots--- 3 SHUTTLE STOPS at CHOOCHOO BARN, STRASBURG RR, & RRMPA. I hope you will use one of them and ride in on the SHUTTLE. We also have limited parking at RED CABOOSE & NTTM. We require more dedicated spaces than ever at NTTM due to more presenters from 10 AM til 2 PM, PLUS Handicap Parking may actually be easier at a Shuttle location, IF needed. Each Pick-Up Point will be signed. SHUTTLE runs from 9 AM til 6 PM, prox 15 minute headway.

However you arrive, where-ever you park, ENJOY a DAY at NTTM on Wednesday, of York week. The Parking Crew will gladly assist anyway they can and the E & M Committee have a GREAT day planned for YOU.

(I have eaten at TBurkes twice and loved it. It is not far from the TCA museum and Library. On route 340 in Smoketown. So Wednesday, enjoy the NTTM and ease over to TBurkes for some good early evening eatin’.--Clem)

EASTERN DIVISION YORK MEET OPENS AT NOON ON THE FAIRGROUNDS. MEMBER HALLS 12 NOON TIL 5:30PM. DEALER HALLS 12 NOON TILL 7:00PM.

Parking is free but arrive early if you want to park near a building. Parking guides will assist you. Huge crowd! The pre-meet buzz around the outside of the halls is toooo much to miss. Plan a restroom stop prior to opening time. Food is available on the grounds.

If you don't have a registration badge you may register at the meet. The registration badge lets you get in all buildings. 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).

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.

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.

Registration open 8:30AM-5:30PM
TCA Standards Committee Meeting: 9 AM Orange Hall

Thursday evening “Flyernut” gathering. 8:30 PM at the Reliance fire hall, 1341 W market St, York.

YORK MEET ALL HALLS OPEN AT 9 AM. Member halls close at 5:30P.M. Dealer Halls close at 7P.M.

The TCA Internet discussion Group (TTML)
meets for breakfast on the fairgrounds at 7:30AM – 9A.M. Fairgrounds restaurant. Sign up for breakfast:

You are invited to Eastern Division’s Ice Cream and Cake Social 7-8 P.M. in the promenade area of the Orange Hall. This is a good chance to meet and chat with fellow collectors. Come one come all and enjoy the fun.

The Eastern Division General Membership Meeting is at 8AM in the Orange Hall Meeting room.

Dealer’s preregistration for the next meet Orange Hall. Listen for announcements.

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 meet.

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Clem's York Primer Spring 2010

Clem's York Primer
Spring 2010