Hi, everyone!
I’ve never been to one of the Greenberg Train shows. I wanted to find out from someone whether there are bargains to be had there, or will you end up paying the same as if you ordered it through your local hobby shop. I would think at a big expo like that, you would find things for a better price than at Mom & Pop hobby shop. Is it worth going to?
Thanks,
Mike
The Greenburg shows that I’ve attended (last one ~12yrs ago) have always left me underwhelmed. Most of what they have and sell there is toy trains, with maybe an occasional HO or N scale modular layout on display. The only reason I went last time was because my kids were small and they enjoyed it.
In my area (mid-Atlantic), the show I really like is the one hosted every 3 months by Howard Zane & Co., the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium, MD
To answer your original question: If there are any bargains to be found at a Greenburg show, they probably won’t be for scale model trains/accessories.
Greenberg shows draw exhibitors from the local area. So, a show in New Jersey will have a lot of different people than a show in Massachusetts. I go to the ones in Wilmington, MA, every year, and I love them. They have them at the Shriners Center, where parking is free and the profits from food and exhibit fees go to worthwhile charities.
At this venue, there are usually lots of operating layouts in all gauges, even S. That in itself is worth the price of admission to me. Yes, a lot of the tables are selling S, O and tinplate, and there are some GI-Joe, Dolls and Tonka booths, too. Still, there are plenty of HO and N dealers.
There will be bargains, but you probably won’t save much on newly-released items that you would find at a shop or online discount dealer. What I like about shows is finding detail items that my LHS doesn’t carry, or the occasional used freight car or caboose in a bin for a couple of dollars.
If I’m looking for something in particular, I try to price-shop before I go to the show, and I bring a list with me. Mostly, though, I’m happy to just drive over, have a hot dog, burger or sausage, and wander around. I’ve been to a number of shows where I came away completely empty-handed, and I still thought it was a well-spent day.
[#ditto]
The NJ shows usually have a good range of “scale” vendors. Prices vary from list to bargain - know what you want and the prices before you go - have fun!![:D]
I always enjoy the Greenberg’s. Nothern Virginia usually has 2 a year. Bargains are a mixed bag - some shows I have found none (at least for me) and others I have saved a bit. Toy trains predominate, but I like those too. The Great Scale Model Train Shows in Timonium, Md have more stuff, but the Greenberg’s are worth a short trip.
Enjoy
Paul
Agreed. The show in NJ is huge, with a little bit of something for everyone, including toys and diecast if the kids tag along. I went last weekend, and found some parts I’ve been looking for. Give it a shot.
Really depends on where you live. I can travel too three of their shows pretty easily; Rochester, Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
Went to Rochester this spring/summer…decent show with the RIT Free-Mo & pretty decent vendors. Buffalo last hosted a few years ago, total bust. They are hosting again this winter, will have to see if any improvement. Attended Pittsburgh a few years ago, again nice layouts, clinics and nice vendor turnout.
Timonium at the Maryland State Fairgrounds have always been a perfect place to host a show of some size. There are two Halls there that can be converted to several acres of show space with everything to think of.
Over the years Ive lost track about which show is which. Used to be one show with everything in the hobby from Brass all the way down to the most obscure little widget out of production 30 years it took hours just to inventory the tables… never mind buying anything.
If you did see something that you think is a good price, get it. Dont wait. It will not be there when you finish scouting for another similar item for a lower price.
If you happen to go to the Md one, dont forget to look both ways when you walk across the light rail tracks. The small lot near there is much easier to get into and out of than the exodus from Egypt at the main gate on the other side of the fairgrounds.