Well GATS has given up on Houston in January so I guess I will try the Mobile, AL show again. It is January 29th and 30th at the fair grounds out Airport Blvd. In the past this has been a small show for Lionel even for the South.
Charlie
As “Starkist” used to say “Sorry Charlie”, I have attended my last GATS this year in San Diego. I hope you are not disappointed, the last three straight years ours has gotten smaller and smaller. Fewer vendors and fewer displays. If you are an operator of N, HO, or G it was ok but for O it was the pits.[:(]
Report on Show
Well it was as expected. Poor for O gauge.
There were a couple of clubs operating O.
Only one dealer in 0 was there, Bill Harrison of S & W parts in New Orleans. I got a couple of small items from him. One guy who had mostly Thomas had some parts has a few 0 parts. Parts guys are getting rare at shows the last few years. I like them as it pains me to buy some fifty cent part and get stung with a $5 postage or minimum.
I doubt I will go to a Mobile GATS show again.
I plan to go the Fairhope train show on March 19. The show was not much for 0. It is part of a festival and I got lucky at an antique booth last year and picked up a ZW, #60 trolley and MTH docksider at good prices.
Charlie Bee
Sorry to hear that Charlie. I am not sure what caused GATS to crater in the southern areas as there is not a lot to compete with them. I guess it is a change of people’s focus.
The good news is my local train dealer is seeing the most pre-order activity on the new Lionel catalog that he has seen in several years. Maybe with the economy not so questionable things in toy train land will improve.
Regards,
Roy