I’ve never been to the big TCA York meet, but I would like to plan a trip, maybe for next Spring. Any information regarding accomodations, restaurants, etc. would be much appreciated. I know there are some commercial vendors, but are the majority of tables regular TCA members? Is it like the big commercial train shows that travel the country?
I believe York is hard to explain because it offers so many different opportunities for a diverse cross section of train lovers.
We’ve only been once, in the fall two years ago. It’s 1010 miles from our doorstep to the York parking lot so it was a big trip for us. Sharyl and I planned the trip carefully and I can’t tell you much we enjoyed it. We spent 1 1/2 days in Gettysburg and that in itself was worth the trip, the Battlefields must not be missed – history literally comes alive. The town of York and the surrounding areas are worth another two days, no need to be in a hurry. So much to experience choices were difficult.
We were there for the opening of the doors on Thursday. Two words can best describe the meet – awesome and overwhelming. After hitting every building that afternoon we went back to the purple hall and made two big purchases that I had always wanted as my fear was they wouldn’t be there Friday. We then went out for dinner at Friday’s on Thursday and sat across the table from Dick Maddox, he didn’t know me but I did sort of know that name 
What a great guy and then we met lots of other folks, it was like a huge reunion.
Friday found us at the doors early as our time was limited. We prioritized what we wanted to see and maybe buy, much more relaxed for us, it was great. We met at the CTT booth at 1:30 for the obligatory photo op and then we hit the road as we wanted to be back in Iowa Saturday night. We really enjoyed all of our time at York and we certainly could have stayed a bit longer. I’m hoping we can return sometime in the near future as distance to the meet is our challenge.
York really is about the people you meet and interact with. I could have easily bought the products I found over the internet and come out way ahead dollar wise but that wouldn’t be any fun. We really enjoyed Gettysburg and the area of York, if our friends from Alexandria, VA would have been home we would have swung down there for a few nights but sadly
All you need to know www.easterntca.org and www.easterntca.org/map.pdf
York Fair Grounds (York Expo Center) closed to the public, all buildings in use, TCA members only!!! I’m a member of New England TCA but have not missed a York show in 18 years.
Last April’s York Meet, 1,800 member Tables, 227 Dealer and Manufacturers Booths, 15,000 members in attendence. At the show, 90% “O” and “S” gauge with the rest “G”, “HO”, and “N”.
York opens Thursday 12 noon, closes Saturday 2PM.
Rooms can be had, but, you may have to drive 20-30 miles to Hampton, Lancaster, or Harrisburg. Some Hotels require 3 day stays York Week.
Other local Train Shows York Week, nearby Civil War Parks (Gettysberg 35 miles), and don’t forget, in Strasburg, the TCA’s “National Toy Train Museum”, the Penn. State Railroad Museum and the Strasberg (steam) Railroad.
Don U. 73-5735
Thanks guys! That information helps.
If your going to be there for more than the show get in touch with laz, jeffelectric, or even I as we can tell you places to go visit. If you love chocolate this may sound weird but for good buys on excellant chocolate goto lititz and then to ephrata instead of hershey you can get that anywhere. You want to goto weavers nut & candy outlet on 322 in ephrata or Wilbers chocolate company on 501 in lititz. you also need to goto a farmers market called the green dragon only open on thursdays for a great place to get things from the amish at great prices. (great food also)Theres so much to do there you will run out of funds before you see it all.
Thanks for this thread guys…I too am planning to go to the spring meet for the first time and would like all the info I can get!