Which is Oldest, Largest, or Both-Train Show(s)?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

To All,

Please,I would appreciate if someone will answer: Which of the train shows throughout America are/is the oldest, largest, or both?

I’m sorry for not knowing, I only attend some of the local shows near my residence.

Thank You, All,

Ralph

2

The largest in Northern New England is at the Exhibition Center in Springfield Mass.Greenberg Publishing has sponsored a Show in Wilminton Mass for years. You may have to look at the history of the NMRA and TCA.

Here is a link to the oldest running S Gage Club

3

While the York Meet is only open to TCA members, it’s certainly the largest in terms of number of dealers and square footage. It also may be the “oldest”. The World’s Greatest Hobby shows have the most people attending in a single weekend…up to 40.000 paid adults. The Greenberg shows in the East have been held since the 1980’s, and are still well attended.

4

There must be train shows that go way back, the Train Collectors Association has had shows for its members since 1954 (55 years).

The Eastern Division of TCA puts on the gigantic 3 day Train Show for TCA members (members only) by taking over the entire York Fair Grounds in York PA twice a year. While the public is not allowed in, the normal attendence is 15,000 plus. www.easterntca.org/map.pdf

This is Eastern’s 40th year at York and Advanced Registration for the April 23-24-25 meet is already over 12,000. The recession now and last Fall has not hurt attendence. All 8 exibit Halls are full of trains and train related items only. Four Halls are for Manufacturers and Dealers, the other Four Halls are for Member Tables.

Keep in mind, Local and Commercial Meets that are open to the public may show larger attendence. People will come, spend a few hours, and leave. Only some will have a pocket full of money to spend on trains. At TCA York, everyone is a toy train fan, they take a Hotel room and stay the three days. If you were to look a table or booth for just two minutes it would take 40 hours to see it all.

Don Urquhart TCA 73-5735

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Before the TCA became the TCA, they were the Standard Gauge Association and held informal private meets with trading and auctions. Some of the club layouts that began springing up in the 30’s put on swap meets to raise cash for the club. My dad even remembers one in north NJ. When meets and shows exploded into what they are today is hard to pin point.

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Thank You All,

For all of the in depth information of train shows held in America.

I am always curious, as to locals, origins and sizes of these types of events.

Ralph