The National convention must have had little interest this year. No pics of the exhibit hall, layouts, etc.
I’m thinking, if like our club, other clubs are growing older and more crippled, with no young blood stepping up. No energy to
put one of these things on.
In a few years the National Convention might go the way the Queen Mary did.
Thoughts?
Internet.
Internet killed big R/C shows too.
Used to be if you actually wanted to see new stuff you had to go to the show because so little made it into the magazines. Now any small manufacturer can have instant access to the buying public through the WWW.
Want to get a good deal on the used stuff? Well in the past you had to go to the show and attend the swap meet. Now there is ebay and a dozen other sites to do the same thing.
It’s not just the youth. I used to drive 10 hours to go to a major show. Gas, food, hotel…It all added up. Today I can put that same money (100’s of $$$) to direct purchases. Have not been to a show in years, no real benefit.
I’ve never been to one of the big shows, just to Marty’s every year. I think it is fun to socialize and see other guys projects. Many don’t use the internet much. The dealers that come are great people and have stuff to buy with no shipping charges. Used tables are full every year, so a good opportunity to buy/sell. Met a lot of nice people there and learned many things about trains I did not know. Hate it that this is the last year for it, but can’t blame Marty, it’s a lot of work.
Re Marty’s - Sad that I never made it; but completely understand. These private gatherings have a habit of growing too large. They are just too much fun!
We (PSGRS) have put on 2 of these things, alot of work and expence, but interesting. Went to the ‘sales’ hall at both of them and spent money. Unlike Mark V I didn’t have to drive for hours and stay in a hotel but there was some expence to driving and bridge (or ferry) tolls. Mark V is partly right, the internet is a problem but it’s the economy, St__p! Unless you have a 6 figure income, it just costs too much money that you may not have, I know I don’t have it. I get more out of our local operating sessions and more fun too.
Paul
There have been posts on the other site re: the national show. Depending on who you read, the show was a success, despite low attendance, or a bust, from the vendors POV, I wasn’t there so I won’t comment. You all can check them out and decide for yourselfs.