It’s was good to see you ugly mugs again. I had a great time at the D & B and I sold everything I brought up with me (going home with more money then I went up with was an interesting experience). Let’s do it again next year!
-Brian
Had fun. Missed Drag & Brag, went to the Japanese restaurant with Tennyson’s instead. Never been to one. It was fun and very tasty.
Figured I’d meet more of the LSC’ers. Did meed Bob, so I guess I met the chief LSCer.
Looks like Marty’s type. Later RJD
Bob McCown said:
Got back from ECLSTS about 9pm Saturday evening. A great show. Met more people I hadn’t met before, renewed old friendships, grabbed two new advertisers for the site, bought some stuff, sold some stuff, hog-traded some stuff.
The Drag-n-Brag on Friday was a huge success. At a couple of points I counted at least 45 people in the room. A few of us had stuff we were selling, or giving away. I got rid of everything except a boxcar kit and passenger car kit. Many people said “What a great idea, Ill have to bring stuff next year”, so I think next year it will be the “Drag-n-Brag-n-Buy-n-Sell”.
Bought a few things at the show. The LSC crew had a great showing in the modeling contest.
Yep, a great show.
Well, many thanks to Fred for getting the room, even though he couldn’t be there. It was a much better location than last year, as it was right off of the lobby.
For next year, how about “LSC Gathering - where your dreams come true!” 
Well, or something like that.
A great time, but it was sure more than just “Drag-n-Brag-n-Buy-n-Sell”.
Drag-n-Brag-n-Buy-n-Sell-n-Sit-n-Bull? Too big for the banner.
Reminds me I need to get a banner made.
John,
Your “First Place” and “Best of Show” prize winner in my book (There was not one LSC entry that did not win hands high over what was declared “Best of Show” in my book). Your car is currently on its way to Florida right now with a load of something. Dan and Rita’s van had more room than Andy’s truck. It will be safely in St. Louis by sometime in April. Unless it gets diverted for another load to somewhere. Many pieces of rolling stock don’t see the home road for years. Worrying will just make you older, so just enjoy the extra money from the per diem.
You can ask Jon about his caboose.
Our club will have some people going to the Nationals in Cincinnati and we might be able to get it headed your way in time for the Nationals or I can bring it up to the Invasion. We’ll talk.
Just one more thought on the “Best in Show”. I wonder if it was actually suppose to be a model of a “kit build” or “ready to run” piece of rolling stock and it was so good we couldn’t recognize it?
How about Sittin’ Bull & Sell? SBS?
Ric Golding said:
John,
Your “First Place” and “Best of Show” prize winner in my book (There was not one LSC entry that did not win hands high over what was declared “Best of Show” in my book). Your car is currently on its way to Florida right now with a load of something. Dan and Rita’s van had more room than Andy’s truck. It will be safely in St. Louis by sometime in April. Unless it gets diverted for another load to somewhere. Many pieces of rolling stock don’t see the home road for years. Worrying will just make you older, so just enjoy the extra money from the per diem.
You can ask Jon about his caboose.
Our club will have some people going to the Nationals in Cincinnati and we might be able to get it headed your way in time for the Nationals or I can bring it up to the Invasion. We’ll talk.
Just one more thought on the “Best in Show”. I wonder if it was actually suppose to be a model of a “kit build” or “ready to run” piece of rolling stock and it was so good we couldn’t recognize it?
http://www.wi-trains.com/uploads/6/3/0/4/6304252/2013_eclsts_model_contest.pdf
Well here are the rules…^^^^^^^^… I do believe there was a NS slug in the rolling stock section that took 3rd in category but according to the “RULES” that is powered and not allowed in that category…Damnation … I’m talking rules !
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/041_zps9cd915ac.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/John_FFR/Operation_Crossroads_Baker_resize.jpg)
Had a great time guys and the LSC Crew RULES!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfrruY25Kes/TF7BlMv-2tI/AAAAAAAAAE8/L1h1xyxaP-E/s1600/bird_poop.jpg)
Concerning the “Party Room” at the hotel…and the naming of the “Event”…
The whole idea of the party room, was to provide a Central Location, in the late afternoon/evening, for everyone associated with the LSC gang, and friends; to meet and socialize, and show off some of their accomplishments, and interests…Informally, with self supplied refreshments.
I would caution, any major move towards turning the "PARTY into a big buyer/seller event, which can happen very quickly, and ruin the whole affair, drawing in people whose only interest is buying and selling.
It also could cause a great demand for table space and a much larger venue…turning the whole event into a “Fleamarket”, and ruin the whole idea of just plain “Friends, meeting friends, and making new friends”, which is why the whole “Party” idea has been so successful, so far.
The idea of “Having a social event”, while attending the ECLSTS, was started, the year before the show moved to York.
A few acquaintances, from the old, and still existing “Big Trains List”, met face-to-face, some for the first time, and retreated to a bar, for an hour or three of chatter and sharing thoughts and experiences.
The next year at York, some of us started getting together in one of our hotel rooms, but that soon became too small a venue.
Next, because the HolidayInn was and is, the show hotel, and closest to the show…and by the way continues to offer reasonably priced rooms (Special for the show) we started meeting late in the afternoon/early evening, in the bar. This was ok, but the bar started to get rather expensive for some, and was noisy in the evening; we moved towards renting a room for ourselves. (Staying at the show hotel, also means no driving after “Enjoying a pint or two”)
I discovered, that by contacting a brewery in Rochester NY; I could get 5 cases of FREE bheer delivered to the hotel, just for our party. It could not be served in the bar, or sold, so having the private room made it work well.
I got tired of arranging the free bheer, and decided to let someone in the USA, nearer to York, do the arranging for the free bheer, but it seems that people are more than willing to drink free bheer, but are not interested in making the arrangements for it…so there hasn’t been any for a few years.
The last two years, arrangements have been made for the PARTY ROOM, and the PARTY has been a great success, with everyone chipping in $5-$7 to pay for the room.
I suggest we continue this same program, and am willing to book the room again, for 2014. I will work with Bob, as “Boss” of LSC, to try to carry on our successes of the past, into the future.
Maybe someone would care to volunteer to contact the sales department of a brewery, maybe Sam Adams, or High Falls, to see about promoting their products next Spring.
There have been a few people; very dedicated to the “Party/D&B” idea, who have contributed in many ways, and should be acknowledged.
Ric and Jan Golding, took over the contact with the hotel when I couldn’t be there…others chipped in for finger food…this year, Dave Marconi, worked wonders with his secret supplier, and provided GREAT cupcakes. The cupcakes have become a tradition at all LSC events…
Thanks should also go out to everyone that chipped in to pay for the room, and brought extra liquid refreshments to share with others.
Fred
I have to agree with Fred (this is hard for me to do), that the event should continue as the “Drag and Brag”. Any exchange of particular matter should be amongst friends. Years ago, a formal gathering was put together by a group of people associated with the show with even door prizes. The room became packed with people beyond capacity, until after the drawing was complete and then everyone left. It totally back fired and ruined the entire evening. Keep it simple, keep it informal and do the selling at the show.
Unofficial, informal selling space has always been tolerated in the Alcove. l would like that to stay that way. Please don’t let GREED destroy our fun.
Just an FYI to anyone that stayed at the Holiday Inn and used a credit card to pay for there rooms. My credit card number info was stolen. Looks like someone might have gotten into the Holiday Inn computer system. (its the only place I used my credit card in months. and all transactions took place after paying the Holiday Inn) My bank caught it so it did not effect me. Someone from the UK baught over $200 in gas and other things, with my number. Keep an eye on your credit cards and make sure you dont get unexpected transactions.
Thanks for the warning Shawn, that must have shaken you. Glad it worked out ok in the end at least.
About the D&B: Fred has outlined the history of the thing; Ric is clearly on board. I hope most of us are with the program here. The social aspect of the weekend is definitely paramount in my mind.
I agree with Fred and Ric: we shouldn’t let the moneychangers take over our temple.
Ric is ok with deals & swaps being made in the alcove; they are certainly an important part of the York weekend, but I hope we can all agree that the D&B is first and foremost a social event; it would be far too easy for commerce, amateur, semi-pro, or professional, to take over and ruin it all. Let’s put the brakes on, folks.
My 2 cents, FWIW.
Ric Golding said:
John,
…Your car is currently on its way to Florida right now …Many pieces of rolling stock don’t see the home road for years. Worrying will just make you older, so just enjoy…You can ask Jon about his caboose.
Our club will have some people going to the Nationals in Cincinnati and we might be able to get it headed your way in time for the Nationals or I can bring it up to the Invasion. We’ll talk…
I heard about Jon’s caboose.
Me, worry? I’m Alfred E Newman, Ric.
I have been thinking of entering the car in the Nationals if I get the chance. As you said, we’ll talk. If you get it back in time you or a clubmember might just end up entering it in Cincy for me. We’ll see. At least with L&P couplers she’s not likely to put on much scale mileage on other folks’ pikes, 'tho actual real mileage already looks as if it’s adding up…
I also agree with Fred and Ric. This being the first time I attended the D&B, I found it to be quite enjoyable to have a short while to chat with some members I only see once a year. And if sales are brought into it, I can see it being a good bit different than it was intended. Enough time at the show to do the wheeling and dealing.
If the sales move to the D&B room from the convention hall, the organizers might, just might get a bit upset.
I had a great time, meeting some new people, talking to the people I have already known. Sorry i was late to the drag and brag, the kids wanted me to take them swimming. Already looking forward to next year.
Thanks again for the good times,
Nico
It was good meeting you Nico…thanks for babysitting Shawn …BTW do you know who took the video of Utility running on your club layout…would love to see it !
Enjoy that new E-8 you got a great buy!
I will agree with the majority. This was my first D&B, so I don’t have as much to compare it to. But I will say that I felt a bit uncomfortable when I felt the group got too large to sit and have a friendly conversation.
Lou
PS Don’t do away with the give-away-free-stuff!
This was my first time to the D & B and I must say it was a pleasure meeting and talking to other folks from LSC. I wish there was time to meet more of you, but I guess that is something to look forward to at next years D & B.
-Kevin.