“….when we were new to the hobby and had no idea what we were looking for and were somewhat overwhelmed…”
Only got into the hobby in '98, … '01&'03 attended ECLSTS which as an experience I have described as, ‘mecca of G-gauge railway enthusiasts’ !! (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
And when I shared that with peoples back here they looked at me with disbelief that a large exhibit hall(s) were full of just G-gauge product and layouts !! (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)
Also took in other railway-flavoured sights thruout PA and MD during the additional 6-7 days of the trip down !
Hope you’re not so overwhelmed this visit
doug c
p.s. “as noun, a Mecca A place that attracts people of a particular group or with a particular interest.”