Large Scale Central

ECLSTS IN YORK, PA - 2019

Conventions, Shows, Clubs and Get-Togethers
#101

There’s aways doom and gloom about the hobby over the winter months, I wouldnt read too much into it. And as far as the show website, there are a non-insignificant amount of large scalers that don’t see the value in websites, or social media, or any electronic communications besides the telephone. Theyre not doing the hobby any favors, but Ive been seeing this A LOT as the web grows and those involved in LS age.

Anyway, Im glad the dates are nailed down. I have to see if I can juggle another thing, to see if I can attend. I can take the lead on the room, too; I paid for it last year since Ric and Jan had already reserved it but then couldnt go.

#102

One thing that should always be remembered… even though sometimes “WE” think we are an important and large voice of the community, if you talk to vendors and manufacturers, we are not only not that “BIG” but not often considered the “VOICE” of G scale.

Having an honest conversation with the head of Bachmann, or either of the Ro’s or if you got a chance to talk to Lewis Polk in the rare moments without the “political hat on”, you would know that.

So, have no fear Alan, we are a noisy but small part of the community.

Greg

#103

Fred Mills. said:

How do they manage to run their shop business…I guess as stated elsewhere, the show is not important enough for them to be bothered working on in a responsible manner.

As also pointed out above…why are dates on the web pages not up to date…does it take more than several minutes to properly update the information on the web page in a timely manner ?

I stand by my original statement…their communicating skills are not their best image…and I’m not shouting. I’m just observing…

Fred Mills

Great way to show support to the one person keeping the show alive, and you wonder why they don’t come to this site.

Keep up the good work Fred

#104

Not to agree to the way Fred posted, or his words, but many vendors and dealers have said over the years they are too busy to read the forums. This behavior definitely predates Fred’s ranting and raving (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif). (yes I think Fred was too strong personally, but that is just my opinion, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar).

Often forums seem so “big” to those of us who participate, we overestimate our impact to the hobby.

Greg

#105

I don’t think I have ever over estimated my impact on the hobby (OK, maybe zero is a bit too high). My only concern was the ”real” date when the web was stating something else. I value the forums for the ability to share and discuss information without any filtering.

#106

I was not referring to you or anyone on this thread Bruce, just to make sure there is no misunderstanding. I remember back to the Aristo heyday, and their forum where they believed their opinions shaped the market. I’ve seen this attitude expressed on LSC and MLS a few times, but upon talking to individuals offline, I found a lot of “heavy posters” really overestimated how closely the vendors, manufacturers, dealers and show organizers “listened” to the forums.

Just want to be really clear that I’m not pointing the finger, and certainly do not think what is said here is going to be a huge factor in Star Hobby’s decisions.

Greg

#107

Bob McCown said:

There’s aways doom and gloom about the hobby over the winter months, I wouldnt read too much into it. And as far as the show website, there are a non-insignificant amount of large scalers that don’t see the value in websites, or social media, or any electronic communications besides the telephone. Theyre not doing the hobby any favors, but Ive been seeing this A LOT as the web grows and those involved in LS age.

Anyway, Im glad the dates are nailed down. I have to see if I can juggle another thing, to see if I can attend. I can take the lead on the room, too; I paid for it last year since Ric and Jan had already reserved it but then couldnt go.

With the date officially changed and the dust settling, Jan contacted the hotel and changed the reservations for the “Drag and Brag” to the 22nd of March and the Susquehanna

Room was open, so things are coming together. She has received the new contract and will get it signed sealed and mailed off with the changes.

We are trying to work out how to get ourselves there, since we are still in Florida up to the week before that. Yes, this means the “Timesaver” will most likely not make it from

Southern Illinois. Suck it up! Lou, just breath. It’llbealright (said as one word).

#108

Vincent D’Agostino said:

Fred Mills. said:

How do they manage to run their shop business…I guess as stated elsewhere, the show is not important enough for them to be bothered working on in a responsible manner.

As also pointed out above…why are dates on the web pages not up to date…does it take more than several minutes to properly update the information on the web page in a timely manner ?

I stand by my original statement…their communicating skills are not their best image…and I’m not shouting. I’m just observing…

Fred Mills

Great way to show support to the one person keeping the show alive, and you wonder why they don’t come to this site.

Keep up the good work Fred

I know people hate when I bring up FB but might also be why we see a lot of vendors on the FB train pages then we see on forums. People like RLD etc post regularly, both about their business and just getting into conversations. The attitude, for the most part, is positive or civil on FB.

#109

Greg Elmassian said:

I was not referring to you or anyone on this thread Bruce, just to make sure there is no misunderstanding. I remember back to the Aristo heyday, and their forum where they believed their opinions shaped the market. I’ve seen this attitude expressed on LSC and MLS a few times, but upon talking to individuals offline, I found a lot of “heavy posters” really overestimated how closely the vendors, manufacturers, dealers and show organizers “listened” to the forums.

Just want to be really clear that I’m not pointing the finger, and certainly do not think what is said here is going to be a huge factor in Star Hobby’s decisions.

Greg

Never thought you were. And I have never thought that neither the manufacturers nor vendors ever listened to anybody; remember the Bachmann Vulcan? (or whatever it was?) …maybe they should find somebody GOOD to listen to…I’d probably start with the person/group that suggested the C-19…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

So, if forums are out, just who do they listen to???

#110

That’s a good question Bruce… I think they have their inner circle of people who they choose to advise them. Clearly Lewis Polk was influenced by few people other than himself and his East coast upbringing, as most things he built and wanted to build were often from there (The GG-1 he wanted, the brass Pennsy caboose, the particular version of 72’ heavyweight, etc.) For Bachmann it seems that close associates were influential, although I thought taking the 1:20.3 market was a smart move since no one else was really out there with any fidelity at a reasonable price point.

USA Trains seemed to get the most “balanced” advice as to what the market wanted in mainline prototypes.

Would be nice to be a fly on the wall as these decisions are/were made.

Greg

#111

Well, at least now ALL of the dates on the website are in agreement for the ECLSTS…so - maybe somebody somewhere listened? (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

#112

I think this is a good time to bring this up. How about some ideas for repurposing the “Alcove”? At some point we displayed D&B items. i bought an engine carrier there.

What if we approach them with a “White Elephant Table”? It works well at The Great Scale Train Show in Timonium. A certain percentage would go to the show like paying for a vendor table. The only thing is it would have to be manned open to close. I couldn’t do it myself.

Thought? Other ideas?

#113

Lou Luczu said:

I think this is a good time to bring this up. How about some ideas for repurposing the “Alcove”? At some point we displayed D&B items. i bought an engine carrier there.

What if we approach them with a “White Elephant Table”? It works well at The Great Scale Train Show in Timonium. A certain percentage would go to the show like paying for a vendor table. The only thing is it would have to be manned open to close. I couldn’t do it myself.

Thought? Other ideas?

I agree, I think it’s a good direction of inquiry & discussion – for some. I posted my ideas on 11/25.

#114

Per Cliff:

If there needs to be an alternate Alcove “anchor” / drawing factor to the Timesaver, here’s some starter thoughts:

Free coffee
Swap meet (tables and attendants; people drop off their priced stuff and others can buy or leave offers)
Silent auction (ending Friday afternoon, pickup Saturday late AM?)
Drag n Brag: the Show Version (just models; description cards; vote on top 3 faves?)
Timesaver Jr: simpler version, sectional track on a table, mainly for kids to operate
Talk to the Rooster: a different kind of confessional booth (ok, just kidding there… )

#115

this thread is becomong deja vu… I just went back to the 25th… don’t get Ric mad again!!!

#116

Lou Luczu said:

I think this is a good time to bring this up. How about some ideas for repurposing the “Alcove”? At some point we displayed D&B items. i bought an engine carrier there.

What if we approach them with a “White Elephant Table”? It works well at The Great Scale Train Show in Timonium. A certain percentage would go to the show like paying for a vendor table. The only thing is it would have to be manned open to close. I couldn’t do it myself.

Thought? Other ideas?

Did you secure permission from the fairground to set up in this fire escape area? Or from Star Hobbys’ ?This was not just used on a whim

#117

The occupation of the Alcove goes back to Ron Wenger, carried over to Harry and then it just continued. Tables and chairs are charged to the vendors and provided to the displays (modular layouts), I think. We always got them with out charge. Giving free coffee away next to the concession stand might cause a concern. Giving free toilet paper away next to the bathrooms would probably go over better. But don’t buy the cheap stuff.

I would imagine you could display items, like at “the drag and brag” would be okay. Selling stuff, I think you better check with “the powers that be”.

.

Just my 2 cents.

#118

Dave, in response to the “blocking a fire exit” argument, I was reminded that all the walls are doors. They were always more worried about people coming in that way without paying.

#119

Ric Golding said:

Guessing around 35? some days. Did any one get a date for the 2019 East Coast Large Scale Train Show? Now that an exception to the “status quo” was established, I have to “Lobby” for what used to be an established practice. Shhhhhsh!

Since we have a date can I come ?

#120

Bob McCown said:

…there are a non-insignificant amount of large scalers that don’t see the value in websites, or social media, or any electronic communications besides the telephone. Theyre not doing the hobby any favors…

You thinking of my rotary phone on my roll top desk? or the wall phone in the kitchen?