Large Scale Central

Trains shows swap meets

General Discussion
#1

Seems like it’s the sign of the times as there used to be lots of swap meets to go to but like here in Las Vegas not much of anything now. I know in different parts of the country there are many to go to and hopefully they will stay the same or even get bigger. Used to go almost ever year to the Rusty Boat but that environment changed and relocated and will never be the same. Biggest hit is the cost to those who promote these events is the rental fees. I talked to a few big time promoters in the past and they said it would be hard to charge $10 or so to get in and charge sellers $75 or for a table just to break even in some areas like here. I suppose that cost might even be more now?

I wonder if eBay effects this trend? Say ! I do find stuff on Craig’s list now and then.

What ever floats your boat is good too…

Cheers, TOF in Lost Wages

#2

Many of the smaller shows near here have folded. One promoter lost all his trains in a divorce. Another one got cancer and passed on. IMO Klambake screwed the pooch when they had the Greenberg Shows by kicking out the dollhouse vendors and many of the toy folks. Last couple ones I went to the crowds were MUCH thinner, and they had empty tables (There used to be a waiting list for a lot of venues)… but then they didn’t ever really WANT the shows, just the book sales.

Yes feebay and the big mail order joints have done their fair share to kill things off as well. Why wait for a show and pay to get in anymore?.. Sad, really. Wandering around looking and maybe finding some stuff that you didn’t even know you needed is fun.

#3

The few shows that occur around my town have very little Large Scale.
What is there is priced at about MFG list plus 100%.
Ridiculous!

#4

I’ve not found any large scale at the local shows I’ve been to. And it’s about 50 miles to where most of the shows are held. So I don’t go much anymore.
Ralph

#5

We actually have the best of luck at our local TCA chapter swop meets. The national chain shows are not good anymore.