Model Railroading > World's Greatest Hobby On Tour Review?

So how was/is it?

Ed

Is this the model train exhibit that is currently at the CSRM? If it is, it's OK. It's not a very big exhibit, but they have many different models of all scales. The only operating layout is in O-Scale, but very toy-like (not realistic).

No, it's at Long Beach, CA this weekend.
http://www.wghshow.com/aboutus.htm

Here in Philadelphia we have one of the world's top flower and garden shows that has a global draw. Yet I never see them there with a garden railroad. Bachmann does have thier large scale display layout. But thats small. Doesn't show the possibilities. How many other big draw Home and garden shows do they skip?

Got to admit that I went in with a skeptical attitude. Due mainly to the fact that, IMHO, promotion had been lackluster, and that train shows around here are a dime a dozen and suffering for it. First impression walking in the door (mid-day Saturday) was of lots of very excited families and kids, and probably the largest collection of layouts and vendor booths I've seen at a show in a long time.

Several vendors I spoke with echoed the sentiment that the promoters had gone to great extremes to make this a polished, family friendly event for the general public. Most scales/guages were represented, including several "monster" layouts. Layout operators seemed to be especially "up-front" and eager to answer questions from the public. Of course, Thomas and his gang were represented, with a whole playroom to themselves. There were several clinics scheduled, along with some sort of "scavenger hunt" type of event where kids had to observe different layouts and check off hidden items or scenes. This was not a swap-meet train show with junk bins to plow through, but there was still plenty of merchandise to satisfy the regulars.

Entry fee was a little steep, but kids admission was free. Would have been nice to include a "buck off" incentive in the announcement postcards mailed to the faithful (hint hint).

Nope, I don't have a financial interest in this show. Just happy to see that the target audience was well taken care of. If this is what it takes to ensure the future of the hobby, I think they did a pretty good job.

-YD-

The Long Beach WGHT Show was nothing short of AMAZING. Despite a rainy, windy, miserable weather weekend, I would not be a bit surprised if the headcount (which would include children who got in for free) approached 40,000+ for the weekend. We never had fewer than 20 people around our (MTH Electric Trains)booth, both days!

Bob

ATSF100WEST......Out

I went down on Saturday with a VERY wary eye. Parking was a rip off at $8!!! (blame the convention center people, but make a note for future shows!!!) if you didn't get there early enough to get a space in a private lot. They were dinging people $5. Add that to the $9 entrance and I was REALLY wondering if it was going to be worth it. It WAS! VERY nice show over all, and GREAT to see all the families! Yeah, they were buying Thomas stuff like there was no tomarrow, but hey, that's what will get the kids hooked for "real" models later on! Kids ranged from stroller to pre teens, so not ALL kids play video games 24-7! Got a couple of REALLY good deals that made up for the $14 to get in and park, saw some nice modular stuff that isn't at all the regular shows. Everyone seemed to be really primed to show fold a good time. Maybe GATS (or the folks who show up to sell) needs to take a hint here? I was disappointed that the DCC was only Botchman. Wish Digitrax and NCE were there too. The B-mann rep tried to corner me but I was polite and held my tongue. It would be interesting to see if some kind of follow up is done to see how many get hooked into the hobby as a result. Not sure HOW that would be done, but tracking it could be useful.