Hi everyone,

I went to a local model train show on Saturday. They only had one layout (modular type), very few bits of used Marklin catenary for sale, and very few European trains for sale. These included some Roco, A.C.M.E., Fleischmann, and Lilliput. I would like to see more interest in Marklin and European trains in general around my area. It was neat to see a lot of vintage American trains and manufacturers though. Just my thoughts...

Regards,
David

The issue is, of course, compounded by US side organizations such as ETE and others standardizing around DCC, which makes Märklin trains not easily integrated into a modular official layout.

If you are talking about the show in Timonium, MD, I know that one US European dealer (EuroTrainHobby) announced that they would be in attendance. They are not known as a Maerklin dealer, but do stock Roco, Fleischmann, LSM, ACME and other brands.

Regards

Mike C

Hi David,

not sure if you mean there was just one European layout in the show or just one layout.
Our club ETE SoCal participates about four shows in a year in San Diego and LA area plus the EuroWest in San Francisco Bay Area. In local shows we're used to be the only European theme layout among roughly five other layouts.
The show business is consolidated into one main operator TrainShow Inc http://trainshow.com/. They try to profile the shows a bit, and World's Greatest Hobby -show typically has a few manufacturers or distributors attending. Otherwise the vendors to me are on flea market level. You see same people selling same old stuff show after show, wonder how they get their expenses paid.

EuroWest is different, typically three European layouts from western clubs, a few local dealers and tons of euro stock to buy. Next year EuroEast is planned to be in your area,please visit the ETE website http://ete.org/euroshows

One more thing, sign up for ETE membership!

Regards,
Juha

Hello
I looked at the ETE website and I was somewhat puzzled why the 2018 EuroEast is in January in MA. I live in SC and would have liked to go to it but not in January in MA when a winter storm can hit at any time. Its not that I can't drive in snow( grew up in Germany and Ohio) just don't like to take the chance to be stuck or in the ditch because of it. Is there a chance that the show could come further south like to NY or NJ in the future? Thanks

Happy Model Railroading

Robert

Hi Mike,

Yes, Euro Train Hobby was the vendor present at the show in Timonium last weekend. I was specifically looking for Marklin but it was nice to see the other Euro brands mentioned. I did not see the LS Models brand at the table, though I may have just missed it.

Respectfully,
David

The last time I was real active with Marklin HO trains was while we were living in Erie, PA. Which is kind of a long ways from anything hobby shop wise. One has to go to Cleveland(Medina) to find Marklin or Buffalo NY for other non European brands. So the yearly show in Erie was the place to be. I had my little 1960's era Marklin layout set up each time. And after the first year or so, I had dealers walking down to my layout display before the doors opened to the public with boxes of odd ball European stuff and Marklin. They were tired of taking it to other shows, and taking it home again. I got several nice boxes of mixed brands of Euro trains really cheap. I find the challenge of finding that one odd ball Marklin or other European item among all the USA stuff part of the fun. Instead of being overwhelmed and over budget with so much to choose from, finding one or two cars was a successful show. Many times I would get the cars for a very keen price as the seller was glad to be rid of that "odd ball" European stuff! You always find one that thinks because it says "Marklin" on it that its worth loads of $$, even if its a lowly 3000 series 0-6-0. I would leave him with my standing offer for the item(s) and walk away. Most would see me at the Erie show the next year and many times, would accept my offer to just be rid of it. Train shows in general have declined in quality in the USA in recent years. Many factors are causing this, between Ebay, high costs of various things, average age of modelers getting up there and many passing on, the list goes on and on. Many trains that were out of reach for me a few years ago, are affordable now. Not cause I making more $$, far from that, but the prices have really come down with the glut of used trains coming on the market from estates. Cheers Mike

Hi Robert - it's Eric.
Been to that show about 5 times. Weather not always too bad (I lived in MA at the time) certainly not much worse than Germany in the winter.
There were times when I walked in in a light sweater. Not too much Marklin but there were some vendors and a layout. Layouts in general at shows are not
much but you can talk to the members.
I would like to go to the fall show in Milwaukee as Maerklin is there in New Berlin and Miwaukee is a great town to visit. Usually the first part of November.

Anyone been to that show?

Eric