Train show brings collectors from all over

York Daily Record

Thousands of train collectors are in town this week for the semi-annual York Train Meet at the York Expo Center.

Hope Danielson, of northern Virginia, adjusts toy trains for sale at her and her husband Dan's table at the semi-annual York Train Meet Thursday, at the York Expo Center. The hobby show, which occupies a number of buildings, began in 1969 and attracts about 10,000 people each year. Hosted by the Train Collectors Association, the event has traditionally been members-only, but last year organizers opened doors to the general public for two of the show's three days.

The event continues Saturday and is open to the public. The show began in 1969 and attracts about 10,000 people each year, some from as far away as Brazil, Switzerland and Australia.

"We are a worldwide show," said Mike Petronella, York Train Meet chairman. "This is the Mecca of train shows."

Hosted by the Train Collectors Association, it traditionally had been members-only, but last year organizers opened doors to the general public for two of the show's three days to encourage more interest in the hobby.

"It's a slow process considering over 47 years, it was a members-only show," Petronella said. "Now I have to reverse the trend of, 'Oh, I can't go there' to 'Oh, I can go there — let's go.'"

More than 200 dealers and four manufacturers are present, and members have set up more than 2,000 tables to sell their train components.

Hours Saturday:

Members-only halls (Memorial Hall, Old Main, Horticulture Hall): 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dealer halls (Utz Arena, Heritage Hall), which are open to the public: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.