Experiences with Battle Ground, WA "Great Train Swap Meet" ?

[mmagliaro]

I notice this show is coming up this Saturday, and it's only about 1 hour's drive for me.
It's at the Battle Ground High School.  It is supposedly
the 44th one, so it's been around a long time.

Has anyone ever been to this one?    Any opinions on the size, selection?
Anybody else going this Saturday?

[sirenwerks]

I was thinking about it, it's about an hour from Hillsboro too. But, like you, I know nothing about it.

[central.vermont]

I think the best idea is.............best too go rather than wished ya had!! 

Jon

[delamaize]

I've never been to this one, but it isn't far from me, I might check it out saturday, I don't know yet.

[x600]

wow, 44 years, and I never heard of it. Both my daughters live in Battle Ground and never mentioned it to me. (They would have if they did!)
I can't make it this weekend, but if anyone does go, could you give me a report, please. I can be sure to schedule for next year and take the
grandsons.

[PaulP]

Havn't been to that one, but Roger and I plan to head up to the Lynden show. Its this Saturday and Sunday. Kind of the first show for us in the area north of Seattle for the fall.

[sirenwerks]

There's an ad in NSR for another show in February, in Auburn I think, but I don't have the mag with me at the office.

[np1969]

It seems there are many train shows that use the words "Great Train" in one way or another. In 13-14 years, I have not heard of a train show in Battleground, but then again there are many local swap meets that aren't known outside of their local communities.
The February meet is not in Auburn, it's at the Monroe fairgrounds, and it is the annual United Northwest Model Railroad Club's show.
It's a show that is well worth visiting.
February 24-25, 2018.

[mmagliaro]

It seems there are many train shows that use the words "Great Train" in one way or another. In 13-14 years, I have not heard of a train show in Battleground, but then again there are many local swap meets that aren't known outside of their local communities.
The February meet is not in Auburn, it's at the Monroe fairgrounds, and it is the annual United Northwest Model Railroad Club's show.
It's a show that is well worth visiting.
February 24-25, 2018.

+1 The Monroe one is a darn big show.   It is not as big as Timonium.  I have had the privilege to hit these big shows on both coasts in my life.  But it is still quite large, in multiple buildings of the Evergreen state fair grounds.  It's on my radar to go when February rolls around.

Soooo.... I did go to the Battle Ground show.  Not disappointed at all.  It was in a gym, so it was a pretty good size.  It took about 2 hours to go through it all.  There was a large variety of "stuff" for sale.   N was definitely a minority, but there was enough there to be interesting.   There was a decent amount of N locomotives and rolling stock at good prices, but none of it was anything I need, and there was very very little steam.   I came away with some NP historical society magazine back issues that had locomotive drawings I will need one day and some WS figure sets that were half price (they are much more palatable at $5/pack instead of $10 - $12).  Not much in the way of engine carcasses, parts, or tools, which are always hot button items for me at a swap meet.

[x600]

Thanks for the report, Max.
Was there any layouts? This is more of a feature that the grandsons would be more interested in. I however appreciate
 the sales tables. I'll check it out next year.
This weekend is the Chehalis Show at the Lewis County Fairgrounds. Not a really big show, but there are some good deals depending on who is there and if you look slowly.

See you in Monroe.

[mmagliaro]

Thanks for the report, Max.
Was there any layouts? This is more of a feature that the grandsons would be more interested in. I however appreciate
 the sales tables. I'll check it out next year.
This weekend is the Chehalis Show at the Lewis County Fairgrounds. Not a really big show, but there are some good deals depending on who is there and if you look slowly.

See you in Monroe.

Good question: No, there were no operating layouts.  I also didn't see any "railroadiana" (lanterns, china, other prototype hardware).

[p51]

I didn't get to it this year but went last year. I actually found a lot of stuff and paid very little money.
Don't forget there's a weekend-long show at the fairgrounds at Chehalis this coming weekend, the 14th and 15th!
I'll have two sales tables at that one.