I miss that also. Less bargains, fewer odd-ball vendors selling used and one of a kind stuff, more full-time companies now selling their stuff. As you walked around the floors previously you would hear, one right after another, "would you take...". You hardly hear that anymore, and if you do, the vendor says a flat "no" and looks at you with disdain. Personally, I love the West Springfield show, but I love it for what it has become, missing what it was. My particular interest lies in the odd-ball purchase that is usually one-of-a-kind that I find is getting harder and harder to find. As far as retailers selling new stuff at SRP, I think that that's a mistake. If I'm going to drive over an hour to a place that I have to walk around all day, get my hood ornament stolen from my car, and wind up paying the same as I would sitting right where I am at this very moment, I'll do my shopping via computer.
~Paul Joyce~
Moderator: Toy Trains, Model Railroading, Outdoor and Live Steam
Paul Joyce passed away in August, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion at railroad.net.