I attended the TCA Eastern Division York Train Meet (aka York) yesterday. York is growing on me. This time around, I went on a Thursday instead of the Friday as I had in the past. About the only thing different for me was that the halls were only open half the day.

Does York, a mostly 3-rail show hold much interest for a Proto48’er? I wasn’t looking for Proto48 in the show, so I wasn’t disappointed. I was looking for some 3-rail models that could be the beginning of a Proto48 model.

The lead image on this post was the most surprising thing I saw at the show. PRR Builders plates for an ALCo RS-3, a Baldwin S12, a Baldwin DS 4-4-1000, a L1s and an M1. The prices were not that high. I tested my brother an image of them and his reply was, “How many did I bring home?” Since none of the plates were for Reading locomotives, I didn’t bring any home with me.

Above was a USH PRR I1sa on the table. On another table there was a nice combination of brass and kit-built Milwaukee passenger cars. Not seen in the image was a steam locomotive I a green box to go with the cars. They were very nice but not the thing for a Reading modeler.

I was impressed with how the 3-rail models have been improving over recent years. This PC GG1 with the relocated air intakes looked very nice.

This MTH ALCo-GE-IR Box Cab also looked nice. I remember this model coming out but I really never got the chance to see one up close. I saw a couple of versions of this model in the show.

The METCA had a few of their custom run models on a table. One was a Lionel ALCo S-2 for the LV in the red with black stripes scheme. They also had a pair of tank cars that drew my attention.

Lastly, for the Reading modeler, there were a number of examples of the MTH FM Trainmasters at the show. I’m not looking to add to the project list by trying to convert one of these. But they are a nice looking model.