Photo Courtesy Of Jim McClure
Explore the greatest train meet in the world—sponsored and proudly hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association. The York Train Meet, hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association (TCA), began in 1969 and has grown into the largest and most celebrated model train meet in the world. What started as a modest gathering in a single hall—the iconic Blue Hall—has evolved into a massive biannual event spanning eight buildings at the York Expo Center in York, Pennsylvania.
In the early years, longtime members recall the excitement and energy that filled the air as collectors eagerly waited for the doors to open. When George Yohe, then the Meet Chairman, unlocked the doors, attendees would race to claim prime table locations—sometimes tossing boxes through open doors or sending children underfoot to scout out a spot. These stories have become part of the lore that gives York its unique character.
Over the decades, the Meet has grown dramatically. Today, it encompasses three dealer halls, four member halls, and one to two buildings dedicated to operating layouts. Held each April and October, the York Meet draws between 13,000 and 14,000 attendees—including TCA members, their families, and guests—from across the country and around the world.
Common Reaction Among first-time AttendeeS
“I never dreamed I would ever see so many trains in one place.”
York is truly a one-of-a-kind event, where lifelong collectors, casual hobbyists, and industry professionals come together to buy, sell, trade, and celebrate all things trains. Whether you’re searching for a rare item to complete your collection or simply soaking in the experience, the York Meet offers something for everyone.
The event features an extraordinary lineup of vendors, including model train manufacturers, hobby shops, scenery and accessory makers, benchwork builders, tool suppliers, auction houses, and publishers of popular train magazines. These exhibitors represent every corner of the train hobby and travel from around the world to be part of the York experience.
As the saying goes:
If you can’t find it at York, you can’t find it!