A newbie question about Toledo

[voyager_663rd]

Never having gone before, realistically what kind of discounts over internet prices could I expect? I know it's difficult to say because there are so many variations but as an example, what about engines?

I'm looking for one in particular and found it at a (substantially lower u.s.) price on the net than here at home in person. Are all mfg/makes represented at this show?

How big is this event? I know a lot of people "talk" about Toledo but how many actually go?

If you do go, what do you find are usually the "best buys"?

[AJCoholic]

this is my 6th year going in a row. Went to my first in 1995.

It is a mass of people, and every company that has anything to do with RC is usually there. To be honest with you, I spend more time and a lot more $$ scoping out deals in the swap meet, which can take a day or two to go through in itself!

Most dealers have some sort of show pricing, but it is easy to contact them first and (1) reserve whatever you want and (2) make sure they will have them there. I have been dissapointed a few times when what I thought I was going to pick up at the show was sold out before I even got there...

If you have never gone before, you have to go at least once. Its like Christmas shopping in a supoer busy mall, but the only difference is that everything has to do with RC modelling!! :)

When I started going I would go for a day, now I go for 3 or 4.

[jamesbissonjr]

My answer is slightly biased as I help operate a booth but I answered 'the WHOLE weekend and am in heaven'.

It doesn't matter how many times you go, you'll always find some sort of deal from someone, see incredible models on display, watch Miss Ohio make her rounds on Sunday(best part some years), and best of all, see quite a number of kids at the auction Saturday night leave with huge smiles on their faces as a few individuals buy stuff in the auction only to give it away to a kid. I'll never get tired of going.

For those of you who answered that you've thought about going but never have, I'd say this would be the perfect year to start. It's the 50th Anniversary of the show and if you check out their website, the best in show for this year will be presented with an awsome trophy appraised at over $10,000.

http://www.toledoshow.com/images/8a.jpg

it's going to be great also because my old man turns 65 on the Saturday and we'll be treating him to a nice dinner out on the town that night. Then we'll see if he actually shows up for work on the Sunday!!! LOL

[jamesbissonjr]

Oh ya, if you want to see just who attends the show as a vendor, visit their website and there's a list of them all. Toledo Show (http://www.toledoshow.com)

[Gary Maker]

Last year I didn't spend much money but I had one of my best years at Toledo. After staying my shift at the booth, I spent a lot of time stopping at the various booths, checking out the various items and talked to a lot of very nice people. I came home with two bags full of literature on everything from the newest and best airplane kits/ARFS to some of the neatest electronic goodies you ever saw.

The auction is something else. If you go you gotta check this out. The model display is out of this world. Airplanes, jets, gliders, cars, ships and boats of all kinds.

Miss Toledo? There was a Miss Toledo there? Never noticed... :wink:

[JimMoss]

I was going to vote for the hostesses but thought I had better not :lol:

I do go for the whole weekend though. haven't missed it in about 10 years. :wink:

[2thelmt]

Len, I heard the best purchases are glow plugs, glue, and batteries (from our own P.P)
With our dollar so strong I doubt large purchases will be any cheaper there. Still, I think it would be fun to go...You driving :lol:
Ian