Donald Brill has spent a good part of his adult life as a show promoter to what many collectors and vendors alike consider to be New Jersey's Premier Train Show, the Northwest Jersey Train-O-Rama, commonly referred to collectors as, "The Dover Show." Since his first show in 1976 through today, Don has witnessed first hand the changes and growth of the O-Gauge market. As a promoter to such a large and well attended show, and having his thumb on the pulse of the hobby, we decided to ask Don what his perspectives are on the O-Gauge hobby.

MTJ: What was your motivation to sponsor your first show?

BR: Having attended small shows in the NY, NJ and Connecticut Metropolitan area since 1970, I found that train meets were too few and far between, and often times difficult to locate. I thought it would be nice to have a show which would be held timelier and one that might be more accessible.

MTJ: If I can recall it right, back in 1976 when I participated in your early shows, the emphasis back then was on buying-selling-collecting Postwar O-Gauge trains. MPC was cranking out some items but they were not readily accepted by train collectors at the time. I guess this was a time when the hobby was poised for its recent growth?

BR: Yes. A lot of people were interested in trains and train collecting, but were basically going it alone, without the benefits of national train clubs or the camaraderie of fellow collectors. Lionel was the only name in the 0-27/O-Gauge market and national publications on the market were almost non-existent. Train shows and the resulting interest they promoted, greatly contributed to the growth of the hobby.

MTJ: All hobbies have their growth spurts and downturns. Any comments on what has attributed to any recent spurts or downturns?

BR: Our hobby has seen spurts and downturns, but nothing has affected us more than the recent state of the economy and changing world events, IE September 11, 2001 and the war in Iraq.

MTJ: There seems to be an unscientific consensus that the hobby has really taken off in the past five years. Do you agree?

BR: Yes with the introduction of Lionel's TMCC, and MTH's DCS Electronics, plus the increased accuracy and attention to detail by train manufacturers has made the hobby more desirable.

MTJ: If my recollection serves me right, I also remember your early shows were very well attended, but nothing like today. I do remember the early days before you had to put up one way signs in the main gym directing foot traffic. To what do you attribute the great attendance at your shows?

BR: Our family has been running shows since November 1976. It was always my thought to provide the show going customers and exhibitors with a large facility in a location that is easily accessible by car, bus or train. Advertising in newspapers, magazines, and having a website (www.dovertrainshow.com) have helped greatly. Also, timely mail notification to hobbyists. The most important elements in business are being consistent and also being fair.

MTJ: What changes, if any, are taking place in the hobby right now?

BR: Changes are many! All train manufacturers are doing a superb job. Many new products are on the market, and the attention to detail is incredible.

MTJ: I am beginning to notice that most makers' appear to be limiting production and there doesn't appear to be much discounting of overstocks at shows. Have you been noticing the same?

BR: Yes, that's right. The train manufacturers have come to realize that it's good for business, good for distributors, and good for its retailers. They can't make money with overstocked items sitting on their shelves. Collectors/Hobbyists, who in the past would wait for blowout prices, must now make their decisions to buy or order on the spot or be left out. But the bottom line is: EVERYTHING YOU MAY WANT IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE, but the wait could be costly, unless you are willing to settle for used merchandise.

MTJ: Collectors will always be an important part of the hobby, but I'm seeing more and more of a shift to those collectors who actually enjoy running and operating their trains. This leads me to believe that more and more armchair railroaders are getting out of their chairs and are building layouts.

BR: I'm sure that this is true. Judging from what my observations are at shows, I see many people buying track, switches, accessories and related paraphernalia all during the year.

MTJ: What advice would you like to share with a newcomer to the hobby of O-Gauge trains visiting your shows?

BR: Come to the show with an open mind. Don't purchase right away. Walk around, look at the items available, you may see that same item on several different tables for several different prices. If you like a particular manufacturer, try to obtain a catalog. Talk to the table holders, most are very helpful, ask questions. Purchase model railroad magazines and read product reviews. The dumbest question is the one that isn't asked! If you can't get an answer to your question, go to the show promoter.

MTJ: Some dooms-day prophets are saying that the hobby is old and graying. I don't agree, because I see a lot of teenagers and youngsters at shows. What is your opinion?

BR: I've heard that comment from many people. From my observations the average age of the collector/hobbyist is between 45-50, but there are also many younger people visiting shows. We often comment on how many people we see pushing baby carriages, and watching the kids enjoy the operating layouts which vary from show to show. The children are the future of the hobby.

MTJ: What about the Internet, specifically eBay? Has it had any impact on your show, and if so, what kind of impact?

BR: EBay had had a significant impact on all shows. In some cases it has resulted in table holders who no longer do shows. I must admit that it is a good way to do business, If you don't have enough time, but the missing elements are face to face dealing, and the in hand inspection. I have also heard of many eBay dealings gone bad as the result of misrepresentation and improperly graded merchandise. In some cases, court proceedings have resulted.

MTJ: A lot has taken place sine your first show in 1976. K-Line has emerged as a respected name in O-Gauge trains. Lionel has undergone three metamorphoses from MPC/Fundimensions 1970-1986, through Lionel Trains, Inc. 1987-1995, and in 1996 to the present Lionel, LLC. Most assuredly, if it wasn't for Mike Wolf's MTH nipping at the flank of Lionel, Lionel would have remained the tired old Lion. Marx, under new owners, is once again offering O-Gauge Lithographed trains. Williams has also carved itself an important niche in the hobby. In 1980 Weaver entered the O-Gauge arena. Heading up the high end of the hobby is the Third Rail and Atlas. All of which means that collectors and operators today have an almost limitless choice of rolling stock and accessories to add to their rosters. Do you think this is good or bad for the hobby?

BR: I personally think that it is good for the hobby. Good in the sense that it has stirred competition for the expendable income of the customer. These companies are working overtime to bring us the best and most realistic products available at competitive prices.

MTJ: Is the hobby growing rapidly enough to keep all these manufacturers turning a profit?

BR: I think that it is. Don't forget, they are in business to make money, and if they are not selling their products they won't be in business long. In the long run, it's the survival of the fittest.

MTJ: If you could give some advice to K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Marx, Weaver, Williams, Atlas O and Third Rail, what would it be?

BR: Keep on doing what you do best, manufacturing the best trains available today in the world.

MTJ: Lastly Don, what do you like best about being a show promoter?

BR: I've been promoting shows since 1976. During those years I have developed many personal relationships with people all across the country. Most of the relationships have been positive. In the year 2000, my son Michael and I jointly started another train show in Phoenix, Arizona. This show is held semi-annually at the North Phoenix Baptist Church on Bethany Home Road, and it is called Arizona Train-O-Rama. Information on that show is available at:

NJ to AZ @ aol.com

(www.dovertrainshow.com)

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