"Chicago Shenanigans," New details and another musuem added!

This will be a nice gathering. I hope one day, you will consider the West Coast. We too have nice museums.

I was once a member of a British Sports Car Club. The National Meet was held every year alternatively either on the East or West coasts. I can understand the main core of 1/43 Forum is the East Coast and probably not feasible.

@nickies 

I second a West Coast gathering.

What is the history of this event JK?  What year did it commence and has the location always been Countryside?

This will be the 5th year for the 1/43rd and Automobilia Show at Countryside. Before that it was the Strictly 43rd show and at different locations in Chicagoland.  I have been going to it for years and years...

It must have started in 1990 and stopped around 2005 - then taken up again by someone else before the current iteration?  HobbyDB shows a couple show specials for the Strictly 43rd show...

Google says:

2004:

March 27 Strictly 43rd Show
Park Place of Countryside, Countryside, IL
http://www.strictly43rd.com

Model Cars Magazine, Wayne Moyer, May/Jun 2000, "10th Annual Strictly 43rd", 4 page coverage!

Karl, thanks for the background. The first time I went to the Countryside show was in 2015 and did not begin to know the 1/43 folks until 2017.

I third a West Coast Gathering!

Thanks Karl!

Those wanting a show in their area should get together and plan one.

I am afraid the expenses involved in trying to stage a show that far away would make it cost prohibitive. If anyone is interested in arranging one, I would be happy to show you how. Email me at kuvakas@gmail.com

Posted by: @jkuvakas

I am afraid the expenses involved in trying to stage a show that far away would make it cost prohibitive. If anyone is interested in arranging one, I would be happy to show you how. Email me at kuvakas@gmail.com

JK; it makes sense that centrally located is better for attendance numbers; both vendors and "customers" alike.

@jack-dodds, I agree. I hate to make it hard on folks. But, as it is, Chicago is a ten-hour drive for us. We have to drive so we can bring the display and models. Add gas and the need for lodging for three to five days and the expenses pile up quickly. We love doing it, but our primary goal for every show is to break even. I'd love to do a West Coast show, but getting everything there would be a huge expense. 

Still, we have learned a lot about how these shows work while establishing some great contacts among the makers. I am more than willing to share all that with someone out West. 

Midwest shows are a part of the history of the toy/model collecting hobby. I've been to shows in Chicago, Toledo, and Detroit. I think it follows the historic car industry locations in the Great Lakes area. Besides Countryside, shows are coming up in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the Midwest soon. With a huge collector base one day's drive from Chicago, I don't see a relocation happening soon. Also, there are east coast shows, particularly in PA. 

For you historians in the crowd, here is an even early review by the same Wayne Moyer of the 3rd Strictly 43rd Show in Chicago!  Just found it in an old Model Auto Review (MAR 73 Jun Jul 1993)!