Kudos to TCA! The latest TCA Train Collectors Quarterly magazine was terrific!

[Craignor]

Folks,

I spent several enjoyable hours Thursday evening reading the TCA magazine. Once again I was very impressed.

There were several interesting articles covering all different aspects of the hobby. I liked the interview with the head of S-Helper about how they got started, and the process of dealing with Chinese or Korean manufacturers, the in-depth article interviewing the top people at the different train companies in regard to the hobbies future was also well done. There were some good product reviews as well.

I enjoyed learning the history of the TCA conventions, and am now tempted to go to the Pittsburgh Convention this summer, any of you going?

The TCA mag rivals the newstand train mags IMO, and supasses them in some ways too by covering anything from a Beep product review to a article about the most obscure Pre War piece and everything in between. There are fewer ads as well. Bottom line, I always seem to learn something new in the TCA mag each time I get one, it is very thorough, and chock full of information.

Thanks TCA.[:)]

What do you all think?

[nitroboy]

I really like the work TCA puts into the quarterly. Its a small publication with a lot of bang. I will be going to the convetion, but probably only for the trading pits. My freind at www.mrtrain.com will be set up, so it will be nice to get to see him.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Craig
I agree very good reading with this issue and also I enjoyed the
one before as well. Went from cover to cover with out missing a
single page. I was confused when I read the president's column
he said that an estimated 2000 plus members are expected. I
thought that sounded like a low number being membership is
50--55 thousand? But what do I know! [%-)]
Keith

[Craignor]

Dave,

How are the trading pits...like a train show...York...better prices?

Keith,

I enjoyed the other issues too, especially the issue with the black and white Pre-War and turn of the century photos of kids playing with trains. Great stuff. Kinda makes you realize the more things change, the more they stay the same.

2000 Convention attendees does seem low. But, I bet in that 55,000 membership there are a lot of older retired members who do not travel, or people who live on the other side of the country and do not want to fly 2000 miles for a convention. Plus, by having a convention every year, all but the fanatics, are not going to travel all over the country EVERY year, unless they either have a very understanding wife, or are looking for a divorce. Nevertheless I am considering going...Pittsburgh is not that far from me...but maybe next year it will be in Baltimore!

I went cover to cover too. I really liked that (AC Gilbert?) electronic control transformer with the vacuum tube sticking out of the top that was supposed to allow for blockless multiple train control...I only wi***hey would have given it a review to tell me if it really worked or not.

[Anonymous]

I have some mixed emotions about the latest Quarterly. Craignor...FANTASTIC
WEB SITE! That is the BEST tinplate I've seen in years! Great condition! It's
good to see folks caring for those old toys and running 'em. I've just got to get
some pics together of my new train room/layout. Don't have a digital camera
so I'll have to get the wife to shoot some film stills and scan them in.

I think the reason for the lower attendance at the Conventions is one of logistics
and finance. Most folks have families and jobs, so time off is valuable. In the
old days basically the same amount of people attended the Conventions, but
the overall membership was smaller. This was discussed in the Quarterly. I
would have loved to go, but moving expenses, buying a new house (cash outlay),
and some immediate upgrades/repairs used up our money cushion for a long
time to come. The 50th is a landmark and I will always be sorry to have missed
it. Will be going to York, though.

[Craignor]

Thanks Ches for the nice comments.

I enjoy running the Pre-War trains and the new stuff too. They all have there own charm. Its great to have some variety, in the train room, as well as special family memories.

[nitroboy]

The trading pits are exactly like a regular train meet from my understanding. I have never been to a convention before, but I have been to the Fort Pitt division meets in Pittsburgh before. Prices are very resonable. Not as high as York. So, hopefully that stays the same for the convention.

Dave

[waltrapp]

Craig, totally on board with your positives about this issue! As I was reading it I got to thinking how EVERY article was interesting, even though when I first starting reading some of them I was thinking "this won't interest me". Much like I used to feel reading Sports Illustrated - but when the writing is good, as it was in this issue, even the non-interesting becomes interesting. If that makes sense!

- walt

[Roger Bielen]

My copy came in today, other than a quick scan I haven't had time to start reading it.

As to conventions, my wife and I went to the Chat., TN one a couple of years back. We had an enjoyable time, especially with the activities. I think the down economy has had a negative effect on attendance at most affairs. Myself, I'll only go to those that are a reasonable drive away.