I am new to toy trains. I subscribe to CTT and am a member of this forum. I have found the forum to be both interesting and a wealth of knowledge on trains. I went to the TCA website. Sounds like it is mainly for tin plate interest. What do I get for my $60.00 that I don't get from other organizations. What other organizations might I consider joining? My interest is casual. I am not into detailed operation or collecting. I just like finding a few interesting post war Lionel train engines and cars and am building a modest layout in my basement. Thanks
Terry Thomann Fredericksburg, Virginia That is me on the left. My brother got the train TCA 09-64381
Well, here goes,
To apply you pay $25 application fee plus $35 for the first years dues. ($60 total first year -- $35 a year after). It's a great bunch of guys and beyond that, the publications are worth the $35 a year if you have any interest in Toy Trains.
For that you get a color Magazine 4 times a year (TCA Quarterly) and a 60 page newsletter 5 times a year (National Headquarters News). You get free admission to the National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg PA. You will be able to attend "Member Only" TCA Train Shows such as the huge York Train Show held twice a year. The York Shows last 3 days, has over 250 dealers and 1,800 member tables in all 8 halls at the York Fair Grounds (the public is not allowed). Attendence exceedes 14,000 members. At York, you have it all, a lot of pre-war tin plate, post-war, and dealers selling new products.
www.easterntca.org www.easterntca.org/map.pdf
Members are pledged to be fair and honest with fellow members, at shows and on E-Bay and such. Come and talk to the President of Lionel, the President of MTH, the owner of Aristo-Craft, Charlie Ro and his USA trains, the staff of Classic Toy Trains, the boys from Atlas, and Weaver, and Williams, they are all members.
Each year the TCA has a Convention in a different city. Next year, 2010, it will be at the Sheraton Inner City Hotel, Baltimore MD.
Don U. TCA 73-5735
You may also want to check out the MNRA ... http://www.nmra.com/ .... to see which one fits your choices better . National Model Railroad Association ... it's been around since 1935 .
You should also check out the LCCA and LOTS, both are National clubs similar to the TCA but more focused on modern electric trains primarily Lionel. If I did not attend York I probably would have little interest in the TCA since I am more involved with modern trains.
Bill T.
SeayakbillYou should also check out the LCCA and LOTS,
Does LCCA and LOTS have web sites? So far I am leaning to TCA. I am not too far from their museum and as a museum director myself, I am a museum junkie.
Found them both.
Terry, Don gave a very good summary. But in my estimation, the biggest benefit of joining the TCA is the YORK show. And actually, if you can find someone to go with as a guest, you can still attend the YORK show.
I would say to any 3 rail train operator or collector, you should go to YORK at least once. It is pretty amazing and overwhelming to see so many trains at one time in one place. The TCA is no differernt that any other organization in the manner that there are good folks and not so good folks... that's more an observation of human nature than it is a criticism of the TCA. I've seen guys with the TCA moniker who are as quick to rip you off on a train purchase as those who are not members. And as with nearly any other train show, there are deals to be had and then there are trains that are way overpriced for what they are.
At one time, before the internet, it was almost necessary to be a member of the TCA and to attend the YORK show to find unusual or rare trains. Or for just the social banter of talking with other train collectors. Now with the internet, all of that has changed.
STILL, the YORK show is pretty amazing. And to see so many trains, so many train guys and to meet with reps from all the companies is a thrill - and if you get the opportunity to go, don't pass it up.
brianel, Agent 027
"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."
Bob Keller
CIVIL WAR,
If you love toy trains and as BOB K said, live anywhere near YORK, PA. It's a must to go experience the MECCA of toy trains. 7 buildings filled with stuff new and old. Just a great place to be and who knows you might even get on the CTT Annual Photo outside the Orange hall.
laz57
Although I signed up for my Table at the October York Meet before I left York last April, the "York Meet Notice/ Registration" for October is now posted on the Eastern TCA Web Page.
www.easterntca.org
...because I'm in it!
fifedog...because I'm in it!
Ok my friend. That is good enough for me. Will you be going to the October York? I will plan on going as your guest and will sign up at the show. How is that?
I have been pondering joining also. I live in Philadelphia. Pa. would I have to join a specific chapter of the TCA?
No, you are joining "National"
You fill out a "national" Train Collectors Association application, it is then sent to the National Business Office. They will notify the Secretary of the Division in which you reside. Your local Division will send you there Meet Notices and will invite you to attend (attending is up to you, it's not required). Your local Division is Atlantic based in Philly.
ARTICULE IX -- Regions, Divisions, Chapters
Section 1. Divisions
"Divisions shall be organized as the Board of Directors deams advisable. Membership in one's home Division is Optional, but highly recommended by your Board of Directors, and membership in any addional Divisions is optional, ----- "
For the last 36 years I have belonged to the TCA and the New England Division of TCA (NETCA). I attend the four NETCA Quarterly Shows, the two EasternTCA York Shows, and about half of the National Conventions. Never regretted joining.
TCA 73-5735
fifedog ...because I'm in it!
............
No. I have a 95-xxxxxx number and have attended METCA only once during my TCA membership.
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Why Join TCA & attend York? Because it is where the 3 rail O gauge hobby meets biannually:
Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, liquidators, CEO/owners, the hobby press, hobbyists, collectors, runners, dealers and wannabes. News will be made there this October, whether by formal press release, or by what did/did not happen. Little guys making stuff in garages with their own hands next to guys importing stuff from 'over there'. The famous, the casuals, the types whose layouts are featured in the magazines we read. Want to see what may/may not be coming down the tracks this fall? It's the place to learn, not only about the modern, but also about what has been made over the last 100 years. Pick it up, look it over, argue about what it is worth, and then maybe buy it or take it home some other day. To joke around and talk to people from just about 80% of the rest of the country. Want some face time with Mike, or shakes hands with Bob, this is the place to do it. Those other guys from that "other mag/forum" will also be there. TCA-York existed long before many popular hobby magazines, price guides, personal computers, the internet, phone order sales & EBay. It will continue long after EBay is trashed by the forces to be.
One can not have any perspective on the O gauge hobby until one has attended a few York meets, and except for one guest appearance, one can not do that on a regular basis w/o a TCA membership.
TCA is a great organization. I love their publications. Plus, if you go to York once.... you'll be hooked, in addition, the TCA Museum is pretty amazing. I could spend a whole day there, but the Mrs. gets bored with toy trains pretty easily.
Mitch
Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839
11th Street: Please.... I'm an "older" guy who just plays with his trains. What is "Normal O false .....to......#0400:)? Thanks.
traindaddy111th Street: Please.... I'm an "older" guy who just plays with his trains. What is "Normal O false .....to......#0400:)? Thanks.
I have no idea how that got into my post. Fell in and couldn't get it out. I'm not a regular here on this forum and the technology here appears different from what I'm used to. If you you live within a reasonable distance to York you might try to see if you can attend (once) as a guest. Someone who is a TCA member has to sign you in though. Many Yorkies attend just for the fellowship. So its your call.
Best wishes
In addition to the benefits listed thus far, the TCA library is a great resource. Not only can you look through 50 years of TCA Quarterly issues online, but you can email the library a question and have them research it for you. There is also a member's only exchange (way safer than eBay), forum, and their online E-Train magazine. I've never been to York, but I still highly recommend TCA.
PhilaKnight I have been pondering joining also. I live in Philadelphia. Pa. would I have to join a specific chapter of the TCA?
You may want to join your "local" if you want to sell at their local shows held at the Plummers Union Hall near Woodland Ave/Roosevelt Blvd. Being only 2 hours from York is a good reason to join.
Civil War - I would happy to sign you in. As of this writing, I intend on attending YORK in October, but I can't commit 100% due to pending court summonses. If we are able to attend together, there will be a bit of a wait at the front door to sign you in. If you join the TCA before then, you can just scoot on by if pre-registered...
Took the kids to "Day out with Thomas" at Strasburg Railroad and stopped by The Toy Train Muesum. Glad I did. That place is like heaven. The kids loved the layouts. And of course I put in my applacation and paid the 60 bucks (well worth it) The people there were so nice. I could smack myself for not joining eailer. I can't what for the packet to come in the mail. I was told it would take about 2 weeks. Everyone should join.
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