Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:
Moving from HO to O gauge only about 3 years ago, I only became aware of the LCCA a year or two ago. It took a while looking at the web site and people's comments for me to decide to join just before the LRRC LCCA merger. I'm not much of a joiner, so I want to check things out. This seems like a good organization. If possible, I may try to help out a few hours next year. I have to hand it to Al and Marty working long hours with so many kids. There should be an award for them!
Mark,
Thank you for your kind words and joining the LCCA. For me, representing the LCCA at events like this is a labor of love. It's not work for me. When a child connects or an adult re-connects with running a Lionel train, it truly is a magical moment. Their facIal expressions of joy and appreciation is enough of an award for me.
Sometimes, I think us hobbyiest forget about why many of us enjoy the hobby as adults today. For me, it was that I played with Lionel trains as a child. My 5 brothers and I enjoyed running our Lionel trains during the holiday season on a basement, L-shaped layout that my dad built from two 4' X 8' homoste board tables. We played with the trains. We used to crash them into piles of Lincoln logs to see how many it would take to stop or derail them. We played cowboys and Indians, War etc. We conducted durability tests for Lionel LOL. They were toys to us, not collectibles. Our Lionel trains withstood the strains and stresses that only 6 energic young boys could do. But the 1954 vintage Lionel atrains still run today. Even with all of the scratches and damage, my Dad's Lionel 2356 Green Southern F-3 and 736 Berkshire steam locomotive engine is priceless to me; because of all the great memories it created for me.
I know eveyone is different and enjoys the hobby in their own way, that is what makes this hobby so great. There is no wrong way to enjoy your trains. But, I personally, really enjoy meeting with families and introducing people to the Magic of Lionel trains. I feel like a kid again. These smiles are plenty enough award for me. It truly is fun!
I am so gratefull for Marty E's help. He did a great job this past weekend. I am so glad he had fun doing it. I encourage others to do the same. Just introduce the Lioel trains and the hobby to just one person and we will continue to grow or at least maintain our wonderful Hobby. Mark, I hope you can attend and help out next year.
I also want to invite everyone to consider joining the LCCA. It is a great organization with over 13,800 members all around this country and in several other countries. We know how to have fun and how to enjoy our life with Lionel Trains. Try it, you will like it.
If you have any questions about the club, please contact me.
Mark, I hope you can attend and help out next year at the CSC event. I also hope that we can host additional LCCA Special Events in the Pittsburgh PA Area. If anyone has sny ideas about a LCCA Special Event, please contact me at 248 709-4137. People automatically think train shows. Yes, we love train shows, but don't limit your ideas to just train shows. We will consider any idea that gives our members a reason to get together and have fun with a train related activity. We often combine train activities with various charities such as Make A Wish or Autism Groups etc. So, please let me know of your ideas!
Have have a great, safe and happy Holiday Season!
Sincerely,
Al Kolis
President Elect & Special Events Manager
Lionel Collectors Club of America
agkolis@ comcast.net
248 709-4137