Dear Member
A little more than 2 weeks and 2014 is history! Whoa - can that be? 2014 will end with the last singing of another Auld Lang Syne. But before we spend a lot of time thinking of New Resolutions in the New Year, we should review the LCCA and its accomplishments in 2014. 2014 could well be the best year in the club's history, it is certainly among the best. In some regards, it is also among our most challenging. A few highlights are reviewed in my closing below, but a summary is easy. The LCCA did better in every category we can measure - membership is up (both organic and with the new LRRC members), financially, more special events, increased activity in the Junior Member program, more special offer LCCA products, new programs like 'Switching Tracks' and 'Train Talk' plus so much more. And even more activities are planned for 2015. You can be proud to be a member of the LCCA - the best toy train club on the planet! Hang on tight as we begin 2015. The December issue of "The Lion Roars" is now on-line in the members section of the LCCA websitewww.lionelcollectors.org. Recent program upgrades now allow for downloading this issue to other devices.
One last thought, Christmas and yearend Holidays are special for us all and we should remember why we celebrate them. As you do so, do not forget to share your hobby and your trains with a kid or two. If you are looking for a last minute gift for a niece, nephew, neighbor, grandchild or other youngster, consider the gift of a Junior Membership. Topics discussed in this issue: Membership Renewals Due 1/1/2015 I ask all members to renew as quickly as possible after being notified. Doing so will eliminate the need for our business office to make multiple renewal requests. When members renew when first approached, the club saves a lot of money, collectively in the thousands of dollars in reduced costs and a lot less work for our volunteers. Help the club and renew early. Early renewal helps the club save money and redirect those funds to other member benefits. To Our LRRC Sourced Members (IMPORTANT!) By now, you have copies of our award winning publications "The Lion Roars" and the "Interchange Track". You have received or will be receiving our December issue of "The Lion Roars" shortly. IMPORTANT NOTE - to continue to receive copies of "The Lion Roars" and the "Interchange Track" mailed to your home beyond December, you MUST renew by December 31. All new members from the LRRC received the 3 issues for October, November, and December with their transfer of membership to the LCCA. We encourage all members to renew, especially our newest members from the LRRC. You have had the opportunity to see what the LCCA is, what it represents, and how it serves its members and the hobby. You know we will continue our close relationship with Lionel. We are pleased you are an LCCA member and would like you to continue to enjoy what the club is, does, and represents. If you were an LRRC member and if your renewal date is later than1/1/2015, this also applies to you. Individuals in this classification will be notified in a separate post. Remember if you have any remaining questions, to look at the FAQ and other data on the LCCA website (www.lionelcollectors.org) and Link to FAQ. Remember, any question can be addressed tooffice@lionelcollectors.org. 45th Anniversary Celebration Our 45th Anniversary celebration is underway. You have already seen the 45th Anniversary car and the Boston and Maine GP7 set. We have two special raffles with exceptional prizes (see below) and will be announcing new special products. Remember the mint car contest based on our 45th anniversary. We were already planning a 45th anniversary Sapphire Mint car (sapphire celebrates 45 years). There will be a number of special activities in Boston. Participate, if you can, in any of these 45th Anniversary events. Stay tuned as more are announced. Switching Tracks Signup is now open. You read about it in the December 'The Lion Roars'. Be among the first to get a car! The LCCA is sending special club cars around the country (and even the world!). The LCCA is seeking LCCA members to run our special logo car on their layouts. The LCCA will send you a car to run for two weeks and then come and get it and pass it on to another member. Our goal is to have cars operating in all 50 states during 2015. The Switching Tracks Project Manager, Tim Fuhrmann will provide more info. If you want to be among the first to 'handle the load' on your layout, be sure to contact Tim (fuhrmanntim@hotmail.com). Train Talk Sessions TRAIN TALK SESSIONS 14 AND 15 - The October 2014 issue of The Lion Roars has an article by Bob Walker (RM 27981) on using on-board battery power to run trains, and that topic is now open for discussion in TRAIN TALK #15. The previous TRAIN TALK sessions dealing with accessories and addresses the needs, wants and goals of our national conventions, remains open for anyone who has not yet commented on these topics The best TRAIN TALK topics come from our members, and if you have a topic that you'd like to see discussed, email it to the TRAIN TALK coordinator, Bill Fuller (RM 11746) at wfuller44@gmail.com. Results from these polls have already helped the club make decisions. And of course, it is fun and interesting to see what others think of hobby related issues. If you have a question or two you would like answered, ask it and it might be in the next survey. Thanks to all who participate. To be part of the discussion, Go to the Train Talk Web Page. 45th Anniversary Raffles Reminder the LCCA is celebrating its 45th anniversary all this year. We have two important ongoing events - with tickets available at the LCCA Web Site Store. First - An expense paid pass for two at the Boston Convention. This year’s 45th Anniversary Convention starts July 20th and runs thru the 26th at the beautiful Danvers, Massachusetts Double Tree Hotel. RAFFLE WILL END SOON ON DECEMBER 31, 2014 with the drawing to be conducted in early January, 2015. The winner will be announced in the subsequent issue of TLR. Raffle tickets are available for $10.00 per ticket at the LCCA Web Store. The lucky member with the winning ticket will receive: • Seven nights' accommodations at the Danvers Double Tree Hotel
• One paid convention registration
• Two tickets to the Get Acquainted Party
• Two tickets to the LCCA Annual Banquet
• PLUS your choice of any five LCCA Convention tours for two
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The second raffle offers a chance to win an Angela Trotta Thomas Painting - The LCCA has commissioned Lionel® licensed artist Angela Trotta Thomas to create this original 30” x 20” painting entitled “LCCA 45 Years of Fun". It will be raffled off during the LCCA 45th Annual Convention banquet in Boston MA area on Saturday evening July 25, 2015. Every LCCA member who purchases a ticket will have an opportunity to win this great prize. You have seen here work and always wanted an original. Here is your opportunity! Tickets for both raffles are available at the LCCA store at www.lionelcollectors.org, by fax at 815-223-0791, via e-mail at office@lionelcollectors.org, or by USPS. See more at this link Product Status The LCCA continues to offer unique and special products to its members. Our B&M GP7 Boston and Maine set can be ordered now. Be sure to visit the LCCA Store and see all that is available including a number of prior issue LCCA product. 1. The 45th Anniversary car Lionel Wabash car carrier (6-58584) with 4 unique Lionel die cast 1/43 scale Automobiles) is NOW SHIPPING. If you can get your order to us quickly, we will ship immediately. This car will arrive before the New Year. The image shows die cast autos similar to the 4 unique cars provided with this car.
2. LCCA B&M GP7 Diesels ready to order The LCCA has shown full production samples of its newest offering, a GP7 LionChief Plus diesel with matching dummy in the Boston and Maine Minute Man livery. A matching smoking bay window caboose will be offered as part of a 3 unit set. A follow-up matching series of cars are planned for early 2015. The LCCA has had a production sample made to reduce the delivery time from Lionel. These units are currently scheduled for delivery before the Boston Convention. See more at LCCA B&M GP7 set detail. Go to our home page to see our 30 second commercial shown on RFD TV - video block link.
3. The Walking brakeman car We celebrate the LCCA/LRRC connections with a car having a special figure carrying a two sided flag. This special LCCA car comes with a second USA flag to use on special holidays or occasions. Members can make their own flags celebrating schools, military units, clubs, etc. This car with the first of its kind figure will ship in the Fall. Junior Membership (JM)  Included with the December issue of 'The Lion Roars' is the most recent copy of 'The Lion Cub', our Junior Member Magazine. This issue will introduce all members to our third publication, sent to our Junior Members (JM's). We encourage all members under 18 to renew as JM's (contact our business office atoffice@lionelcollectors.org for more details. All past issues of 'The Lion Cub' are available for review in our Link to JM's 'The Lion Cub' archive. Be sure to check out what the LCCA does for JM's
Junior Membership (JM member code) is a special membership category open to younger members under 18. With a reduced cost of $25 per year, our JM's receive 'The Lion Roars' PLUS 'The Lion Cub' via USPS mail delivered to their home. JM's do not receive mailed copies of the 'Interchange Track' but can see digital copies on line. Because of their age, JM's are not eligible to vote in club elections, nor to purchase items without their parents consent. If you are under 18, take advantage of this special member class. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON TO GIFT A JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP TO A KID. WHETHER A RELATIVE, GRANDCHILD, NEIGHBOR, WE DO NOT KNOW ANY KID WHO WOULD NOT BENEFIT FROM A JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE LCCA. DO YOUR PART TO GROW OUR HOBBY!
Special Events A special "shout out" to all our members who attend LCCA Special Events. There are still a few Special Events remaining in 2014. Our 2015 calendar is filling up fast. If near any event venue, be sure to stop by, be part of it and say Hello. IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING ANY OF THE WORLD'S GREAT HOBBY ON TOUR (WGHOT) SHOWS, CONSIDER VOLENTEERING TO HELP. Contactagkolis@comcast.net
December 20, 2014 - LCCA Holiday Special Event in Leland IA - Special Event
December 21, 2014 - LCCA Joins NJ Hi-Railers in Paterson, NJ - Special Event
January 10/11, 2015 - Hampton, VA - LCCA at the 2015 World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Show -Special Event
January 17/18, 2015 - Raleigh, NC - LCCA at the 2015 World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Show -Special Event
January 17/18, 2015 - Stevens Point, WI - 18th Annual Arctic Run Model Railroad Show
January 24-25, 2015 - LCCA A Day of Fun with Toy Trains - Denver, CO - Special Event
January 24, 2015 - Kennesaw GA - LCCA and the Museum host Trains, Trains, Trains
January 25, 2015 - San Jose, CA - Golden Gate Lionel Railroader Club / LCCA Train Show - Special Event
February 7/8, 2015 - Columbus, OH - LCCA at the 2015 World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Show -Special Event
February 14/15, 2015 - Hamburg, NY - LCCA joins the WNYRHS Train and Toy Show
February 14/15, 2015 - Louisville, KY - LCCA at the 2015 World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Show -Special Event
February 21, 2015 - Parkersburg, WV - LCCA joins Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club annual Cabin Fever Breaker
March 5-7, 2015 - Palmetto, FL - The LCCA & Real Tail are hosting a multi-day SE
March 21/22, 2015 - Mundelein, IL - Special run Module Layout
March 28/29, 2015 - Edison, NJ - LCCA at the 2015 World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Show - Special Event
April 19, 2015 - LCCA Regional Show in Rockford IL - 40th Year - Special Event
May 16, 2015 - Parkersburg, WV - Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club's annual Armed Forces Day Open House
May 30-31, 2014 - Des Moines, IA - 45Th Anniversary Train Show
July 19/25, 2015 - LCCA 45th Annual Convention - Special Event
November 28/29, 2015 - Crown Point, IN - LCCA Host Thanksgiving Show
To all our members, especially our newest members from the LRRC, you are invited and welcome to attend any and all LCCA special events with your family. All LCCA events are family friendly. Be sure to come down and join in - and remember to ID yourself to the LCCA host! Be sure to check out future LCCA events on our web page, and save the date for upcoming shows in 2014 and in 2015. See all LCCA events at this link. S-Gauge The LCCA is 'walking the walk' for our S-Gauge members. Ed Boyle of ORG magazine has written an S-Gauge article for our December issue and we have a few other S-gauge surprises coming. We do seek S-gauge articles to print. Remember, all our input comes from members. If you want more S-gauge, be sure to be part of the solution and submit articles, pictures, or better yet, host a Special Event for S-gauge focused members. Contact Al Kolis (agkolis@comcast.net) or directly tooffice@lionelcollectors.org
2015 Boston Convention Preview & Update - Report from 'Boston' Bob Carter The LCCA's 45 annual convention will have its first time ever event in the Boston suburb of Danvers, MA, July 19 - 25. There is so much to see and do that your convention team even considered making this a two week convention or returning next year. But no, they just decided to cram it all into one week and send everyone home tired and smiling about what a great time they had. Make your plans now to join your friends, old and new, at the Doubletree Boston North Shore for a week of New England excitement, fun and food. The tours will be announced in the February issue of The Lion Roars. If I may let you in on a little secret, there will be so much to do you will not be able to do it all, so don't get mad or disappointed, just buckle up and sign the registration form as soon as it comes out. There will be some limited availability on a few of the tours and if you want them, you need to get on the stick and sign up pronto. A few of you were left out last year, so don't let that happen to you again. Do you want to go on a whale watch? How about a New England Clam Bake? Maybe you want to go and see a home layout or tour the Witches Museum or even, if we're lucky, get into Fenway Park? All these are being talked about and finalized as this is written, so be warned. More information will be available as it is finalized. Final tour selection (including a number of train trips) and even more activities with all the details will be out in February 'The Lion Roars'. Being a LCCA member is so much fun. Aren't you glad you are one? If you are a new member, having come over with the LRRC, and have never attended one of the "funnest" train club conventions ever, then plan on coming to Danvers in July. Bring your family and come enjoy the CoCo Key Water Park at the hotel and all the other activities we have planned for you. Hope to see you in July, 2015. Last Minute Update The LCCA is planning a Post-Convention Special Event of a unique train excursion on the P&WRR from Worcester, MA to Groton, CT and a possible visit to the USS Nautilus! Stay tuned for more details. Mint Car Design Contest Our mint car design contest introduced in the October TLR is underway.Remember, entry deadline is in a little over 2 weeks, December 31, 2014. We seek entries from our members. The entry instructions and rules are available on our website. If you want a clean template for design work, you can download from here. Good Luck. Click here for event rules and a larger template. Enter now and have a chance to have your design made into a Lionel Product. Remember, entry deadline is December 31, 2014
Nominations and Elections Remember nominations start in February. Not too early to start thinking about the elections.
To All LCCA Members With the merging of the LCCA and the LRRC data bases, there have been a few issues, most have been resolved. If you feel any confusion on your LCCA membership please contact the business office (office@lionelcollectors.org) or club Secretary Harry Hampson (hgh45@aol.com). Remember, any lapsed LCCA member can request their former member number back by contacting the business office.
In Closing  Here in the Midwest, the temperature took an early dive and it remains cold. The leaves are off the trees and snow is on its way. As we reflect on the LCCA in 2014, we can point to a number of successes. Our club has grown larger with a number of LRRC members welcomed into the LCCA. We have a strong year financially. Our first Christmas car sold out, as did our unique on site car and the 2014 convention car. We introduced our B&M diesel set, promised an add on set. Our 2014 Indy convention was a HUGE success, setting a whole new bar for conventions. Our special events were well received, with thousands of members touched. We have introduced the "Train Talk" Session and the new 'Switching Track' program. Take advantage of all that is good, enjoy your trains, hug your family, enjoy Christmas and the Winter Holidays with a kid, and help kids enjoy trains.
We are one in support of our hobby, enjoying all things trains. I look forward to meeting with many of you in upcoming weeks and months. A Safe, Happy and Holy Christmas and Holiday Season to all our members from The LCCA Board of Directors, the Elected Officers and Appointed officials. And All The Best for you and your families in 2015.  | Dennis DeVito - RM 6758
LCCA President and Fellow Member |
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