OGR FORUM MEETING AT THE TCA CONVENTION

Wow, that's intetesting. Thanks for the update Paul.

I wonder how many HO people have any interest in HO history? Surely the TCA does not think it will attract HO folks?

As a hobbyist who participates in several different scales, HO being one of them, I can assure you vintage HO equipment generates a lot of interest within the ranks. As it is the most popular scale by an overwhelming margin, increasing the appeal of the organization for HO railroaders and perhaps even N scalers could very well benefit the TCA as a whole. Perhaps some day we'll even see manufacturers such as Athearn, Rapido and Walthers in the Orange Hall at York.

I have a feeling many on the forum won't agree with me but I thought I'd post anyway since the subject came up. That said, I know a lot of folks on here have equipment in multiple scales so we'll see. It's a good topic for discussion.

Bob     

Indeed it is, Bob!  I'm not certain how successful an effort to attract HO modelers/collectors to the TCA might be--after all, most HO and N folks who are organization-oriented belong to the NMRA--but it's certainly well worth discussing.

I have a fair collection of recent-vintage Marklin HO myself, and plan on holding onto it because it is some very nice stuff.  I hope someday to have at least a small layout to give this equipment some running time, and to make use of the Marklin Digital system components that I already have. 

Ed,

I will be hosting a meeting at the Metca Convention in 2015.

Paul Edgar

Paul:  I'd think that a good topic for the museum for the HO gang would be an historical look at the HO hobby.  There were many companies that were involved in the "early years', back in the 1950's and even before WWII.  Companies like Varney, Mantua, Penn Line, Model Die Casting and many others.  To see a comprehensive display along with models, perhaps dioramas, other historical information might be a good future project.

But, don't take away any of the displays and materials we have enjoyed for so long in the "real" toy train gauges.  That's what we're all about.

Paul Fischer

The mission statement of the TCA reads as follows:

"To develop an appreciation of and to preserve an important segment of history - Tinplate Toy Trains - through research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards, and to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains."

Admittedly, there are multiple ways to interpret that statement, but do note that the words following "promote" tend to be inclusive of any and all scales and of "toy, model and scale trains."  Certainly HO (and others) are encompassed under that rather broad umbrella.  I can't really think of a compelling reason to exclude a scale that is by far the most popular in this country and probably worldwide.

Allan, I like your new picture. What is the emblem on the hat?