TTOS (Toy Train Operating Society)

Yes, they do.

https://www.ttos.org/

That link didn't work for me.

GVDobler posted:

That link didn't work for me.

 

Works fine for me.  

Works fine for me too, although it looks like the web page has not been updated since 2018.

Musta been my Ipad. Works fine on PC.

Yes, it is alive and well,Sac Valley Division just had their operating Layout running at Cal Expo in Sacramento last weekend

Mikey

How is the TTOS different from the TCA ?

The Southern Pacific Division is very active and even growing a bit.

https://www.ttos-sp.org/

Steve

The TTOS has had its problems at the national level from time to time.  Membership is fairly small at about 2,000.  About a fifth the size of LCCA and about a tenth the size of TCA. Some chapters seem healthier than others.  Our local chapter died some years ago, but as mentioned above, some are thriving.  Including one in Buffalo, NY, so it's not just on the west coast where TTOS is thriving.

Indeed, there is a TTOS sponsored show in Buffalo listed right here and now on this forum.

https://ogrforum.com/...ainorama-6#lastReply

I made the original post because I am re-evaluating the organizations that I want to remain a member of.  I belong to TCA and will stay. I am re-evaluating NMRA because I don't perceive much benefit.   The LCCA would have been a good one for me but I went the DCS route a few years ago and replaced my old postwar engines with MTH PS2 PS3 versions.

Gary - TTOS has a local chapter in Columbus, Buckeye Division. I've been a member last 15 years. Here's their website -  https://grahamstrains.com/ttos_buckeye_division.html

Gary Liebisch posted:

 I am re-evaluating NMRA because I don't perceive much benefit.

I understand that position and many folks on these forums also have it.  I have joined many national and local train related organizations/clubs (more than in my tag line) as a way to support the hobby.  I also have done this in other areas that are important to me (model aviation, rocketry).  My memberships are normally at the lowest level to keep costs down.

While I have never done anything with, and probably never will, the NMRA, it does provide National support to the O side of the hobby.  Maybe it will help keep the hobby alive at least as long as I stick around.

Dan Padova posted:

How is the TTOS different from the TCA ?

TTOS tried to appeal to folks who run their trains vs. TCA's focus on collectors.  As more people have started to run their trains in recent years, I think that distinction has faded somewhat.  It is my impression that TTOS is stronger the farther one gets from York. 

TCA has the museum and library, both of which I find valuable. 

There's nothing inherently wrong with TTOS - I was a member for a couple of years - but there wasn't any activity in my vicinity.  

CAPPilot posted:

Gary Liebisch posted:

 I am re-evaluating NMRA because I don't perceive much benefit.

I understand that position and many folks on these forums also have it.  I have joined many national and local train related organizations/clubs (more than in my tag line) as a way to support the hobby.  I also have done this in other areas that are important to me (model aviation, rocketry).  My memberships are normally at the lowest level to keep costs down.

While I have never done anything with, and probably never will, the NMRA, it does provide National support to the O side of the hobby.  Maybe it will help keep the hobby alive at least as long as I stick around.

I'm a member of TCA, LCCA, and NMRA.  

NMRA has a good monthly magazine, but it's a bit redundant if one subscribes to Model Railroader.  A lower membership rate is available if one doesn't want the magazine.

I continue to support NMRA due to having some interest in scale modeling and appreciating the standards they promote.  In my area, NMRA is by far the most active, vibrant, and friendly national club, and I attend many of their events.

Gary Liebisch posted:

I made the original post because I am re-evaluating the organizations that I want to remain a member of.  I belong to TCA and will stay. I am re-evaluating NMRA because I don't perceive much benefit.

The NMRA would probably be more beneficial to folks in 2-rail O-scale.  And not so much for folks into 3-rail O-gauge.

But, 3-rail O-gauge could probably benefit a little bit here and there from NMRA standards (very little, but still, a little bit, maybe).

Let's not forget LOTS, Lionel Operating Train Society. The friendliest or them all IMHO. Great mag too, The Switcher. Been a member for about 20 years.

I'm also a long time member (26 years) of TCA - Their mission, The Quarterly, and York are my reasons for staying a member.

Been a LCCA member for at least 20 years too, and was not going to renew last year. But then they offered their new on line catalogs and other online publications for members. Their printed mag, The Lion Roars, has become mostly (IMHO) little more than one big Lionel advertisement. Not sure if I'll re-up next year.

I was a TTOS member until about 10 years ago.

Collecting vs an operations focus.

Organization politics are the biggest reason for so many existing. There have been some real mud slinging, shifty accounting, and bad choices made over the many decades train clubs have been around; they all have seen the sun and shame both so pick one and dive to test the water is to your liking.