Disappointing news for sure. I have been a member for about 10 years, mainly to go to York, which i did twice 10 years ago. As membership shrinks, revenue drops and its harder to cover costs. As members we get to vote on officers, and occasional membership items (like needing a recommendation from an existing member to apply for membership, or something like that). They would be better served to have OGR and/or CTT manage the organization, and spread the overhead costs. The written content of the TCA publications is not very compelling (especially the edition that is printed on newspaper, most of those publications are devoted to the next convention).
I use to be a TCA member for several yrs, but in the early 2000's I gave up my membership because of an incident at the Friday night auction where I was taken advantage of.
Something to think about. TCA is getting alot of free advertisement in the various threads here in OGR forum, especially before and after the York meet. Maybe you might wanna restrict conversations relating to TCA. (just a thought)
I am 48 years old and started branching into this hobby from the RC hobby about 5 or 6 years ago. I wanted to have something similar that I could enjoy at home when I did not want to be outdoors. Every Google search I did during the process led me to this forum. Literally every model train search. I eventually became a supporting member which I regret not doing sooner. I am still very surprised at only $12 a year all are not supporting members. I would pay much more than that. Some may say become a digital subscriber then. Well, I don't need a digital subscription when I get all the information I need within this community of people. To be totally honest, I did not even know what the TCA was until I saw this post and then had to google it. Maybe OGR is all this hobby needs. I say make becoming a supporting member mandatory, raise the supporting member fee and go full steam ahead and take this hobby under its wing. Maybe I am missing the point but thats just how I feel.
Brad
@BillYo414 posted:This is the main reason I have never looked at joining. I'm not a collector. I'm an operator through and through. I assume the TCA hangs out and talks about obscure models. I completely appreciate that but it's just not my thing. I admire the equipment of yesterday (and own some) but it doesn't fit with my daily operations.
I'm concerned about this news because I think it reaffirms that things are changing. I don't mind change but I don't enjoy it when I'm unsure about where things will land.
I understand your position as an operator. Although I enjoy learning about the history of toy trains, I'm not into rarity or collecting variations - I own a very few sentimental pieces, but I run almost everything. There was a time when your impression of TCA was accurate - it wasn't until just a few years ago that the grading standards included anything about operational condition.
However, if you go to York you'll find lots of people who like to build layouts and run trains. There are usually at least a half dozen modular clubs with large operating layouts. You'll see some amazing work. If you visit the SGMA modular layout or Friday morning meeting, you'll see a vibrant group of innovative people who are making new items to run.
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And there is the issue - the old school older TCA member is dying off, the person who collects 1930’s-1950’s trains. They are not being replaced - the hobby like many things is constantly transforming. - I was a TCA member 25 years ago and built a layout using 1990 technology - DCS and TMCC - then the kids got older and I put the trains away. The kids are now adults and I am back building a layout - I woke up to MTH out of business and TMCC now legacy and no one is building remote controls ( use your iPhone or iPad). Oh, and everything is online. I became a TCA member again because they offered to reinstate me - thinking I need to be a member in order to trade or even go to York someday. Now I am thinking why should I be a member - the moment I came back to the hobby I went to this forum. I did not go to the TCA. Professionally I run companies- someone at the TCA thinks this ‘budget move’ will help them save money. The TCA still sends out membership cards using snail mail? Really ? I can only imagine the TCA people in the room talking about ‘how can we save money?’ - answer let’s stop spending money on the only outlet our market segment uses to communicate! What a bunch of buffoons.
I'm not surprised at all by this decision of the TCA. The TCA has been stuck in the past for a long time. They concentrate on the history and preservation of the original trains that started this hobby. While that is an important part of the hobby, the history has lost its appeal as more modern trains keep being made. People are more interested in current models, current control systems, new layout building techniques. All of that can be found here and also at CTT. Interestingly, I looked up TCA's by laws and their purpose states:
"Section 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the TCA shall be to promote the sharing of knowledge and the appreciation of collecting and operating toy, model, and scale trains."
They seem to have forgotten the second part of their purpose which is operating trains. The quarterly magazine has historically had terrible articles. Mostly dealing with obscure trains from ages ago. The "who done it series" should have ended decades ago. They beat that topic to death. Only recent articles have seemed to have improved with more relevant information. Comparing their publication to say the LCCA, and the LCCA publication beats them by a mile. TCA has been saying for a while that their membership is down. Most people only join to go to York. They do not see the value of the membership other than that. LCCA keeps adding more value to their membership. They offer all Lionel catalogs in digital form available on their members only web site. They offer more exclusive custom runs which have a great appeal. These are the areas that the TCA needs to expand upon to draw in new membership.
This action, to cut advertising, just amplifies their downward spiral. Losing membership, stopping advertising, all of this will continue to speed up their demise. Instead they should be looking at what the other organizations are doing and add more value to the membership. The eastern division is probably responsible for their staying around. I am currently a TCA member, but the only value I get is the York meet. I would hate to see them go away but this is not the answer they need. They need to reinvent the TCA and starting offering more value, better publications. They should partner with the manufactures and do better custom runs. Metca has nailed this down extremely well. There are so many things they can do to improve but cutting back should not be one of them. I wish them the best but this is not the way to do it.
@Mallard4468 posted:However, if you go to York you'll find lots of people who like to build layouts and run trains. There are usually at least a half dozen modular clubs with large operating layouts. You'll see some amazing work. If you visit the SGMA modular layout or Friday morning meeting, you'll see a vibrant group of innovative people who are making new items to run.
One can see all the same here on the forum. No plane ticket, long drive , or hotel room needed. There are O guagers across the country, but compared to other hobbies the numbers are small. A mail in club membership leaves more to be desired.
New comers to the hobby probably don't even know there is a TCA or a York, but you find that out HERE.
Many of us don't have the convenience of being a few hours from York, or the option to take time off to make the trip. Of course, this is easier for retirees in the average 75year age group.
I was a TCA member for a number of years and dropped the membership when I realized that I wasn’t getting much out of it. I was never into collecting the older tinplate and postwar trains, nor was I particularly interested in the history of them. IMO, TCA is an anachronism that either needs to change to meet the needs of the modern model train hobbyist or go by the wayside, which it appears it is doing.
I joined the TCA strictly because of my enrollment in the OGR. I view TCA as dated, OGR is not IMHO.
@RickO posted:...Many of us don't have the convenience of being a few hours from York, or the option to take time off to make the trip. Of course, this is easier for retirees in the average 75year age group.
I live 550 miles from York (9+ hours) and have been attending since 1989 - that's what vacation days are for and we Americans trail the rest of the civilized world in using them, but for many of those years I've also taken time off while working as an independent contractor (no work = no money). A lot of people travel farther than that.
@B rad posted:I am 48 years old and started branching into this hobby from the RC hobby about 5 or 6 years ago. I wanted to have something similar that I could enjoy at home when I did not want to be outdoors. Every Google search I did during the process led me to this forum. Literally every model train search. I eventually became a supporting member which I regret not doing sooner. I am still very surprised at only $12 a year all are not supporting members. I would pay much more than that. Some may say become a digital subscriber then. Well, I don't need a digital subscription when I get all the information I need within this community of people. To be totally honest, I did not even know what the TCA was until I saw this post and then had to google it. Maybe OGR is all this hobby needs. I say make becoming a supporting member mandatory, raise the supporting member fee and go full steam ahead and take this hobby under its wing. Maybe I am missing the point but thats just how I feel.
Brad
I'm 58 and don't even know what the TCA is or does. This forum, a few (sadly disappearing LHSs), an auction site, access to some fix-it guys who I met here, and some online dealers are all I've needed for my 20 years in the hobby.
When I joined the TCA at the request of local members to participate in the locally-hosted National convention, I was surprised at how "fat" the organization was, and how dated their publications seemed. I participated in the convention, had the tours of my layout, visited the TCA Museum twice, even went to York to report back. It was fun.
But when I realized I was unlikely to drive 10 hours each way to York twice a year, and found myself skimming the Quarterly on the way in from the mailbox and then tossing in the Recycle bin I decided to experiment with my hobby without the TCA or the LCCA in it. I honestly saw no difference in my enjoyment of the hobby with or without the TCA.
I did the same experiment with CTT and OGR. While OGR has ALWAYS been written and edited for the current generation of enthusiasts, CTT was STILL running articles focused on the Post War Era. But recently they've started to include some articles on the now 50+ year old MPC Era. Unfortunately, the writing/editing is uniformly bland and uninformative.
Here in the radio business we face the same issues... we have managers who still think of the 80's as being 20 years ago...
Jon 
@Mallard4468 posted:I live 550 miles from York (9+ hours) and have been attending since 1989 - that's what vacation days are for and we Americans trail the rest of the civilized world in using them, but for many of those years I've also taken time off while working as an independent contractor (no work = no money). A lot of people travel farther than that.
York is clearly a great show. Id love to attend some day.
Some of us have other uses for our vacation. York is what?? 4 days and everyone leaves by the 3rd day?? I always thought that was kinda silly ,but the forum is here 365 days a year.
It's not about the show, nor is this thread. It's about the TCA membership to get into the show, which is all the TCA really has to offer.
By the way Mallard. I'm not looking for an argument here, just some point, counterpoint discussion.
I learned about the TCA and the Eastern Division's York meet right here on the OGR Forum. Prior to joining the Forum I had never heard of the TCA. As a result, I became a TCA member and have attended every York meet since. It's hard to understand why the TCA would cut off such an effective recruiting source and even harder to understand they don't realize that it is.
I just sent a letter too expressing my disappointment with the TCA. I am a 35-year member but am now just considering dropping out. I am only a member anymore to attend the York meets and they are going slowly downhill.
Let's see...I would bet 75% or more of their Quarterly magazine is NOT GEARED for a younger audience. Almost all of their articles, ever since I can remember, are about OLD PREWAR trains that I am sure young folks have no interest. I did my part last year and sent them an article that they published about my layout. Ever since my article was published, I do see a slight increase in newer trains.
Donald
When I came back to the hobby about 30 years ago, I wanted to join TCA because, well, “that’s what you did.” Problem was, living overseas, I couldn’t find two sponsors. After moving back to the states, I found my two sponsors and joined immediately. I joined TTOS about the same time, although I stopped being a member of that organization when I grew tired of what I considered a less than subpar magazine… and the near constant arguing and bickering among the membership at my local chapter meetings: we’re supposed to be having fun, right? I joined LCCA about two years ago, mainly for the digital catalog archive.
I’m primarily a collector and occasional operator, and I look forward to each issue of the TCA Quarterly. Yes, the ranks are getting older and the interests of newer O gauge enthusiasts is leaning toward modern production items with all the associated “bells and whistles” (and associated challenges/headaches), but I think it still serves a purpose, for which I’m thankful it still exists. I’ve met several members at local division meets and other venues who — while focused on pre- or postwar Lionel trains — are also into Lionel’s (and other manufacturers’) modern production items, not to mention HO, S, and even 1 gauge. The way I see it, we’re all collectors in some way, and I’m thankful the TCA exists and wish it continued “good health.” Still, for reasons mentioned above, there are some challenges it needs to address… and soon.
@T2Deal posted:And there is the issue - the old school older TCA member is dying off, the person who collects 1930’s-1950’s trains. They are not being replaced - the hobby like many things is constantly transforming. - I was a TCA member 25 years ago and built a layout using 1990 technology - DCS and TMCC - then the kids got older and I put the trains away. The kids are now adults and I am back building a layout - I woke up to MTH out of business and TMCC now legacy and no one is building remote controls ( use your iPhone or iPad). Oh, and everything is online. I became a TCA member again because they offered to reinstate me - thinking I need to be a member in order to trade or even go to York someday. Now I am thinking why should I be a member - the moment I came back to the hobby I went to this forum. I did not go to the TCA. Professionally I run companies- someone at the TCA thinks this ‘budget move’ will help them save money. The TCA still sends out membership cards using snail mail? Really ? I can only imagine the TCA people in the room talking about ‘how can we save money?’ - answer let’s stop spending money on the only outlet our market segment uses to communicate! What a bunch of buffoons.
I disagree partially with the dying off but. I would say that it is shrinking, but I know a few younger people who do delight in the older stuff. I do keep telling myself while at York looking at the tinplate stuff, "maybe I'll buy one this time". Who knows, with how many folks I connect with doing work on the electronic stuff, maybe going back to the die hard simpler stuff will be a fresh change?
When I got back into the hobby about 8 years ago, almost all of my G-searches wound up here on the OGR Forum. After a short time, I joined, and have since added the digital and supporting memberships. I knew of York from friends but didn't know of the TCA until I started reading here.
To me, OGR has kept their finger on the pulse of the hobby and for TCA to thumb their collective noses at the viewer pool that OGR offers is very foolish.
Bob
Everyone has to pick and choose what is best for them. Theres alot of competition out there for hobbyists interest and money like LOTS, TTOS, LCCA, TCA...then there is the local historical societies like the BMRRHS, NHRTHA, NYCHS, that some probably belong to, plus magazine and online subscriptions. Also some train people are into other hobbies as well like old cars or for myself, old tractors, which also come with magazines and club membership options. All these demanding your disposable income...if there is any such thing now-a-days.
So like offering stock in a buggy whip company, if the TCA as nothing new, exciting or additional to offer in return for your investment then it will not survive. Maybe if the various train collectors groups would join together, take the best of each and run with it, then something might survive. Of course this would soon be followed by complaints of lack of competition and choice in the hobby.
They'll do what they want to do. Budgets are tight everywhere. My guess is they are trying anything to stay as solvent as possible as are a lot of places. Train clubs in general are very small and have a limited funding resource, mainly membership. When it declines so does their income. Without knowing their finances most of us are only guessing, myself included.
Unfortunately for OGR and to the benefit of the TCA, the TCA will still get exposure just for the mere fact there is a York. Now granted it is the EDTCA chapter but none the less the TCA benefits without lifting a finger. Not a slam against the TCA just a fact. I'm not sure how you address this. The TCA has to do what they feel is best even if we see "perceived" flaws in their decision. In the end it's really between the TCA and OGR. As members we can express our opinions though and let the TCA know how we feel. I'm sure Alan will have to weigh the impact on the magazine and the forum and make some decisions as well. Losing an advertiser is never a good thing regardless of the reason.
Probably nothing new in what I posted but it's the "way I see it". For me I'll continue to support OGR with a Digital Membership, Supporting Membership, and posting. I've certainly gotten my money's worth over the years.
Like Alan said, the average age of a TCA member is 75. While this is a bad move on their part, if they don't do something there's no future for the TCA, it's just going to die out. TCA has been in a time wrap for decades. They need flesh blood and fast, new ideas, time to think out of the box. Most in the hobby who are under 50 don't do post war trains, time for the TCA to realize this.
I work in marketing and tell print, broadcast, and digital media vendors all the time that "we are not going to advertise" due to budgetary or strategic changes. Nothing shocking, disturbing, or heartbreaking about it--it's business. At that point, it is up to the vendor selling the advertising to propose new ad programs, rate changes, or other marketing opportunities to meet our current needs if they want to try to retain or win our business.
I’ve been a TCA member for around 35 years. The NETCA chapter put on a good sized local show a number of years ago 4 times a year. This was before things could easily be bought on the internet. I’ve been to York a number of times. Although not recently. I have more than enough trains at this point and as far as shows. The Big E has everything I need. The TCA quarterly offers a quick glance with nothing of interest to me. I was an LCCA member at one time and their quarterly magazine was well done.
I’ve kept my membership alive basically to sell at local TCA shows. No other reason. Although I haven’t gone recently. They aren’t what they were in the past as far as a crowd. But I just prefer a hands on transaction where the item is in view and there’s no shipping involved. After I weed out what’s left I’ll probably drop my membership.
This is so transparently and obviously a terrible decision, I have to wonder if there's more to the story...like somebody over at the TCA in a leadership position got butthurt about something...
I plan to add a bit of input to this thread, but am still contemplating what I might want to say since so many others have pretty much said it all. I likely will address the subject in more detail in my column in the August/September issue of the magazine after I have given it more thought.
Those who read our magazine know that for over some 15+ years now I have been a strong and consistent supporter of the TCA. I have expressed concerns, on occasion, about the direction the Eastern Division's York Meet seems to be heading, but have always supported the TCA in its role as the leading (and largest) group in the toy train segment of our great hobby. I have been a TCA member since the early 90s, when I moved back to the mainland from Hawaii, and while I certainly very much enjoy the Eastern Division's York Meets, I also enjoy the TCA Quarterly magazine and, especially, visits to the headquarters and museum in Strasburg. And, of course, I strongly support any and all TCA efforts to promote our hobby. Unfortunately, it appears that the organization's leadership has decided to take the TCA in a direction that I, for one, am having a bit of a problem understanding. Definitely a disturbing development.
@Farmall-Joe posted:Everyone has to pick and choose what is best for them. Theres alot of competition out there for hobbyists interest and money like LOTS, TTOS, LCCA, TCA...then there is the local historical societies like the BMRRHS, NHRTHA, NYCHS, that some probably belong to, plus magazine and online subscriptions. Also some train people are into other hobbies as well like old cars or for myself, old tractors, which also come with magazines and club membership options. All these demanding your disposable income...if there is any such thing now-a-days.
Well said, IMHO. I've been becoming more active in train related clubs recently, including attending L.O.T.S. conventions both last year and looking forward to this year's convention in Knoxville. Ironically, the TCA ads in OGR and CTT have gotten my attention recently but this post, including the comments regarding too much focus on old trains, gives me a compelling reason to shelf TCA like an old non-working steamer, and welcome the other clubs. There are a lot railroad history clubs out there that offer a ton of great train information and their members are very dialed in on the subject matter.
TCA has gotten members from mention in both OGR and CTT. I heard of TCA at a local show (which now are few and far betwixt), and from a Flyer collecting supervisor. Is that word-of-mouth a dependable growth stimulant for TCA, in a world where few Christmas trains circle the tree? OGR and CTT can be spontaneous newsstand grabs that make TCA known to the oblivious, and should add more subscribers, as well as TCA members. I get enough junk on my phone. The print mag and other publications is how l want that news. A name change seems of little benefit. We probably should absorb the other "tinplate" clubs, but don't want to challenge the NMRA. And who is not familiar with "scaleplate" and that it fits under the TCA roof? TCA can't exist in a vacuum.
Since I haven't heard the full story from the side of the TCA as to what lead to this decision, I can only agree that this situation is sad and disappointing. I also found it disappointing when OGR, Lionel and others stopped going to York for much the same reasons, but I understand the decision.
The TCA has changed a lot since I joined in 2008. Mostly for the better, but also perhaps not fast enough. More change is needed, but who here, besides Stu, has run for, let alone held, officer positions at national TCA? Until enough people who understand the need for change and what actually has to change get into the officer positions, we will keep getting more of the same. The same goes for articles in their magazines -- has anyone who doesn't like the contents of their publications ever submitted articles to be published? They rely on members to submit article material, and if all they are getting is the same-old-same-old, then that is what we get in the publications.
Memberships in any organization, be it an online forum or an organized club, have to be a two-way street that benefits both parties, and each party has the right to evaluate and determine the value of that relationship and act accordingly. With OGR, they provide us with the magazine and this forum, and enough of us, in turn support them with subscriptions and/or forum sponsorships, and purchasing products they sell. The TCA has provides plenty of benefits, most already listed by others earlier in this thread (which are taken for granted by too many), but what have we done to support TCA? Sending in your dues once a year is the absolute bare minimum level of support a member provides the TCA, and if that is all they are getting, then it is no wonder that they are struggling. Personally, I feel I have benefited greatly from both OGR and TCA in the friendships and camaraderie I have made through each, and further from the enjoyment I get from York, which exists because of the TCA, and from the products I have purchased over the years from each (AmeriTowne buildings, videos, TCA member-only custom runs, etc.). In return, I have talked up TCA, York and the OGR Forum to people at train shows that my club attends and online whenever I can.
If the TCA is struggling with how to use their advertising budget, they can get measurable statistics by using promo codes. Give an inexpensive freebee (like a logo sticker, bumper sticker, TCA pen or pencil, etc. -- all items that they could sell separately at the museum as well) with each new membership product purchased, and the promo code used will tell them exactly where their ad dollars are benefiting them the most. as well as where they are not benefiting them. This would also be of use in new membership drives if they offered a little more substantial incentive linked to promo codes.
Andy
I still believe that the TCA has made a mistake and that a lot of us joined for the York experience. Just remember this that you do not need to be a member anymore to go to York just pay an entry fee and you’re in to the dealer and Layout Halls which is where the average person heads anyway. Now if you want to go to the member halls that’s a different story. From what I’ve been reading here and I see at York is people head to the Orange and Purple Halls where the new stuff is. So again I think the TCA is in a phase ( Shooting their self in the foot) Just my opinion.
@JBuettner posted:I work in marketing and tell print, broadcast, and digital media vendors all the time that "we are not going to advertise" due to budgetary or strategic changes. Nothing shocking, disturbing, or heartbreaking about it--it's business. At that point, it is up to the vendor selling the advertising to propose new ad programs, rate changes, or other marketing opportunities to meet our current needs if they want to try to retain or win our business.
And as a fellow marketing specialist, you must realize that OGR has and can offer MANY alternatives for promoting advertiser's and potential advertiser's products. The problem occurs when one side is closed to any suggestions. Sometimes the ole' "the decision has been made and that is that" gets in the way. I can tell you over the decades I have been told "no" many times and I also "know" when an advertiser is not open to us "winning their business". OGR has spent millions of dollars since it's beginning to position ourselves so that not only we but our advertisers are at the top of the mind awareness when it comes to this segment of the hobby. BUT ... it takes both sides to actively promote in a consistent and meaningful way. OGR is here to help because we have established the foundation and garnered the marketplace which allows businesses in this hobby to jump right into the mainstream without taking all of the years and investment upon themselves.
@Andy Hummell posted:Since I haven't heard the full story from the side of the TCA as to what lead to this decision, I can only agree that this situation is sad and disappointing. I also found it disappointing when OGR, Lionel and others stopped going to York for much the same reasons, but I understand the decision.
The TCA has changed a lot since I joined in 2008. Mostly for the better, but also perhaps not fast enough. More change is needed, but who here, besides Stu, has run for, let alone held, officer positions at national TCA? Until enough people who understand the need for change and what actually has to change get into the officer positions, we will keep getting more of the same. The same goes for articles in their magazines -- has anyone who doesn't like the contents of their publications ever submitted articles to be published? They rely on members to submit article material, and if all they are getting is the same-old-same-old, then that is what we get in the publications.
Memberships in any organization, be it an online forum or an organized club, have to be a two-way street that benefits both parties, and each party has the right to evaluate and determine the value of that relationship and act accordingly. With OGR, they provide us with the magazine and this forum, and enough of us, in turn support them with subscriptions and/or forum sponsorships, and purchasing products they sell. The TCA has provides plenty of benefits, most already listed by others earlier in this thread (which are taken for granted by too many), but what have we done to support TCA? Sending in your dues once a year is the absolute bare minimum level of support a member provides the TCA, and if that is all they are getting, then it is no wonder that they are struggling. Personally, I feel I have benefited greatly from both OGR and TCA in the friendships and camaraderie I have made through each, and further from the enjoyment I get from York, which exists because of the TCA, and from the products I have purchased over the years from each (AmeriTowne buildings, videos, TCA member-only custom runs, etc.). In return, I have talked up TCA, York and the OGR Forum to people at train shows that my club attends and online whenever I can.
If the TCA is struggling with how to use their advertising budget, they can get measurable statistics by using promo codes. Give an inexpensive freebee (like a logo sticker, bumper sticker, TCA pen or pencil, etc. -- all items that they could sell separately at the museum as well) with each new membership product purchased, and the promo code used will tell them exactly where their ad dollars are benefiting them the most. as well as where they are not benefiting them. This would also be of use in new membership drives if they offered a little more substantial incentive linked to promo codes.
Andy
Let me address one statement my friend Andy made above. OGR has not stopped "going to" York rather we do not currently set up a booth. BUT, even though we did not set up a booth, many of you noticed the last couple of York meets our sign stating to come to Mr. Muffins booth. Just so you know, we paid for that "booth" upon which we put our sign. In other words, we paid for a booth even though we didn't use it and that was our choice to do so. In addition, we give a lot of FREE promotions for the York meet not only on the forum but in the print and digital magazines. For those of you wondering why we don't man a booth any longer, it had nothing to do with the price of the booth (that is a bargain as far as I am concerned) rather it was because most of the sales we made at the booth were renewals for subscriptions! Along with the loss of our friend and partner Jim Barrett as well as having the resources to get our trailer and product to York, we decided to partner with Mr. Muffins. Steve offered to make our product available at his booths...so guys, we are still there but in a different way. You will see Allan Miller roaming around most Yorks (not this one coming up because of his eye surgery). Might even see David Minarik and Eric Siegel! And don't forget last year we had a contest at York to see who would be wearing OGR shirts, hats, pins, etc....we gave away plenty of money and subscriptions which helped promote York! And guys...we went way into the hole doing this but that didn't matter...it was helpful and fun!
I joined the NJ HiRailers and the TCA as a direct result of this forum I have met many friends as a result of this forum and solidified those friendships at the get togethers at York and the TCA museum. I think the TCA is being short sighted when it doesnt see the benefits of OGR If they want a younger audience they should change a little bit but not cut off their only connection to younger members here
@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:Let me address one statement my friend Andy made above. OGR has not stopped "going to" York rather we do not currently set up a booth.
Yeah, I should have been a little more clear on that point. I miss the booth because that I where I would buy the videos and building kits and save a little on shipping. The markets for those items has changed, as has my wants and needs, too. And I fully understand the reasoning.
Andy
@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:OGR needs more folks to become subscribers and/or supporting members!
I think that is the real point here. The loss of TCA advertisements is a loss for OGR. As @OGR CEO-PUBLISHER said in the first post: "I have been informed that TCA is ending its association with OGR as well as CTT with respect to its advertising."
Several members have said they would send their $60.00 here instead of TCA. That's a great idea. If I remember right our subscription is $12.00. My suggestion to you is to make it open. Let us contribute what we feel we owe on a yearly basis. I know I would contribute $50.00+. OGR is well worth it. I do not post often, but I read every one of my emails and look at the posts and learn a lot.
When subscriptions are due send out a notification that it's our turn to renew. Explain the importance of donations. The subscription could be a vital source of funds. Talk about financial change, it needs to happen here as well as the TCA.
Wood
@Wood posted:Several members have said they would send their $60.00 here instead of TCA. That's a great idea. If I remember right our subscription is $12.00. My suggestion to you is to make it open. Let us contribute what we feel we owe on a yearly basis. I know I would contribute $50.00+. OGR is well worth it. I do not post often, but I read every one of my emails and look at the posts and learn a lot.
When subscriptions are due send out a notification that it's our turn to renew. Explain the importance of donations. The subscription could be a vital source of funds. Talk about financial change, it needs to happen here as well as the TCA.
Wood
Exactly what he said!!
Brad
The TCA has to cut back somewhere to save money. This is nothing new a lot of company's have cut back on their advertising. I don't believe that cutting back their advertising in OGR will have any effect on their membership. I believe that it will hurt OGR and CTT more than it will hurt the TCA,
@eddie g posted:CTR, "I am not a member of the TCA and have no plans to become one"
Your loss.
Only if that's his thing.
I'm not a member and doubt I'll ever even consider becoming one. I don't model 3-rail and I'm not the least bit into tinplate, Lionel and such.
O scale is a big umbrella, and it's not just 3-rail...
I am a member of the TCA - I joined around the time I joined this forum (definitely related actions) and I intend to remain a member. Full disclosure, I am basically a “lone wolf” when it comes to trains, so going to York IS NOT my main reason for joining (I’ve only gone 3 times in 8 years). That being said, I think that calls to drop TCA membership and send the money to OGR is as terrible an idea as TCA dropping ads in OGR and CTT. We should be looking for synergy among all the players in the train hobby, not “taking revenge” on a player who does something we don’t agree with. If you want to support OGR (a worthy aim for sure), as Alan pointed out, become a subscriber/supporting member - I would highly recommend the digital subscription since it gives you access to EVERY issue back to number one!!!
One other thought… if TCA is looking to attract younger members through the internet, it makes no sense to me to cut off OGR and CTT who already have established internet presences. One of the biggest rips I have seen about TCA is that their Quarterly magazine give little coverage to modern era trains. I am not suggesting that they abandon pre/post war trains - they are important segments of the hobby - but maybe placing regular articles in OGR and CTT showing what TCA brings to the table might be a better approach.
Im well under 30 years old. I see no reason to join the TCA. I go to Springfield instead of York. Younger folks for the most part are interested in legacy and DCS locomotives. The postwar era trains are of much less interest to me personally and to many younger collectors. The most popular youtube channels today show big modern steam and diesel locomotives. The OGR forum includes all kinds of information about modern O-Scale which is why I read it daily. TCA seems to be more of a niche collectors group for post-war era trains. Not sure if they will have the ability to meet the needs of the younger generation with an aging membership.
