Train Collectors Association
Encyclopedia
The Train Collectors Association or TCA is a non-profit organization
for individuals interested in collecting and/or operating tinplate toy trains. Members predominantly collect O-gauge and S-gauge Lionel and American Flyer brand trains. The TCA was founded in Yardley, Pennsylvania
in 1954 and incorporated in 1957. The organization is now headquartered in Strasburg, Pennsylvania
, near the historic Strasburg Rail Road
and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
. The TCA headquarters also includes the National Toy Train Museum.
The TCA describes its purposes as: (1) furthering the hobby of collecting tinplate trains by publishing information for collectors, (2) establishing standards on descriptions and valuations, and (3) providing for the interchange of ideas and information between collectors.
The TCA now boasts worldwide membership of 30,000 individuals.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
for individuals interested in collecting and/or operating tinplate toy trains. Members predominantly collect O-gauge and S-gauge Lionel and American Flyer brand trains. The TCA was founded in Yardley, Pennsylvania
Yardley, Pennsylvania
Yardley is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The small community of Yardley is bordered by the Delaware River and Ewing, New Jersey on the east, and by Lower Makefield Township on the north, west, and south...
in 1954 and incorporated in 1957. The organization is now headquartered in Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Strasburg is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. It developed as a linear village along the Great Conestoga Road, stretching about two miles along path later known as the Strasburg Road...
, near the historic Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road
The Strasburg Rail Road is a heritage railroad located near Strasburg, Pennsylvania. It operates excursion trains hauled by steam locomotives in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.Across the street lies the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania...
and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a railroad museum in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.The museum is located on the east side of Strasburg along Pennsylvania Route 741...
. The TCA headquarters also includes the National Toy Train Museum.
The TCA describes its purposes as: (1) furthering the hobby of collecting tinplate trains by publishing information for collectors, (2) establishing standards on descriptions and valuations, and (3) providing for the interchange of ideas and information between collectors.
The TCA now boasts worldwide membership of 30,000 individuals.