York - Join TCA There ?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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I have heard good things about the upcoming York TCA Show and am considering attending - I live about 2 hours away in southeast PA. However, I am a real beginner (I am still trying to clear a small spot in the basement to run my Lionel set from the 1950s – hope it still works) and don’t know anyone who is interested in any level of the model train hobby, much less a TCA member, so I would not be able to get two member signatures as is apparently required to join and attend the show. If I show up at York on the first day (Thursday) for registration, can I assume there will be at least two members staffing the registration table who will take pity on me (I’ll practice my sad face [sigh] ), sign off on my membership and sign me up on the spot? Thanks,

Jeff

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You can also go the first time as a guest of a TCA member unless there has been a rule change.

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Which you will NOT get away with this fall. I will be there at the door to report you. [}:)]

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I would suggest you put on your glasses and read the fine print in my signiture.

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You can join at the door, but you may have a wait in line (some TCA members buying a badge). I got my signatures at N.Smith Trains in Broomall, but it’s a bit late at this point to get a membership prior to York.

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I’ll be there Friday morning early and if you need a signature I’ll sign for you.

laz57

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If you show up, I’m shure you can find a sponsor who will treat you as a “Guest”. This show is run by the Eastern Division of TCA and any member of national TCA may attend and participate.

Be shure to go to www.easterntca.org and for Fairgrounds map www.easterntca.org/map1.pdf

Admittance fee to the 3 day show is $20. You wear a Name Badge and must show it to enter each hall. You must be a member or a guest of a member to attend. You can come to only one meet as a guest, if you want to return to another, you must become a member.

If you choose to join, there is a membership contest going on, you should be handed an application if you attend. In joining, you would fill out a full page Application Form, have it signed by 2 Members, pay a $25 Application Fee, and $35 first year dues. (a check made out to TCA for $60) This is in addition to any show entrance fee. You would be considered a Probation Member for the first year and can (should) attend both your Local and York Shows during that time. You can download an Application from the EasternTCA web site (above) and possibly get signatures from your local hobby Shop.

Anyone who has not been to TCA York have no idear the size. The entire show is restricted to Train and Train Related items. Over 14,000 Members, Family, and Guests attend, 1,200 tables and 250 Dealer Booths spread over 8 Halls at the York Fairgrounds. (the show is open a total of 18 hours, that’s 1,080 minutes to see 1,200 tables – you can’t see it all in just 3 days)

Enjoy,

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It was giving you warning, I will be there this fall instead of spring. [:-^]

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The requirement that anyone must have two other TCA members vouch for a prospective member can make things difficult for some of us. Yes, I do understand why the TCA requires it, so don’t bother trying to convince me that it’s a Good Thing. I already know that.

But in my case, I don’t even know any train collectors, let alone TCA members, in my area. It just isn’t a very popular hobby around here. Even scale modeling is near-nonexistent.

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It’s nice to walk around and not worry about items on your table. Everybody is a Member, including the people on the adjacent tables.

What’s your nearest city?

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Thanks to all for your comments and I appreciate the responses. Sounds like in April may be off the table for me – maybe in the fall. (As arkady pointed out, the requirement for two sponsors is understandable, but a little hard on those of us who are on our own and/or new to the hobby.)

laz 57 – Thanks for the offer to meet and give me a signature, but I would not want to hold anybody up in case I am delayed, etc – but I do very much appreciate the offer.

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JEFF,

If you need a signature just let me know. I will be there all day long with my wife and it no problem at all. Let me know.

laz57

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I’m a bit confused why are you reporting someone is this because of registering at the table to become a tca member/or a member getting a fellow in as a guest. thanks in advance for clarity on this, confused!

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laz57 - Thanks again for your willingness to interrupt your York day to get me a signature. I’ll let you know if things change, but right now I don’t think I’ll need to bother you.

Have a great time at the show !

Joe - Good information. I was planning to stop down to JustTrains this week to look around, so I will probably just take the form when I go. I also see a procedure on the TCA web site that might be helpful.

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

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I am so happy to hear you will be at York this fall so you can buy everyone their steak dinner they deserve for putting up with a blind Rascal Rebel politician from Roseyville. Also, make sure you work out hard at the gym so you can carry my purchases from the Orange Hall to my tractor trailer.