Seminars & Special Interest Sessions

🕐 Tuesday – 1:00 PM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
This session gathers the elected leadership of the Eastern Division to discuss ongoing operations, policies, and planning for the York Meet and other member services. Topics often include meet logistics, division finances, upcoming initiatives, and feedback from members. While primarily an internal working meeting, interested members may be able to observe, depending on space and agenda. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership that keeps York running smoothly.

🕗 Tuesday – 5:30 PM, Orange Hall Promenade
Start your York Week in style at this festive kickoff event featuring dinner, a complimentary glass of wine or beer, and a cash bar. Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere as you connect with fellow TCA members from across the country before the halls open.
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per person – advance reservation required.
🔗 Learn more and reserve here.

🕘 Thursday – 9:10 AM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
This meeting is for collectors interested in the technical standards that define toy train grading, authenticity, and reproduction policy. Led by the national Standards Committee, topics include updates to grading definitions, policy refinements, and community input on standards-related issues. Whether you’re a collector, seller, or restoration enthusiast, this session offers valuable insight into the guidelines that keep the hobby consistent and credible.

🕑 Thursday – 2:00 PM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
Focused on the future of the hobby, this meeting brings together members working to engage youth and families through the TCA Kids Club. Attendees will discuss outreach ideas, successful past activities, and strategies for making the train collecting hobby accessible and exciting to the next generation. All members interested in educational efforts and youth programming are encouraged to attend.

🕖 Thursday – 7:00 PM, Verandah Room (Doors Open at 6:30 PM)
Marx fans gather here to celebrate one of the most accessible and beloved brands in toy train history. Bring a favorite Marx train, toy, or accessory to share and discuss with fellow collectors. The atmosphere is casual and fun, with plenty of discussion about restoration, collecting, and the lasting appeal of Marx trains. Hosted by Ron LaClaire (📞 708-204-6277 | 📧 rhleclaire@sbglobal.net), the event often features rare and oddball items you won’t see anywhere else.

🕖 Thursday – 7:00–9:00 PM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
The Flyer Nut Meeting is a must-see event for anyone passionate about Gilbert American Flyer S gauge trains. A Barry King tradition, the meeting was originally held at the Reliance Fire Hall under the coordination of the late Barry King, whose passion and dedication brought together Flyer collectors from across the country. Today, the tradition continues in his honor, now coordinated by Bob Zimmerman (📧 rzimmerman@cyberia.com). The meeting draws many noted American Flyer experts and enthusiasts for an informal evening of sharing stories, displaying rare items, and celebrating the legacy of A.C. Gilbert. Past highlights have included factory cutaways, production prototypes, original blueprints and schematics, and a special presentation from the personal collection of the cousin of A.C. Gilbert Company’s Chief of Production, Maury Roamer. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering S gauge, this gathering is not to be missed.

🕢 Friday – 7:30 AM, Black Hall
Start your Friday off with the SGMA, a community of collectors passionate about Standard Gauge trains and modular layout design. This gathering offers a chance to display rare pieces, exchange ideas, and meet others who enjoy the big and bold world of Standard Gauge. Whether you’re looking to join the group or just want to see some amazing trains, this event is open to all.

🕚 Friday – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
Join fellow fans of Plasticville buildings and accessories for this friendly and informative session. Attendees are encouraged to bring a prized piece or a new find for show-and-tell. Discussions include production variations, rare colors, restoration techniques, and collecting strategies. Led by John Niehaus (📞 515-771-6888 after 5 PM CT | 📧 johnln@netins.net), this is a fun and welcoming gathering that celebrates these iconic plastic structures.

🕧 Friday – 12:15–1:30 PM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
This meeting is dedicated to the collectors of Ives trains, one of the most storied and historically significant brands in American toy train history. The society shares updates, research findings, and sometimes hosts informal presentations about rare pieces and restoration work. It’s a great setting to meet other collectors and dive deep into Ives’ history. Contact 📧 dorfan@comcast.net for details.

🕜 Friday – 1:30–4:00 PM, Orange Hall Meeting Room
Ever wonder what it takes to host a TCA National Convention? This session explains the policies, logistics, and requirements that go into planning and executing one of the association’s premier events. Members involved in planning, or anyone interested in potentially hosting in the future, are encouraged to attend. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn how the organization’s largest gatherings are built from the ground up.

🕗 Friday – 6:00 PM, Orange Hall Promenade
Cool down after a great day of train hunting with a free scoop at the Ice Cream Social! Featuring a toppings bar and sugar-free options, this Friday evening tradition is a great time to relax and mingle with fellow collectors.

🍦 All TCA members welcome – just bring your badge!

🕗 Saturday – 7:30 AM, Orange Hall Promenade
Start your Saturday at York with a warm cup of coffee and a fresh Maple Donut—compliments of the Eastern Division. This beloved morning meetup is the perfect send-off to an unforgettable week.

🍩 Supplies are limited—come early!

🕗 Saturday – 8:00 AM, Orange Hall Promenade
All TCA members are invited to this open forum where Eastern Division leadership shares updates, answers questions, and presents plans for future meets. It’s a great opportunity to stay informed, meet fellow members, and voice ideas or concerns. Topics may include show improvements, division finances, and volunteer engagement. Feedback is welcome and encouraged at this session.

After more than 30 years of continuous meetings, the Toy Train Paper & Memorabilia Group has entered an indefinite hiatus following the October 2024 York Meet. This long-standing group has been a beloved hub for collectors and enthusiasts of catalogs, manuals, advertisements, and other paper-related artifacts from the toy train hobby. Any future updates about the group will be posted here and on their website: jlmtrains.com/ttpm.