About TCA
The Train Collectors Association (TCA) was founded in Yardley, Pennsylvania, in 1954. The first meeting was held in the barn of noted rail historian Ed Alexander. In the same year, collectors on the West Coast met and organized the Western Division. The result of these two meetings was the formation of the Train Collectors Association.
In 1957, the Train Collectors Association was incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. An authorized 501 (c)(3) entity, TCA may accept tax-deductible contributions.
The National Headquarters and Museum Building in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, was built in 1977 and houses the national business office and the National Toy Train Museum. The Museum has one of the finest collections of toy trains on display, along with major operating layouts in Standard, 0, G, S, and HO gauges. Members are admitted to the Museum free of charge and are encouraged to lend their special trains to the Museum for display. The building has been expanded twice since, and is debt-free.
Membership in the Association, from humble beginnings of sixty-eight who met in a barn in Pennsylvania, has grown into a worldwide organization with thousands of members, including dozens of local divisions and chapters.
TCA Mission Statement: To develop an appreciation of and to preserve an important segment of history—Tinplate Toy Trains—through research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards, and to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model, and scale trains.
