Spring 2025 TCA e*Train
Spring is in the air, and so is the unmistakable buzz of anticipation—it’s almost time for York! As we shake off the last chills of winter and step into a season of renewal, there’s no better moment to tap into the energy and excitement that defines the TCA community. Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to dive deep into the hobby—not just as a collector, but as an active part of the TCA community.
Since the start of the year, I’ve attended a wide range of train shows and events across the region: The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show at the Big E at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA, Trainstock 16 at NJ Hi-Railers in Patterson, NJ, the Allentown Train Meet Associates Spring Thaw Train Meet in Allentown, PA, the Encore Train Show at NJ Hi-Railers in Patterson, NJ, the Kingston NY Model Train and Railroad Hobby Show in Kingston, NY, Greenberg’s Great Toy & Train Show in Edison, NJ, and the NYSME/METCA Spring Swap Meet in East Rutherford, NJ, to name just a few. I’ve been proud to volunteer at many of them, lending a hand wherever needed, getting to know my fellow hobbyists, and soaking in the creativity and passion that make these gatherings so special.
What stood out most in all these experiences was the people. Whether chatting with TCA members, helping out behind the tables, or simply admiring someone’s layout, I’ve had the chance to build real connections—both with longtime collectors and those just discovering the magic of toy trains.
I’ve also been fortunate to start getting involved on a broader scale—volunteering with both TCA National and METCA at the divisional level. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to the hobby beyond just my own collection and layout, and I’m excited to keep learning, collaborating, and finding new ways to serve the community.
And now… as mentioned, it’s almost time for York! Taking place April 21–26, 2025, the Eastern Division TCA York Train Meet is one of the highlights of the year—a chance for all of us to come together, celebrate the hobby, and keep the spirit of TCA alive and well.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Make sure to check out Clem’s York Primer for Spring 2025 before the York Meet. You don’t want to miss all that this comprehensive guide has to offer to members. Whether it’s your first time visiting York, or your latest of many bi-annual trips to the meet, Clem’s Primer has something for you!
As always, if you have ideas, questions, or suggestions about how we can enhance e*Train, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me at [email protected], and let’s keep our shared love of trains rolling into an exciting year ahead!
Before checking out the Spring e*Train (below), please see the following important note regarding one of our other TCA publications:
e*Train Articles
Clem’s Primer Spring 2025 Apr 2025
Galloping Goose Apr 2025
BUDD—RDC’S Apr 2025
The End Of The Hamburg Train Show Apr 2025
Let’s Do It Again! Apr 2025
That’s all for now, folks!
Thank you for looking at the Spring 2025 edition of TCA e*Train!
We hope you enjoyed the ride and found plenty of valuable information on the rails with us. We’ll return with more great content soon, so stay tuned and join us next time.
Until then, thanks for riding with us and All Aboard!
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Ever Upward,
Michael S. Oher TCA #18-73531
Editor, TCA e*Train
