Winter 2026 TCA e*Train

e*Train Issue: Jan 2026   |   Posted in: Past e*Train Issues

Out on the Circuit

Winter is when this hobby goes mobile. While the calendar may say “off-season” to some, anyone involved in toy trains knows better—this is show season, and it’s where much of the real outreach happens.

Over the next several months, I’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, representing divisions of the Train Collectors Association at shows throughout the region and beyond. These events are where the public encounters TCA face-to-face, often for the first time. That makes them an essential part of how we grow, stay relevant, and keep the hobby moving forward.

Showing Up Matters

Train shows aren’t just marketplaces—they’re classrooms, meeting grounds, and entry points. A few minutes at a table or a conversation in an aisle can turn casual interest into long-term involvement. That’s why presence matters so much during show season.

Whether I’m helping staff a table, working with show organizers, or simply talking trains with attendees, the goal is always the same: make TCA visible, approachable, and welcoming.

One Message, One Association

My work continues at the national level, particularly in communications and digital outreach. Working alongside Art Ricciardi and the national social media team, we’re focused on ensuring that what people see online aligns with their in-person experiences. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds membership.

From large meets to smaller regional shows, the message should be clear: TCA is active, engaged, and open to collectors at every stage.

Connecting Local Efforts to National Impact

Local and regional activity fuels national success. My involvement at the chapter level—as the newly elected Vice President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the Eastern Division—keeps me closely connected to what members and prospective members are actually asking for on the ground. That perspective helps inform broader initiatives and ensures they remain practical rather than theoretical.

When chapters, divisions, and national efforts align, the result is an Association that feels cohesive rather than fragmented.

Full Steam Through Show Season

As show season continues, you’ll see more of me out in the field—at shows, online, and in conversations across the hobby. This is an active time, a visible time, and an important time for outreach.

If you see me at a show this winter, please stop and say hello. Whether you’re a longtime member, a returning collector, or brand new to trains, I’m always glad to talk shop.

_{^{EDITOR’S NOTE:}} Supporting train shows—large and small—is one of the best ways to support the hobby itself. I encourage you to attend when you can, engage with the organizations represented, and take a few extra minutes to talk with the people behind the tables.

As always, your ideas and feedback help guide e*Train. If you’d like to contribute or share a story, feel free to reach out at [email protected].

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Before checking out the Winter e*Train (below), please see the following important note regarding one of our other TCA publications:

e*Train Articles

That’s all for now, folks!

Thank you for riding with us on this Winter 2026 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.

We’re glad to have you along as we continue building for the future.

Until next time—enjoy the shows, travel safely, and keep the trains running! Thanks for riding with us, and All Aboard!

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Ever Upward,

Michael S. Oher, TCA #18-73531

Editor, TCA e*Train