Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 1 Clem's York Primer SPRING 2021 April 2021 At the York Fairgrounds
BUT KEEP ON READING!
Clem’s York Primer© by Carol R. McGinnis, TCA #HE 95-41066
Return to TCA e*Train Website
We remain in unprecedented times. We need to care for ourselves and take care of each other. Get in touch, call, eMail, or send a Thinking Of You card.
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 2
TABLE of CONTENTS
Bruce Greenberg’s Train Study Page 12 Clem’s Primer Mission Statement Page 3 Display your Club Layout Page 6 Division Diligence Page 17 Eastern Division Presidents Message Page 4 Eastern Division Notice FAQ’s Page 7 Future York Meet Dates Page 5 National Business Office Page 2 National Toy Train Library (NTTL) Page 9 National Toy Train Museum (NTTM) Page 9 New Information Added Page 2 Notes from Byran Blair and Jamie Kensley Page 11 York, by the Numbers Page 10 Past Editions of Clem’s Primer Page 9 Places To Go and People To See Page 19 TCA Convention(s) Page 4 TCA Membership Information Page 16 York Fairgrounds Map Page 20
NEW for APRIL YORK, 2021
RED INDICATES NEW or UPDATED INFORMATION
֍ York Fairgrounds, and the state of Pennsylvania, have made the decision to close their operations. With that in mind April York has been cancelled. The Corona Virus-19 HAS ONCE AGAIN impacted being able to hold York. A decision has been made by Eastern Division that the April show is cancelled. Keep your address, email, and phone numbers current with Eastern Division and the National Business Office (www.easterntca.com/index.htm). You’ll miss important info if you don’t! October, 2021 may be a week-long show. Visit www.easterntca.com/index.htm for more information.
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The Mission Statement of Clem’s Primer:
There is a reason for all this stuff! Clem’s Primer started as a composite of the personal experiences of Clem Clement, TCA Past President, Eastern Division Past President, Past Director on the TCA Board of Directors, Past WB&A Chapter Vice President, Past WB&A Chapter Board Member, but most importantly a TCA member in good standing. Now added are personal experiences, shared information, and additions from Carol R. McGinnis, TCA Past President, WB&A Chapter Board Member, and TCA Heritage Member. Additional information is gathered from several sources.
The Primer is designed to enrich the Eastern Division York Experience, the National Toy Train Museum, the National Toy Train Library and the National Business Office activities. The Eastern Division, TCA, York Meet Notice is their official bi-annual newsletter. The Primer is not sponsored by any organization; business or company, nor does it sell, endorse or promote a particular product. If you have a question about an activity or event listed herein, please contact the listed sponsor.
Events off the York Fairgrounds/NTTM/NTTL sites are not TCA sponsored. This version of the Primer negates all previous versions. My hope is that the Primer will help you enjoy the week as much as I do. - Let me know what changes/edits/additions you would like to see, Carol -
Recruiting at York
The York Train Meet is the Train Collectors Association greatest recruitment tool. The TCA National Business Office was rather busy at the October 2019 Meet. TCA has 67 new applicants, with 19 reinstatements. Additionally, 201 members renewed their TCA dues. If you want to see the TCA membership grow - then take a guest to the York Train Meet and encourage them to join TCA to continue attending. Register Online
Online Registration opens for the October 2021 on July 15th. Come and see what York is all about. Once there, join the Train Collectors Association so you don't miss a single show. The October 2021 Meet Notices will be mailed soon and include all details plus the member, dealer and guest registration forms.
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Eastern Division President's Message
Future York Meet Dates October 21, 22, 23, 2021 April 29, 30, 2022 October 21, 22, 2022 April 21, 22, 2023 October 20, 21, 2023 Mark your calendar for these important dates.
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 5 Operating Train Layouts at the York Train Show A Big Thank You to the Train Clubs for bringing their layouts to York.
Display your Modular Train Layout at York If you know a Modular Train Club that’s interesting in attending the York Show, have them contact Mike at [email protected]
We welcomed many, many guests who registered to attend the York meets. We want to remind you to bring as many guests as you want, as there is no limit to the number of “first time” guests you may bring. You’ll find the guest form on our website (Guest Form). Remember, a guest may attend one time and then they are expected to join the TCA to continue attending the York Train Meet and enjoy visiting not just the Dealer halls, but the Member halls, as well. Many guests continue to express their interest in TCA and have now become members. April York proved to be a another successful recruiting effort for the TCA.
This came from Mike Petronella, York Meet Chairman
Mike Petronella
Sorry, but no updates at this time. I am working on social distancing the 4 member halls and the Orange Hall. As soon as I finish that project in a week or so then I will focus on October 2021 information releases.
Be well and safe. Til then.
Regards, Mike
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 6 Mike Petronella York Meet Chairman
Share this article published in the York Daily Record with friends and invite them to the York Train show.
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Click image for the link to the York Expo & the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, York, PA
Beware of Scams! If you’re not sure the email is from the Eastern Division Registration Staff, do not open or click on any link in the email. BEWARE!!! York Train Meet – October 21, 22, 23, 2021 Visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Follow us on social media. Please, remember to like us!
Get in touch!
Take a minute to view our webpages for complete information regarding the York Train Meet sponsored by the Eastern Division. Contact Information: Eastern Division TCA • PO Box 451| Bedford, PA 15522 • 1-814-928-0196 or 1-732-547-8818 • Email: the Registrar • Website Feedback: Webmaster
FAQ QUESTIONS
YOUR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about York.
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TCA Convention(s) TCA Convention: https://tcaconvention.org/
The 67th TCA National Convention in Irvine, CA, sponsored by the Western Division has been cancelled. It may be rescheduled for August, 2021.
June 19 – June 27, 2021 Western Div. 2021 Irvine, CA (On Hold)
2022 Nashville, TN Dixie Division June 25 – July 3, 2022
2023 Burlington, VT NETCA Division June 24 – July 2, 2023
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National Toy Train Museum (NTTM) and National Toy Train Library (NTTL) are OPEN
Weekends 300 Paradise Lane, Strasburg, PA 17579
The NTTM and the NTTL reopening planned for April 2. Please plan to come and enjoy the Museum’s special presentations and displays. (All open dates are subject to government guidance.)
Learn All About Toy Trains! Collecting, building and operating toy trains is a lively hobby for the 21st Century! Fun and challenging, it combines traditional skills with cutting-edge technology.
• Designed like an old-time train station, the Museum features the latest in exhibits and LED lighting. • The massive toy train collection features models from the 1800s to the present. • Seven operating, interactive train layouts in G, Standard, O, S, HO Gauges, Replica Lionel D-265 O Gauge, and Lego®. Videos on all aspects of toy trains. • National Toy Train Library of toy train publications and history. • Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Weaver, LGB, Bachmann, Marklin, Lego® and more.
PAST EDITIONS OF CLEM’S PRIMER
You can find several past issues of Clem’s Primer at e*Train. http://www.tcaetrain.org/2d-articles/tca/index.shtml
York Meet Notices are located on the Eastern Division web site: http://easterntca.com/member- notice.htm or you can link from the TCA web site or call 301-916-1507 for a copy of the meet notice.
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 10 GENERAL INFORMATION: YORK SHOW numbers (unOFFICIAL NUMBERS) Here is the history:
York Statistics – Apr `07 Total Registrations 14,325 York Statistics – Apr `08 Total Registrations 14,567 York Statistics - Apr `09 Total Registrations 14,109 York Statistics - Apr `10 Total Registrations 13,769 York Statistics - Oct `10 Total Registrations 13,648 York Statistics - Apr `11 Total Registrations 13,521 York Statistics - Oct `11 Total Registrations 13,608 York Statistics - Apr `12 Total Registrations 13,403 York Statistics - Oct `12 Total Registrations 13,713 York Statistics –Apr ’13 Total Registrations 12,703 (First time below 13 K) York Statistics - Oct ’13 Total Registrations 13,523 (Nice increase) York Statistics – Apr 14 Total Registrations 12,225 (699 at door, 80 new TCA members) York Statistics – Oct. ’14 Total 12,355 (8011 members), RV’s 157 York Statistics – Apr ’15: Total Registrations: 10,987 York Statistics – Oct’15 Total Registration: Advance 11,066 + Door 1007 = 12,073 York Statistics – Apr ’16: Total Registrations: 11,319 York Statistics – Oct. ‘16 Total Registrations: 10,924 York Statistics – Apr ‘17 Total Registrations: 10,086 (Public about 600 attendees and families.) York Statistics – Oct. ‘17 Total Registrations: 10,187 Public: about 400 attendees and families York Statistics – Apr. ‘18 Total TCA Registrations: 10,144 Public: 389 Total = 343 public, 10 joined TCA, 6 Jr members, 30 Trial members. York Statistics – Oct. ‘18 Total TCA Registrations: 10,195 Public: 418 Total = 10,613 York Statistics – Apr. ‘19 TCA Registrations = 8,447 Public = 332 Total = 8,779 York Statistics – Oct. ‘19 Total – 9,207 York Statistics – Apr. ‘20 Cancelled due to Corona-19 Virus York Statistics – Oct. ‘20 Cancelled due to Corona-19 Virus York Statistics – Apr. ‘21 Cancelled due to COVID-19 Virus
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Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 11 ECONOMIC IMPACT [EEI] OF EASTERN DIVISION MEETS ON YORK COUNTY
This came from Bryan Blair, CEO of the York Fairgrounds
Bryan Blair
Wandering Through York County - Blog by Jamie Kensley
Check out this amazing blog at https://yorkblog.com/wandering/train-meet-2018/
Jamie has spent many hours researching York County and the history of trains down through the years to include the Eastern Divison York Train Meet.
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 12 THIS UPDATE is from BRUCE GREENBERG
I expect to publish Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel O Gauge Trains, Vol. 2, 1929 - 1936 in December 2021. Prepublication proofs will be available for review at the York meet in October.
1929 - 1936 were exciting years for Lionel, and this new Guide makes them come to life. The book tells the story of Lionel’s successful move from toy trains to realistic models inspired by the actual trains that Americans traveled in. Photographs illustrate and the text describes the streamlined trains on which Lionel’s models were based.
Photographs are special ways of seeing your favorite trains and provide great detail. The photographs and descriptions include the locomotives and rolling stock introduced in the Lionel catalogues between 1929 and 1936 as well as locomotives and rolling stock in promotional outfits.
The 1934 M-10000 catalogue advertisement was unique. Lionel showed the M- 10000 Union Pacific City of Portland at $22.50. This streamlined train in bright yellow and brown livery featured a power unit with three articulated passengers cars.
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 13 The M-10000 was photographed at the 1934 Century of Progress Exposition.
Union Pacific M-10000 at the 1934 Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago with William E. Marcom, a friend of the photographer.
The M-10000 was quickly followed in 1935 by the No. 616E Yankee Flyer outfit at $15.85 based on The Boston & Maine’s streamlined Flying Yankee. Lionel also produced No. 1700E streamliner outfit with Lionel Lines plates at $7.95 based on the G.M. & N. Rebel Train and even a windup version of the G. M & N Rebel Train at $2.00.
No. 616E Flying Yankee, Outfit 267W at $15.75, 1935.
The Flying Yankee outside of the Budd Plant where it was manufactured. 2
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No. 1700E Lionel streamliner Outfit 1065E at $7.95, No. 1816 Lionel streamliner, windup version of 1935. Modeled after G. M. & N. The Rebel train. The Rebel Outfit No. 1535 at $2.00, 1935.
Two G. M & N “Rebel” trains.
In 1935, Lionel added a second scale model, The No. 250E Hiawatha. This was based on a new Milwaukee Road locomotive design for high speed passenger service. This was Lionel’s first scale model of a steam locomotive. The outfit was priced at the very high price of $32.50 which was $10.00 more than the No. 752E outfit.
What a year!
A postcard celebrating “The Hiawatha - Nothing faster on rails between Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul-Minneapolis.”
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Lionel celebrated its No. 250E Hiawatha above. It also was on the front cover of its 1935 catalogue below. Can you imagine the boy saying “Just Like Mine!”
Just Like Mine!
Lionel’s great technical accomplishments are explained. First the pendulum reverse, Lionel’s answer to Ives remote reverse, then in 1933, the modern E-unit. The E-unit was one of Lionel’s greatest achievements because of its small size and reliable performance. Lionel also introduced The Chugger sound effects in 1933. It was followed by Lionel’s second most important technical achievement, the whistle in 1935. Then, also in 1935, the stage was set for future automatic coupling and uncoupling with the box coupler. In 1938, automatic coupling / uncoupling became a much sought after feature. How automatic coupling / uncoupling works is explained so you can really understand it.
Bruce will add the book to his website in April. He will have prepublication copies for review at York in October 2021. He expects book delivery in December. He will be happy to notify people when the book is available for shipment. To be notified, please go to Brinkmannpub.com and click the form under the cover photo. The form will ask for your contact information. When the shipping date is known, you will be notified and asked for credit card information. 4
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 16 To sign up for a TCA Membership contact TCA Membership Coordinator, Mindy at 717 687-8623 or email [email protected] TCA STANDARD MEMBERSHIP A traditional regular membership is always available to anyone 18 years of age and up who collects toy trains, operates toy trains, collects any item(s) related to tinplate trains, or who professes a serious interest therein. Regular memberships are currently $50 a year. Go to http://www.tcamembers.org/membership/
TCA HERITAGE MEMBERSHIP This membership is open to all regular members who are in good standing, at least 60 years of age, who have at least 20 consecutive years in TCA, and who make a one-time payment of $1,000. Heritage Members carry all the privileges of regular membership, no annual dues are required, and the letters HE will appear before the TCA Number. Go to [email protected].
TCA TRIAL MEMBERSHIP There is a TCA MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY for new folks! Our "Trial Membership" option gives anyone, over 18, the chance to join for six months at a reduced rate (right now it costs $20.00). They can attend TCA meets, receive publications, and generally take a "test drive" of life as a TCA member. At the end of their non-renewable six-month trial period, they will have the option to join permanently. Application can be made at many major events (such as the York meet). To apply at the York meet, stop by the TCA booth either in the Silver or Orange Halls. Your trial membership application will be processed immediately and you may enter all of the halls as a member to enjoy the full "York Experience".
TCA Junior Membership This is for kids under the age of 18. Yearly dues are half the regular dues (thus $25 per year). Junior members may participate in TCA events and will receive publications. (They are not able to vote, hold office, participate in selling or purchasing at TCA events, holding tables, or listing items in the Interchange or the Buysell site.) Junior members become Regular members at age 18 and will continue to pay yearly dues of 50% of the Regular Member rate, until the year they attain their 24th birthday. Use this form, have parent/guardian sign, mail it to Membership, TCA, PO Box 248, Strasburg, PA 17579. Or email a signed PDF of the form to [email protected] or FAX to 717-687- 0742.
TCA Kids Club Membership (Ages Birth - age 12)
The TCA Kids Club is a great way to learn about toy trains and how the hobby works. Membership in the Club is free to all children up to age 13 with approval by a parent or guardian. At age 13, Kids Club members convert to TCA Teens membership. For more information about the Club, visit our special Kids Club section.
TCA Teens Club Membership (Ages 13 - 18)
The TCA Teens Club is a way to find out how trains work, pick up technical skills, and have fun with peers. Integrate with Wifi, computers, and build your own layout. Membership is free to all children ages 13 to age 18. At age 18, Teens Club members can convert to a full TCA membership, paying only half the regular member TCA dues (which currently is $25 per year) until age 24. For more information about the Club, visit our special Teens Club section.
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 17 Division Diligence
ATLANTIC Bob Lubonski
At the NTTM the committee has been working to upgrade some display cases and adjust the displays for a better experience for the visitor. We will be ready for April 2nd to open.
How are you and Chuck doing? It will be good to see everyone.
Bob Lubonski
COTTONBELT Rupert C. Campbell
Carol,
Congratulations on your efforts.
Unfortunately, the Cottonbelt has suffered very much. Our territory is so vast and our numbers continue to decline. Spring efforts have begun to rekindle the fire and stir the pot. One limiting factor has been the Hall's we have rented before, are still reluctant to open up. Thank you for the items you mentioned below. We also watch what others are doing successfully and are trying to implement them here. Thank goodness for e-mails and phone calls thus far. Good luck and maybe the magic can be rediscovered.
Regards,
Rupert
EASTERN (report from Clem Clement lem clement
Good on yas. Somebody aught to know about the open-shed meets in Allentown and Kutztown. I have not been.
(Here is the link to Kutztown: https://renningers.net/events/flash-model-train-meet-5/)
(Here is the link to Allentown: https://allentowntrainmeet.com/) First Frost Meet “may be able to happen.”
Clem
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 18 DIVISION DILIGENCE (continued)
KEYSTONE Randy Moyer
Hi Carol, As you stated, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions upon our TCA Division activities has been significant. Keystone Division has been forced to cancel five train meets since March of 2020. We are hopeful that our next scheduled train meet on June 5th can be held. Our board of directors has continued to meet during the pandemic, initially over phone conference calls and since July of last year, in person. We have stayed in touch with our membership using phone calls, emails, social media (website and Facebook), and our Keystone Newsletter. We have focused on building new train layouts (e.g. my newly constructed replica of a 1959 Lionel D-264 Dealer Display Layout), refurbishing and updating our two Keystone Division train layouts, and assisting senior TCA members who have been forced to downsize their train collections due to health issues. We have been active in on-line auctions as a replacement for our train meet cancellations. Three of our Board members, including myself, have been active with theTCA Library Committee and Museum activities such as building repairs and assisting with the inventory of new train donations to the Museum. We have responded to questions from new TCA members and widows of deceased TCA members concerning their train collections. We have advertised local non-TCA sponsored outdoor train meets on our social media sites to encourage those who have felt the impact of COVID upon our hobby.
These are some of what comes to my mind this morning. I hope it helps.
Cheers, Randy Moyer
METROPOLITAN (METCA) k q
Happy 60th anniversary to the Metropolitan Division. 60 years of trains, friendships, good times and more trains. November of 1961 to present day, thousands of TCA members belonged to the METCA Division. This division is one of the best in TCA. We have made so many friendships along the way and will continue to make more in the future. if anybody has METCA pictures they want to share, especially from the beginning please post them or send them to us. we would love to put them in our archives. do not forget we have all the newsletters posted on the website. www.metca.org. HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS.
Thanks, kev
NEW ENGLAND (NETCA) This comes from Malcolm Laughlin on TTML. Mar 8 #156633
The New England chapter has scheduled seven parking lot meets for the spring - 3/28, 4/11, 4/25, 5/16, 5/30, 6/13, 6/27.
3/28 is at the Elks lodge in Hudson MA. 4/11 is at the Twin Rivers Casino in Lincoln, RI. Others to be announced. Check our web site at NETCA.org We may have a meet under a roof at the Elks pavilion in Hudson in the late spring if Governor Baker's next set of rules permits. Given the trend, we are optimistic on that one. If we can, we'll have an operating layout featuring 100 year old trains and our restorations. We are asking all to request parking spaces in advance so we don't have an overflow. These are officially informal social gatherings at which all train collectors are welcome. As meet coordinator, I'm open to emails from all TCA members who want more info on NETCA meets.
Malcolm Laughlin
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 19 PLACES to GO and PEOPLE to SEE Scott Arber
Evening Carol,
Living here (York) and being on two different Covid committees I knew April York wasn't going to happen. So with everything fluctuating almost daily, I haven't kept up with Family Fun at York... At the same time chairing a local train related event for the last 10 years, I understand why Eastern had to start announcing when they did. I figured I'd look into what was happening around July to have something ready for October.
Off the top of my head:
York has lost a few restaurants, but I'm not sure if they were one’s TCA members frequented.
I'm not aware of any museums that have closed their doors although whether they're open or not and their changing hours depends on infection rates.
I'm a member of the Red Lion Train Station Model Railroaders that's in the old Red Lion Ma & Pa station museum. The club has been shut down for a year now due to space limitations. The museum has been open 1 day a month for most of the year with strict precautions. We've both used the time to change things and clean things up. I imagine most museums have done the same. Exhibits should have really changed when everything opens up.
All parks and trails that I'm aware of have been open but many of their buildings have been closed including bathrooms.
Company tours will of course depend on any restrictions still in place.
All of the antique shops are open on a full schedule but, many are short of vendors.
Steam into History is operating with a few restrictions and Stewartowns Railroad is weathering the storm alright and is trying their best to run excursions from time to time.
The Fair Grounds received a 2 million dollar grant and is using it to upgrade the grounds to be covid safe. Memorial Hall (silver and blue) as well as the orange hall have had their HVAC systems overhauled and UV systems added to them to kill the virus in the air. Self opening doors to the buildings plus touchless faucets and flush valves have been added. I don't know if any of that has been extended to the other buildings.
Be careful, stay safe and hopefully there can be a celebration in October.
Scott
Clem’s Primer APRIL, 2021 Return to Table of Contents P a g e | 20 Map of York Fairgrounds