How to Call the National Business Office
Dial 717 687-8623, and ask for the desired person. Staff are pleased to assist members. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Please have your TCA member number ready.

How to Contact an Officer
When calling a National Officer, Committee Member, Division or Chapter Secretary, please remember that these people are volunteers and that you are calling them at home. Contact information for these people can be found in the Directory of Information provided to members.

How to update my address and other information?
Please notify the TCA of any change in your address, phone number, area code or e-mail address. You can fill out a Membership Update form on this website, call the National Business Office at 717 687-8623, or write to us at PO Box 248, Strasburg, PA 17579 or via FAX at 717 687-0742.

How to get an application form to join TCA?
Applications for membership are available here. Or call the National Business Office at 717 687-8623 to have one mailed to you. Chapter and Division Secretaries also have applications available, so you may also contact your local representative.

Why I am not receiving my TCA mailings?
If you know that your membership is current but you are not receiving your National Headquarters News or Train Collectors Quarterly, be sure that we have your correct address on file by contacting the National Business Office. If you are receiving all TCA mailings except the Quarterly, you may have inadvertently checked "Limited Household Mailing" on your renewal notice. Contact the Publications Editor at 717 687-8623 or at hqeditor@traincollectors.org.

I did not get my membership card or renewal notice. What should I do?
Membership and Family Member cards are mailed 1-2 weeks after dues payments are processed. They are mailed separately and may not arrive together. Your membership expiration date depends on what time of year your application was originally processed. If you know that your membership is up for renewal soon and you haven't received a notice, feel free to send your payment to: TCA Dept. D, PO Box 248, Strasburg, PA 17579. On the MEMO LINE of your check write Renew and your TCA number.  Annual dues are currently $32; optional Family Membership dues are $1 per spouse or minor child; optional first class mailing of the National Headquarters News is $15 per year. Contact the Membership Services Coordinator at 717 687-8623 or membership@traincollectors.org.

When are the York Meet dates?
Volunteers from the Eastern Division handle the famous York Meet. Any questions regarding registration or rules should be directed to the contacts listed in their meet notice. You may consult this page for the latest information available to the National Business Office.

Are back issues of the Train Collectors Quarterly available?
You can request back issues of the Quarterly by contacting the Librarian at ref-library@traincollectors.org or 717 687-8976. There may be a charge to cover mailing costs.

How much are my trains worth?
Neither the staff at the National Toy Train Museum, Toy Train Reference Library, nor the National Business Office can give specific values for trains and accessories, but may direct you to the appropriate price guides and how to obtain a copy.

How do I get help with a transaction dispute with another member?
Sometimes transactions do not end as expected and it can be helpful to have third-party mediation. If communication has broken down and you are not satisfied, you can report this transaction to the Membership Committee Chairperson and request help. Be sure to get all the details organized and make contact promptly. More information can be found in the Bylaws and Board Policy Book.

How do I sign someone up for the TCA Kids Club?
The TCA has a special membership for children under 18 years of age. A TCA member can sponsor any child for Kids Club membership by submitting a simple form. Kids Club members receive a certificate, membership card, newsletter and an easy transition into full TCA membership. You can find a form in the National Headquarters News or submit your information by web form.

When can I visit the National Toy Train Museum?
Active TCA members and their immediate family are always welcome to visit the public areas of the museum during normal hours of operation. Admission is free with a current membership card. See our hours here.

Who can help answer a question about toy trains' style, production, use or repair?
The Toy Train Reference Library is an excellent resource for even obscure toy train-related research. The Reference Librarian and Committee Members are on hand to assist. To ask a question or to confirm hours before visiting, please call 717 687-8976 or e-mail to ref-library@traincollectors.org.

Where can I get Identags for marking reproduction parts?
The Association requires that all reproduction parts that are major components and large enough to mark without damaging the piece be marked as a reproduction with either the manufacturer's logo or "R" visible on a cursory examination. To sell these reproduction trains and train parts at TCA meets or by ad in TCA publications, a Standards Committee Inspection Report must be completed by a Standards Committee member. Contact the appropriate Standards Committee member to complete this report. Contact the National Business Office at 717 687-8623 or at tcaoffice@traincollectors.org to have Identags mailed to you at no charge.

How do I report meet dates for my division or chapter?
If you are an officer or meet chairperson of a division or chapter, you can report meet dates, times and locations for publication in the National Headquarters News and on the TCA website, www.traincollectors.org, by submitting a form. To receive this form, please contact the Publications Editor at 717 687-8623 or at hqeditor@traincollectors.org.

How do I purchase advertising in TCA publications?
While only TCA members can advertise trains or train relayed items, non-train businesses can advertise in TCA publications as well.  Information on advertising rates, requirements and deadlines is printed in the newsletter. Contact the Publications Editor at 717 687-8623 or at hqeditor@traincollectors.org with other questions and to place an ad.

How do I make a donation to the TCA?
The TCA is a non-profit organization and thrives on contributions. When donating funds, you can specify the Library, Museum or Museum Memorial Fund as specific recipients. The Museum and Library also welcome donations of property, such as trains and magazines. Please contact our Director of Development, Jane Boyce, at the the National Business Office at 717 687-8623 or at  development@traincollectors.org to make arrangements. Members may simply send a donation along with their dues payment.

How can I submit something for publication in the Train Collectors Quarterly or e-Train?
Historical articles and letters to the Quarterly editor may be submitted to Mark Boyd, P.O. Box 21043, Castro Valley, CA 94546, or via e-mail, tcquarterly-editor@traincollectors.org.  Articles for the e-Train may be submitted to Bob Mintz, PO Box 616, Manorville, NY 11949-0616, or via e-mail, rimbob@banet.net.

I am a member manufacturer. How can I mail an offering to the membership?
Mailing labels for interested TCA members are available at a nominal charge. Contact the Membership Services Coordinator at 717 687-8623 or at membership@traincollectors.org for pricing and ordering. When renewing dues, members have the option of being included in these mailings or not.

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