Collecting toy trains is a fun hobby for kids and dads alike. In fact, many work on this hobby together. Find out how you can start in this fascinating hobby today.
Collecting toy trains is a fun and fascinating hobby. It is something that sons and dads have taken an interest in together over many years. Whether you collect electric trains, floor models, or scale models of real trains, there’s a lot to be learned and experienced through this valuable hobby.
Here are some great ideas to help get you started in collecting toy trains.
The Train Collector’s Association offers a wide variety of opportunities for beginning collectors to learn about toy train collecting, meet people who share their interests, and even to buy, sell, or display items for their collection.
With over half a million members, the Train Collector’s Association (or TCA) is a very extensive group of toy train collectors with members from all over the U.S. and Canada. Joining this group can help give you access to a wealth of information about the hobby. You will also be able to gain the support from experienced collectors who can help you get off to a really good start.
Shop and Swap with TCA
The Train Collector’s Association also holds regular shows and meets. This is where collectors come together to display their toy trains, buy and sell train related items, and sometimes even to just talk and learn more about their hobby. Visiting one of these shows can be a great way to meet people who are involved in collecting toy trains as well as to see the collections of members who have been involved in the hobby for a long time. If you have the opportunity to attend a show or meet, this can be a great way to kick of your new hobby. To see an updated list of meets across the U.S. and Canada visit the TCA News and Events section.
Kids Club at TCA
The TCA Kids Club is a great way to get kids into the exciting hobby of train collecting. There is an educational and interactive web-site that helps kids learn about this hobby, help with building and arranging your train lay-out, advice on participating in train races, information about special events, and lots more. The TCA Kids Club is free to join, and all kids, up to age 18 are welcome to join. Find out more about the TCA Kids Club.
National Toy Train Museum
If possible, arrange a trip to the National Toy Train Museum located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. An amazing variety of displays, with period accessories and extensive scenery, make this museum a place that all train collector’s should visit at least once. Featuring trains manufactured from the mid 1800’s all the way up to the present, in hands-on, interactive displays, the museum houses one of largest toy train collections in the world.
E-Train Magazine
E-Train Magazine is the on-line magazine of the Train Collectors Association. The sites features articles on everything from the history of trains, and railroad companies, to information about rare and exceptional toy trains, and even features a toy train classroom curriculum for teachers. Visit E-train Magazine.
