quote:The issue is whether opening-up the event to the general public might increase interest in trains and help augment membership in the TCA.
I have two answers:
1 - I don't think so. There are plenty of open shows for the general public, and there is little at the York train show to entire someone who isn't already interested in toy and model trains.
2 - not every TCA function has to be used for recruitment. the TCA is allowed to conduct events that are for the members.
quote:Train Collectors Association Mission Statement:
"To develop an appreciation of and to preserve an important segment of history - Tinplate Toy Trains - through research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards, and to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains."
As to the first point made by Burfle that in his opinion opening up the event to the general public would not increase interest in trains or augment membership in the TCA, I can respect that opinion even though I really can't dispute it at this juncture since it has not even been tried.
As to the second point that not every TCA function is a recruitment tool, I can certainly agree with that proposition. But can the York event be so? The Mission Statement quoted by Burfle says it all when it says that the TCA serves "...to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains." Nowhere does it say that it only applies among its members--that is the important point here!
