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Reply to "Did you join the TCA for the strict benefit of going to train meets (shows)"

What was the purpose of the two signature rule in the first place? Membership in the TCA has been on a steady decline now for a long time. I'm not sure removing the two signature rule has made much of an impact.

Just a thought: I felt at the time when I joined that having the two signature rule made membership in the TCA special and prestigious. Removing the two signature rule, while it had great intentions, perhaps took away some of the prestige of becoming a member.  Now its just another club like lots of other clubs.

The original purpose of the rule as I understand dates back to the early days when TCA was a small club and members truly knew who they were sponsoring.  As TCA grew to its peak of over 20,000 members, the two signature rule became anachronistic as anyone would sign anyone's application to bring in a prospective member.  One perspective is two signatures speak prestige while another perspective is they speak elitism.  I can be objective and see how both sides of that coin can be perceived. 

It is a bit ironic in my personal situation as my sponsors were my father and my uncle and I am proud to be third generation model railroader.  I also became a member at age 32 which is considered a child by today's standards. 

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