NEWS NOTE – for posting at OGR Forum
The upcoming convention of the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) area will include a major Train Show within the Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel on the grounds of the airport located midway between Ft. Worth and Dallas, TX.
“Hobbyists are invited to enjoy one of the major attractions of this annual event -- the Train Show,” said Al Kolis, President & CEO of LCCA. The show will be held on Saturday, July 30, from 9 to 3.
Train Show
Convention-goers and the train-loving public in the area will be welcome in the Trading Hall. The large room will contain about 150 tables filled with model trains, parts, and hobby accessories for sale, including hard-to-find items. Many hobbyists bring their “Wish List” to the Trading Hall with the hope of finding an item they’ve been searching for, perhaps for years. Kids under age 18 will be admitted to the train show free if accompanied by an adult paying $5 admission.
Train Layout
Anticipating a large public turnout, LCCA will also direct visitors toward large Lionel-sponsored operating train layout in the atrium of the host hotel. This fully scenicked layout is as big as a four-stall garage and will include several levels of trains in action. With mountains, bridges, tunnels, an elevated line, and a subway, this “Gee Whiz!” layout was custom built for Lionel by T W Design of Dallas, Texas. Attendants will show children how to blow the whistles or horns of the trains in action.
A Tribute to Texas
LCCA designs and Lionel produces a limited-edition Convention Car as a memento of the event for club members. It’s traditionally based on the railroad legacy of the host city of the event. This year, the car is a MKT-Frisco Texas Special refrigerated express milk car painted in the striking red and white décor of that railroad. Other Lionel and Texas-related railroad commemorative products will be available for purchase by members and the public at the LCCA Store temporarily set up within the host hotel.
Toy Train Heaven
During convention week, LCCAers will meet old friends and probably make some new ones during the activities. One senior club member said, “This will be like going to toy train heaven without having to die to get there.”
----- # # # -----
LCCA Standard Descriptor
The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) was founded in the Midwest in 1970 by a group of hobbyists to promote awareness and enjoyment of Lionel toy trains. Today, the LCCA is a not-for-profit, international hobby-based organization with about 7,500 members who are toy train collectors and operators. Members favor Lionel trains, and the club collaborates with Lionel LLC to produce limited-edition collectible cars, train sets, and unique products exclusively for members.
Original Post
