Last September, I introduced myself and The Southern Division of the Train Collectors Association (TCA) National Club to Lake Nona. We held our Model Train Show at Lake Nona Middle School. Thanks to many of you, it was a huge success as evidenced by the included photos. We introduced model trains to all age groups and were able to make a small donation to the Central Florida Children’s Home as a token for all the help they provided us. This year, the home will again have a presence at the show.
This year’s show will be held on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Nona Middle School again. As with all our shows, all children 12 years and under are admitted free. All adults and kids over 12 are charged $5 each, and there is plenty of free parking. All children will receive a welcome gift, raffle tickets for drawings throughout the day, and the chance to participate in our Train Scavenger Hunt. There will also be a KIDS PLAY AREA again.
The show offers a chance to learn and participate in a variety of activities. There will be more than 100 vendor tables to purchase trains and train-related items. This year’s activities will include Operating Model Train Layouts of various gauges (G, O, S, HO, N, and Lego). These layouts are provided by both clubs and private individuals who love to show off their hobby.
We will be conducting a variety of classroom-style workshops throughout the day. The topics of these workshops include:
- An Introduction to Model Railroading
- Scenic Techniques and Scenery Building
- Model Railroading of the 21st Century (Digital Electronics and Smartphone Model Railroading)
A new addition this year will be “Tales of the Disney Railroad,” presented by Bob Schall, who will share his knowledge and experiences as an engineer on the Magic Kingdom Railroad Line.
Each workshop session will have limited space, so remember to sign up at the welcome table.
The sales and trading tables will be staffed by TCA/Southern Division Club members from all parts of Florida and the U.S. Their tables will be filled with collectible vintage trains of all sorts as well as new items. There will be both rare and common starter-level items. We will also have a number of vendors with parts to keep your treasured classic trains running.
Our club members can be helpful if you are interested in getting an appraisal of trains you own or if you care to sell them. Bring your items or a list to share.
We also expect to see vendors who also collect and sell Porcelain Village Collectibles, such as Department 56 and LeMax items. Our club is hosting the TCA Annual Worldwide Convention in Jacksonville in June 2020, and, for the first time ever, this convention will be jointly held with Department 56 Village Collectors. The convention will be open to the public at various times during the week. For more information, check our info table at the welcome desk. By the way, membership to The TCA and the Southern Division is open to everyone with an interest in model railroading, so please ask if you are interested in joining.
Food and refreshments will be provided by both the Central Florida Children’s Home and Lake Nona Middle School as a fundraiser. Just as last year, we expect a great turnout so we can continue hosting the show in Lake Nona. Come early and enjoy all the fun all day.
WHERE: LAKE NONA MIDDLE SCHOOL
WHEN: Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: 12 and under – FREE
13 and up – $5 each
For more information, contact Mike Mills (local host) at 612-382-0325 or email flyermike1949@gmail.com.
