Summer 2016 Edition

Over the Years, More than Just a Train Thing!
Have you ever wondered what makes TCA?
What makes folks from all across the country, nay from all around the world, focus their attention on toy trains? This is a question that has been discussed, argued, contemplated, blogged, and chatted about for over 60 years.
Many people have been touched by this collecting bug, although as the late Nancy Swan would say “I am an accumulator, not a collector!” Whether it is collecting, operating, or accumulating, TCA brings us together to in camaraderie and friendship.
This edition is chock full of articles to stimulate the brain, to get you thinking, and to inform. Find what floats your boat and share it with your friends.
If you have an idea for an article, we'd like to hear from you. We're already thinking about the next edition, and you can be part of it!
Carol R. McGinnis e*Train Editor
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Lou ("Mr. TCA") Redman's100th birthday would have been June 1, 2016. Note his central presence above in this sketch by the renowned Ward Kimball. Click for larger view.
New in this Edition:
The Times and Travels of Toy Trains
A timeline of family, toy train manufacturers and other histories upon the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lou Redman, "Mr. TCA."
By Carol Redman McGinnis
Early Toy Trains: a Book Review
By Jan Athey, TCA Librarian
Homemade Trains and Me
By Clem Clement
How to Use the National Toy Train Library
An overview of the services provided to members, with a new video from our librarian.
By Jan Athey, TCA Librarian
A Lionel Letter of Mystery?
By Ken Vandevoort
Ludwig Baumann, Fact or Fiction?
By Barry A. Potavin
Packardtown USA
By Carolyn Burke and Jim Yocum
Rules for Making Home-Did Trains, Circa 1933-1945
By Clem Clement
Still running after 77 years
A Marx Survivor.
By Eric J. Matzke
Variety is the Spice of Collecting! Schuco and Their Classic Toy Train: Physical Differences
By Doug Burwell
Updated: (new information or picture Updates)
Mintz's Mint in the Box Mint Cars
Desert Division Mint Car
and
New Trotta Cars
By Bob Mintz