The Train Collectors Association or TCA is a non-profit organization for individuals interested in collecting and/or operating tinplate toy trains. Members predominantly collect O-gauge and S-gauge Lionel and American Flyer brand trains. The TCA was founded in Yardley, Pennsylvania in 1954 and incorporated in 1957.[1] The organization is now headquartered in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, near the historic Strasburg Rail Road and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.[2] The TCA headquarters also includes the National Toy Train Museum.
The TCA describes its purposes as: (1) furthering the hobby of collecting tinplate trains by publishing information for collectors, (2) establishing standards on descriptions and valuations, and (3) providing for the interchange of ideas and information between collectors.[3]
The TCA now boasts worldwide membership of 30,000 individuals.