April 2024 
TCA Fort Pitt Division Newsletter
Official Newsletter of the Fort Pitt Division, David Matthews, editor
President's Report
Spring has sprung, the ground hog was correct and it’s time for our Annual Fort Pitt Division Membership Meeting. First and foremost, a big thank you goes out to all of the members of our Division. Why is that you ask? Our meets continue to grow in two ways. First, we have an increase in the number of vendors participating in our shows along with in an increase in tables sold. Secondly, the overall attendance is up, both members and public.
I am also happy to report that our Division is in excellent financial shape. The Redman-Fraley fund has continued to grow, and our operating account has a healthy reserve in the event of a “rainy day.” A good percentage of our members have already paid their 2024 Division dues. Thank You! That makes my job and our treasurer’s job less stressful when it’s time to prepare the annual budget. If you haven’t yet paid your dues, there is still time. Please contact Division Secretary, Joe Kraynik.
Member benefits
This year’s summer outing is one that you do not want to miss!!! Mark your calendar. We are scheduled for a tour of the Age of Steam Roundhouse.
Fort Pitt Division members that are current in their dues will be treated to a Lenzner Coach ride to the facility on Saturday, July 27th. ( See page 12 and 13 for details). The summer outing provides two examples of those all-important Member Benefits and what comes with being a dues paying member of the Fort Pitt Division.
#1, thanks to the Redman-Fraley fund, we will be paying for the cost of the transportation. # 2, this is a great opportunity to spend the day with friends that you have made as a direct result of being a member of the TCA, or maybe an opportunity to make a new friend with similar interests. I’m a firm believer that the TCA’s greatest member benefit is our members. I have met so many great folks as a result my membership. If we haven’t met, please stop by my table today or maybe I’ll see you on July 27th.
Fundraiser
We still have a few Beer cars remaining as part of our 2023/2024 fundraising effort. Please see our website, hobbytraincollectors.org for details.
National News
TCA National Convention
There is some still time to register for this year’s TCA National Convention hosted by the Eastern and Keystone Divisions. The convention will take place in Lancaster Pennsylvania, June 16th through 23rd. Did you know that the TCA will be celebrating its 70thanniversary? Hope to see you there for the excitement!
The Strategic Planning Committee
Now please allow me to put on my National and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee hats and fill you in on the progress of the Committee.
The first order of business for the Planning Committee, as I like to say, was to create a Strategic Plan for the Organization’s Strategic Plan. Having said that, our committee is making great strides on compiling the first edition of a Division President Guidelines Manual. This document is intended to help shorten the learning curve of a newly elected division president/national director by providing a resource of pertinent information all in one place. The committee hopes to deliver and distribute a copy to each of the National directors/division presidents at the upcoming National Convention. Keep you posted.
Division News
An effort is underway to revise and update the Fort Pitt Division’s By-Laws. Why? Our By-Laws haven’t been updated for over 10 years and it’s time for a little housekeeping, if you will. A committee has been formed with fellow member and director, John Nagurney as chair. The members of his committee include Bob Boyer, Jim Burke, and Sam Merando. Thanks in advance to this group for their time and dedication. Once their work is completed, the revised version will need the blessing of National and then distribution, and eventually a vote of approval by all of the members of the Division.
Time for a Division Anniversary Party
The Fort Pitt Chapter was formed 50 years ago and it’s time for a celebration! The dates will be September 27th and 28th in conjunction with our fall train show at the Washington County Fairgrounds. I’m seeking your ideas and more importantly, volunteers. If you know how to throw a good party or are willing to lend a hand along the way, or to pitch in the weekend of September 27th and 28th, please see me, call me, or send me an email.
PGRS
Our longtime friends and big train enthusiasts are in the building for the show today. Please join me in welcoming & saying Thank You to the members of the Pittsburgh Garden Railway Society for joining us today. They will be running big trains on the floor and answering questions about how to grow trains in your garden this spring and summer.
Thank you!
Thank you, members for your support. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve as your Division President. We have made great strides and accomplished plenty in the past three years. It could not have been done without all of you, my hard working and dedicated B.O.D, the early rising, problem solving Meet Committee. Thanks everyone.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy summer!
George W. Starz
Kids Club Report
YOUR Ft Pitt Kids Club... Past, Present, and Future
The Fort Pitt Division Kids Club originated in 2001 when then Division President Jim Burke challenged Sam Merando and Rick Baugh to create a Kids Club for the Division using the newly adopted TCA National Kids Club Mission Statement...
“To provide activity through which the youth and their families can learn about the hobby of toy model and scale trains, this learning will take place through fellowship, education, and friendship with the goal of growing the hobby and inviting youth and family members to join the Train Collectors Association.”
In keeping with our original Mission Statement, we strive to provide a layout that will not only spark the interest of those who view it, both young and old, but also provide a glimpse into the history of railroading of years gone by. Some of our layout themes over the years have included a circus, the Wizard of OZ, an amusement park, Jurassic Park, a coal mine, steel mill, Main Street USA, Disney World, a zoo, rural farm scene, eagle's nest, cemetery (both haunted and Military Funeral themed), Harry Potter, and a Lego Winter Village. We are proud to say that over the past 10 years our layouts have been constantly changing and we have NEVER set up the same display twice!
This year at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show, we were pleased to display the creations of 2 of our Kids Club members. Ruby, age 9, modeled a fantastic replica of the Ohio & Erie Canal for her display. Seven year old Jonathan created a display that included an N scale train, Lego train, various Lego creations, and an awesome fish pond. These 2 members do all of the work themselves with the full support and encouragement of their parents.
Going forward, the Ft Pitt Kids Club will continue to promote the hobby and TCA, to grow our membership, encourage our members to create dioramas to display on the layout at future shows, give members the opportunity to run their trains on the club layout, and provide any help or guidance they need such as constructing new modules, learning how to wire their layout, general maintenance of their trains, and landscaping techniques.
Tom Garrity, Fort Pitt Division Kids Club Chairman
Member Feature
“The Only Difference Between Men and Boys is the Price of Their Toys”
“The Only Difference Between Men and Boys is the Price of Their Toys” reads the sign I recall most from my childhood growing up with a father who was a collector of many things. At the time, I thought I had a pretty good idea what it meant, but really couldn’t understand completely until much later in life. Now, I don’t believe there could be a more accurate statement for a collector and as such, I have put the sign in the entryway to our building. I grew up in a household with a father who was into Model T’s and Standard gauge trains, among other things. Of course, I caught the bug and had developed my own extensive collection of Matchbox cars and HO trains as a child. My father had subsequently sold off his “real” cars and trains, but as I got older and started working, my interests grew into full-sized cars (refer to the comment about the price of the toys!), but I continued to collect diecast and play with trains, as many of us grown-up kids do.
When my son Mateo was very young, he developed a serious case of “train-on-the-brain”, which rekindled my father’s interest as well. My son’s interest in trains started with the Fort Pitt Hi-Railers, who let him run their trains at meets and displays. You never know when letting someone play with your toys may create a life-long enthusiast. With the help of my dad (refer to the price of the toys), Mateo started to acquire a pretty extensive collection of O gauge trains. At the same time, my dad started to build back his collection of Standard gauge trains, and I continued to play with HO and N gauge while acquiring more “big” cars. After 4 additions, we are once again out of space (I need another sign stating how much space the toys take up!). We are a 3 generation family of huge train and car enthusiasts. Are we alone and unique having these diverse interests…….hardly!
I have a pretty extensive network of car enthusiast friends whether from my local Mustang Club, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, or just attending many shows and car cruises. I have also attended many train shows over the years, but it took me awhile to realize how intertwined the 2 hobbies really are. As I developed more friendships within both hobbies, I started to realize how many “car guys” I would see at train shows. It never fails, but I will now see several at any given train show and within the TCA Ft Pitt Division is no exception. In hindsight, it only seems logical. We grown kids like toys (refer to the sign), especially ones with wheels and engines that move, make noise, and smoke (sometimes not good when it comes to cars however!). Not to mention we seem to like all things that are mechanical and inevitably break down…ugh. I often ask myself why I am not into stamps, coins, or baseball cards instead (well, I sort of am, but that’s another story). Afterall, they take up much less space and don’t break down. The reason, I am always reminded by those who share my same passions is that they aren’t nearly as much fun. I tend to agree, although we would not have had to add on so many times if it were for baseball cards or stamps. Oh well, I think the good far outweighs the bad. I think we can all relate to never having enough space, right??? I assume the close relationship between cars and trains exists across the country, but I can only imagine that it is even more pronounced in the Northeast. Why you may ask? Well, they are the perfect compliment to one another. Living in Pittsburgh, us car guys are only able to get the cars out of the garage, to truly enjoy them as they are meant to be, for about 7 months each year. If that was our only hobby, we would be really bored for 5 months each year or we would have meticulously polished cars! Given that I am not much of a “polisher”, I prefer to have something else to keep me occupied and happy all year round. That is where the trains come in. When the cars go away, the trains come out (or stay out, but get played with). Us grown kids always need something to keep us busy or we tend to get ourselves into trouble, no different from young kids.
I have these 2 great hobbies to thank for the vast majority of my friends. Both are full of great people. Keep in mind that you don’t have to own cars or trains to be an enthusiast and participate in events (I joined a car club before I even had a car or driver’s license!). Remember, someone just may let you play with their toys…most people I know would in a second….after all, that’s how new people develop interest and keep the hobbies going. So, if you are into both cars and trains, I will likely run into you several times throughout the year. If you are not currently into car collecting, you don’t know what you are missing….however, I won’t take any responsibility should your significant other get upset that there is now an old, leaking car sitting in the middle of the living room! I will deny any involvement. Whether you are into trains, cars, or both, remember the sign that the price of the toys does get more expensive as you get older, however always refuse to grow up….I’ll see you fellow kids out there on the roads or the tracks!
Jason Uhler
The Train Guys
We are a group of local retired ‘train guys,’ sometimes 6 guys, sometimes 9, sometimes 11. During our train season now, we visit the layouts of our members. Some of us don't even have a layout but all enjoy toy trains and each other.
The Train Guys visited Dom’s 8’x17’, ‘L’ shaped layout in Oakmont. Running TMCC & Legacy Lionel engines and passenger cars with a variety of rolling stock is displayed. Track is mostly Fastrack with Atlas leading to the turntable and tubular on the lift bridge.
There is an upper level supported by a series of precisionly detailed wooden supports. Dom's attention to detail is shown with the head lights in most cars and with 18 'wires' strung between each utility pole. Buildings are scratch built, Woodland Scenic, Menards, Lionel, Plasticville and Korber. Dom modified the roof panels of the Korber roundhouse with clear inserts to hi-light the lighting and details within.
Joe Fello
Fort Pitt Division Activities
2024 Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show
2024 marked the 42nd annual Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The Home Show was the creation of beloved TCA member, John DeSantis and now continued by his son, Mark. The Fort Pitt Division has been a major contributor to the show since 2005 and is a highly anticipated event every year.
February 4, 2024, Fort Pitt Division Train Show
The 2024 Winter Show was a wonderful success. Attendance topped 800 plus 57 children. It was exciting to see the TCA train that graced the Blue Room in the White House on display.
Calendar of Events
Fort Pitt Division Upcoming Events
Eastern Division Train Meet
Thursday, April 18 through Saturday, April 20
York Fairgrounds,
70th TCA National Convention
Sunday, June 16th through Sunday, June 23rd,
West Pittsburg Station Fest
West Pittsburg Train Station
July 13th, 2024,
805 9th Street, West Pittsburg, PA 16160
Fort Pitt Division Train Show
Saturday, September 28th, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Washington County Fairgrounds,
Washington, PA 15301
Beaver Lawrence 2024 Fall Train Show
Sunday, October 12th, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Chippewa Twp VFD Social Hall,
Eastern Division Train Meet
Thursday, October 17 through Saturday, October 19, 2024
York Fairgrounds,
Fort Pitt Division Train Show
Sunday, December 15th, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Shrine Center,
Fort Pitt Division Train Show: Groundhog Day Train Show, Again
Sunday, February 2nd, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Shrine Center,
Fort Pitt Division Summer Outing
Hello Fort Pitt Division Members
The Fort Pitt Division Summer Outing is Back!
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, we will travel to Sugarcreek, Ohio, to tour the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
The Summer Outing is a Fort Pitt Division benefit for members and their families. As a benefit of membership, the Fort Pitt Division sponsors the trip, and will pay for Lenzner Coach transportation from Warrendale, Pennsylvania to Sugarcreek, Ohio.
Following the tour, we will all enjoy a wonderful buffet luncheon at Der Dutchman Restaurant. The cost of the Ferro tour is $75 per person, and the buffet cost, including tax and gratuity is $25. Total cost of the outing is $100 per person.
The Lenzner Coach is a 56 passenger, air conditioned bus so space will be limited. Of course, if you choose, you may drive and meet us at 213 Smokey Lane Road SW, Sugar Creek, Ohio 44681 no later than 9:00 a.m.
Itinerary: July 27, 2024
6:30 a.m. Depart Warrendale Park and Ride
9:00 a.m. Arrival at the Age of Steam Roundhouse
213 Smokey Lane Road SW, Sugar Creek, Ohio 44681
9:30 a.m.
A three hour tour of the Age of Steam Roundhouse including the collection of steam locomotives, restoration shop, turntable, machine shop and store house.
Former Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad steam locomotive #643
In addition, the Age of Steam Roundhouse is pleased to share that former Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad steam locomotive #643 has arrived in Sugarcreek, Ohio. This massive 2-10-4 will now be unloaded, reassembled, and restored for display in AoSRH’s 18-stall roundhouse facility.
The 643’s arrival marks the conclusion of a 4+ year project to extract the locomotive from its longtime home in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. It also fulfills a longtime dream of AoSRH Founder Jerry Jacobson, who long dreamt of adding the locomotive to his stable of historic steam locomotives.
2024 Fort Pitt Division Summer Outing Registration
Email address ____________________________ Cell number ____________________
Guest(s) ___________________________ _________________________________
TCA Member and guest(s) attending: _______ at $100.00 Equals: ________
I will attend but plan to drive to Sugarcreek, Ohio: _____________
TOTAL PAYABLE TO TCA FORT PITT DIVISION, INC: ______________
Please send the completed form to:
David Matthews
Fort Pitt Division Summer Outing
1445 Bower Hill Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Questions: See the Fort Pitt Division website, hobbytraincollectors.org or email [email protected].
1:00 p.m. Depart Age of Steam Roundhouse
1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Following our visit to the Age of Steam, we will all dine at
Der Dutchman Restaurant Sugarcreek, 1343 Old Route 39 Northeast, Sugarcreek, Ohio
2:45 p.m. Depart Der Dutchman Restaurant
5:15 p.m. Arrival at Warrendale Park and Ride