Attractions: Shows, Museums & Exhibits
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad – New Hope, PA
Located 37 miles from Philadelphia in charming New Hope, PA, this heritage railroad offers scenic rides on vintage trains over historic tracks laid in 1891. It’s the perfect day or evening getaway with friends and family, complete with nearby boutique shops and restaurants.
National Toy Train Museum – Strasburg, PA
Explore one of the world’s most comprehensive toy train collections. With hands-on exhibits and an extensive reference library, this museum is a must-visit for kids and collectors alike.
Railroad Museum of Long Island – Riverhead, NY
Founded in 1990, this museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of railroads that helped shape Long Island’s communities and industries. Engaging exhibits, historical artifacts, and educational programming await visitors.
Westchester Toy & Train Associates, Inc. – White Plains, NY
A full season of dazzling toy train shows is sure to delight collectors of all kinds.
Eastern Division York Train Meet – York, PA
A legendary event held twice a year, where thousands gather for the largest and most iconic toy train show in the world, hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association.
Model Train Clubs & Organizations
Bay Ridge Model Railroad Club – Brooklyn, NY
Formed in 1947, this club is home to the Central Connecting Railroad and Central City Traction Co., offering operating layouts and model railroading fun for members and visitors.
Central Operating Lines – Bohemia, NY
Long Island’s oldest O Scale club invites you to open houses and events that celebrate the fun and creativity of model railroading. Nonprofit. Motto: Remembering the past by training the future.
Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers – Levittown, NY
Established in 1983, NLOE built one of the largest O-Gauge model railroads in the U.S. The new layout, measuring 80′ x 35′, is nearly twice the size of the original and still growing.
New York Society of Model Engineers – Carlstadt, NJ
Founded in 1926, this historic organization features two large operating layouts: O-Scale (Union Connecting) and HO scale (Union, Hoboken and Overland).
NJ Hi-Railers Train Club – Paterson, NJ
A 3-rail O gauge model train club with a mission to create a community of fellowship and family fun centered around the world’s greatest hobby.
Smithtown Model Railroad Club – St. James, NY
This 38’ x 48’ O gauge layout is the result of 30 years of dedicated work. It showcases eras from steam to modern day, with multiple trains, animated scenes, and scratch-built structures.
Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters – Bridgewater, NJ
From humble beginnings in 2000 to a vibrant club of youth, adult leaders, and parents, the Trainmasters engage in building, operating, and exhibiting model trains with a focus on youth education.
Train Collectors Association (TCA) – Ronks, PA
TCA promotes the appreciation and preservation of tinplate toy trains through research, education, fellowship, and outreach, establishing collecting standards and inspiring future generations.
Train Collectors Society (TCS) – United Kingdom
Founded in 1979 and based in the UK, the TCS connects enthusiasts worldwide with an interest in collecting and the rich history of toy and model trains.
Trainmasters of Babylon – Dix Hills, NY
Spanning 4,000 square feet with 19 scale miles of track and 10 running trains, this layout includes a fully operational subway and logging line. As seen in The Sopranos “Blue Comet” episode.
Discussion Groups & Listservs
TCA Members Yahoo Group
An honest and respectful forum fostering lifelong learning and camaraderie in model railroading for members around the world.
METCA Division Yahoo Group
An open space for METCA Division members to share ideas and updates related to the Train Collectors Association’s mission.
TCA Toy Trains Mailing List (TTML)
The official TCA-sponsored mailing list, where members and the public can engage in discussions, share expertise, and deepen their knowledge of toy train history and collecting.
General Interest Train Resources
RailServe.com
The Internet’s most comprehensive railroad directory with over 17,000 links to train-related websites: travel, model railroading, railfan guides, industry resources, and more.
Model Railroads & Freight Cars
Packed with general model railroading info and how-to guides, including downloadable PDFs.
Model Train Prices
A global comparison engine for model train products from 986 shops—covering everything from rolling stock and scenery to parts and electronics.
Railroads in Texas – Fort Worth and Beyond
A historical overview of how railroads shaped transportation and development in Texas.
TrainDR
Focused on American Flyer Trains, this site includes diagrams, manuals, and high-quality reference materials, with plans to expand into Lionel and others.
Toy Train Software
Inventory Express
Created by METCA VP Jeffery Corrick, this user-friendly software is designed to help collectors catalog and manage their toy train collections with ease.
SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller)
Free and powerful layout design software with access to over 205 track libraries. Plan your dream layout and preview it in 3D with a single click.
METCA Member Sites
Clint’s Train Room
Explore Clint Jefferies’ O & Standard Gauge layouts through pictures and videos.
LionelNation
A hub for Lionel enthusiasts—buy, sell, trade, and connect with others who live and breathe orange and blue.
IHorse.com
Specializing in the purchase, sale, and restoration of pre-1979 toy trains, backed by decades of collecting experience.
TheTrainDoctor.com
Professional repair services for Lionel, MTH, and vintage toy trains. Custom work available—your satisfaction is their only product.
WarrenVille Railroad
An enthusiast’s site showcasing a personal Lionel collection, layout building tips, and more. Reach out via Lionelskistrains@yahoo.com for questions and comments.