The purpose of the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) website is to serve as a resource and community hub for enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of Lionel trains and model railroading. Specifically, the website serves several key functions:

1. Membership and Community: The LCCA website is a platform for joining the club, accessing exclusive member benefits, and connecting with other collectors who share a passion for Lionel trains. The LCCA fosters a sense of community among members through its publications, forums, events, social media interactions, newsletter eblasts and of course the LCCA website (Lionelcollectors.org).
2. Information and Education: The website provides valuable resources about Lionel trains, including their history, production details, and the different models available. It also offers educational content related to model railroading techniques and best practices.
3. Communication: While LCCA publications and eblasts are ways to proactively reach members, the website provides available information and resources in a more passive member driven way. The website enables communication between the club and the public with exclusive resources and information for its members.
4. News and Updates: The website keeps members informed about the latest news in the world of Lionel trains, including new product releases, upcoming events, and club activities. It is a central 24/7 source of information for both collectors and model train enthusiasts.
5. E-commerce: The LCCA website is used to offer LCCA and selected Lionel products to its members through features like online shopping, secure payment processing, and customer support. As part of LCCA membership the website provides its members access to exclusive LCCA and Lionel products, limited-edition train models, and discounts on merchandise for members.
6. Event Promotion and Participation: The site promotes LCCA events such as train shows, conventions, and exhibitions. It allows members to register for these events and participate in various activities related to Lionel trains and model railroading.
7. Branding and Marketing: The website helps the LCCA establish its online presence, building the club brand, and market its products to a wider audience.
8. Marketplace and Networking: The LCCA Website facilitates connections between its members to connect them with one another through its member roster and to trade their individual products with other members. The website features eTrak, an on-line marketplace for members to buy, sell, and trade their Lionel trains
9. Marketplace and Resources: The website features access to resources like manuals, catalogs, and guides that are useful to collectors. A comprehensive suite of historic documents are preserved and available to LCCA members including all Lionel sales catalogs from 1900, selected postwar service manuals and other hobby related documentation,
10. Preservation of Lionel Train Legacy: The LCCA website plays a role in preserving the history and legacy of Lionel trains by offering resources like articles, photographs, and stories that highlight the significance of the brand in model railroading.

In summary, the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) website aims to bring together a passionate community of model train collectors and fans, offering them comradery, tools, information, and exclusive opportunities while preserving and promoting the Lionel brand and its rich history.