This Convention was held on the waterfront in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, July 23-27. Set at the point where three great rivers converge, Pittsburgh is the city of the Steelers and much more. It holds many train-related activities in the city and region. The tour programs included an Amtrak excursion to famous Horseshoe Curve as well as the Altoona Railroad Museum. Conventioneers spent a full day at the Carnegie Science Museum and enjoyed its huge (2400 square feet) O-gauge train layout. A tour to the nearby Pennsylvania Trolley Museum was well attended.
The convention concluded with the traditional closing banquet with gifts piled high on every table and a silent auction. The banquet was held aboard the riverboat “Majestic.”
Members received special surprises at the Convention, including a Lionel® Registration gift car. Members who attended “LCCA Day” at the Carnegie Science Center received a unique Lionel Submarine Car to commemorate the day. In addition, an On-site Convention
This custom LCCA Amtrak tour took the LCCA members from Pittsburgh to Altoona using Amtrak Fleetliner service. The tour included the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, a railroader’s lunch, a tour of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and a stop at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark.
photo: view from Amtrack excursion train at Horseshoe Curve
This tour started with a tour of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum where members were able to see, learn about and actually ride Pennsylvania’s historic electric rail vehicles dating back to the turn of the century. The next stop was the Heinz Regional History center where members were able to take a journey through time from the arrival of the first settlers to the present in this 15,000 square-foot museum.
photo: LCCA members take a trolley excursion aboard an operational trolley
This daylong adventure of discovery started with a short boat trip across the river to the acclaimed Carnegie Science Center. Each conventioneer enjoyed access to all attractions (including the Omni Theater and train layout), a catered lunch, and received a very special commemorative train car.
photo: view of the Carnegie Science Center from the riverboat
The Pittsburgh Area HiRailers, along with club members from Washington D.C. and New York, brought their layout components and operated a layout for the enjoyment of the attendees.
photo: Pittsburgh HiRailers display their modular layout for the conventioneers
The Get Acquainted Party featured distribution of the first series of LCCA Collectible Trading Cards featuring products from the Lionel postwar catalogues. Members traded cards among partygoers at the social function and completed their set of cards.
photo: members exchange LCCA Collector’s Cards and camaraderie at the Get Acquainted Party
The Trading Hall provided LCCA members a chance to buy/sell/trade trains and train-related items. The room was filled with tables stacked high with orange and blue boxes; with bargains galore.
photo: example of the trading floor activity
This year’s banquet was held aboard the riverboat Majestic. There were plenty of prizes and give-aways. In addition, a silent auction of Lionel® related merchandise and raffel of LCCA items were held.
photo: dinner aboard the riverboat Majestic
