The annual club Convention is an enjoyable mix of socializing with train hobbyists, taking train excursions, shopping at a large train show,
taking heritage tours of the region, and participating in the Lionel seminar. Attendance at a LCCA Convention is
limited to members only, and the club is proud of its reputation of presenting the best Conventions of all the train clubs.
The traditional Thursday evening GAP was filled with food, fun, and fantastic entertainment. The Radio Nation Band rocked the house with oldies-but-goodies live (and lively) music as LCCAers danced the night away.
The club sponsored a reception for first-time Convention attendees, and this family was one of many who enjoyed meeting other train hobbyists, club officers, and some long-time Convention-goers.
Club members received the right of first entry to the large Trading Hall with about 200 tables filled with trains for sale. Realizing that they may not find as many choices elsewhere, many members brought their “want lists” with them to the Convention.
Lionel LLC President Jerry Calabrese offered remarks about the company’s new products and responded to questions from the audience during this well-attended Friday afternoon event.
The Saturday evening festive banquet was the closing event of the Convention—a time to present awards, enjoy a fine meal, and take home a freebie prize. One lucky club member per table won a Banquet Car—a prized collectible.
Eleven train-related or heritage tours in the region filled the daybooks of Convention attendees. Train excursions are a favorite way for club members to celebrate the role of the railroads in building America.
Club members boarded the former NYC coaches for a ride through the upper New York State region once served by this mega-railroad.
LCCAers toured the famous falls twice during the week and visited the Canadian and the U.S. sides of this natural wonder carved by the Niagara River.
A remnant of the original Erie Canal remains in place and in operation, and club members cruised through two locks on a short journey on the water and back in time.
Members departed the train at the conclusion of an excursion run on a railroad established in 1995 and based on former Conrail, Lehigh Valley, and PRR trackage. The FLSR began passenger service to railfans beginning in 2000.
Visitors to the train layout room within the host hotel enjoyed the large O-gauge modular layout created by the Pittsburgh Independent High Railers Club and the operating displays and demonstrations presented by Lionel staff.
