Ozark Division - Train Collectors Association
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Welcome to the Ozark Division of the Train Collectors Association
The Ozark Division was established in 1967. Its membership is drawn from the states of Missouri; Arkansas; Kansas; Oklahoma and the Illinois counties of Calhoun, Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph, and those portions of Jersey and Macoupin counties south of Illinois Highway 16.
Chapters established so far are:
Gateway Chapter, established in 1975
Central Missouri Chapter, established in 1995
Heart of America Chapter, established in 2009
Mission Statement
"To develop an appreciation of and to preserve an important segment of history - Tinplate Toy Trains - through research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards, and to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains."
Collecting Standards
A hallmark of TCA membership is the observance of ethical and fair practices when engaged in determining and representing the condition of toy train items offered for sale or trade. Such is helpful to persons considering a transaction, and reflects the principles of the Association's earliest and current leaders.
Several sets of standards have been promulgated:
These standards are monitored and enforced by the TCA on its members in their dealings, but not on non-member merchants. Standards Committee Members are present at most TCA functions to enforce the rules and regulations pertaining to the proper identification of toy train restorations, reproductions and related items. A large part of a Committee Member's responsibilities includes instructing thegeneral membership on how to recognize fake and reproduction items.
In addition, certain standards in effect regarding reproductions apply to manufacturers and vendors: