14
For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 43 March 2020 entertainment options, hairdryers, an in-room safe, and complimentary wireless and wired internet access. Between events, enjoy some of the multitude of tours we have planned or take a swim in the outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center or rent bicycles to explore. If bicycles aren’t your thing, the hotel also operates a complimentary shuttle that will take you anywhere within a three-mile radius. For anything beyond that, taxis, Uber and Lyft are widely available as well as the hotel’s limo/ town car service. 2020 TCA NATIONAL CONVENTION TO JA X 2020 National TCA Convention Hotel Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 ( 904 ) 588-1234 TCA RATE: $ 140 / NIGHT + TAXES To get the TCA rate online, go here: bit.ly/TCArate The Hyatt Regency is a four-star hotel in the heart of Jacksonville, close to numerous attractions such as the historic Art Deco Florida Theatre, the Museum of Modern Art, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), and the breathtaking Friendship Fountain. It is also near numerous restaurants including Morton’s Steakhouse (in the hotel), Cowford Chophouse—a block from the hotel in an elegantly restored historic bank building with a rooftop bar that has spectacular views of the St. Johns River and iconic Main Street bridge, Intuition Ale Works (excellent food and taproom), and many others to cover just about every type of cuisine and taste. Hotel amenities include a business center and spacious rooms featuring iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions with cable and a variety of The TCA’s Southern Division and the North Florida Village Collectors Club (a member of the National Council of 56 Clubs) invite you join us in Jacksonville, Florida, for a first-time event—a joint Convention/Gathering of TCA members and Department 56 Collectors! Combine a love of Trains and Dept. 56 with an opportunity to visit Florida’s “First Coast,” where you can experience a different side of Florida, combining both relaxation and adventure, and you choose just how active you want to be. Enjoy our 22 miles of beaches, extensive park system, world-class fishing, historic neigh- borhoods, vibrant street arts scene, creative coastal cuisine, delicious craft beer, vibrant nightlife and so much more!

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Page 1: 2020 TCA NATIONAL CONVENTION TO JAX › Revised-v2 2020... · Tour #14: Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach Town 8am–11:30am Tour #15: Riverside Avondale Historic Homes 9am–2:30pm

For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 43March 2020

entertainment options, hairdryers, an in-room safe, and complimentary wireless and wired internet access. Between events, enjoy some of the multitude of tours we have planned or take a swim in the outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center or rent bicycles to explore. If bicycles aren’t your thing, the hotel also operates a complimentary shuttle that will take you anywhere within a three-mile radius. For anything beyond that, taxis, Uber and Lyft are widely available as well as the hotel’s limo/town car service.

2020 TCA NATIONAL CONVENTION

TO JAX

2020 National TCA Convention HotelHyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32202

(904) 588-1234 TCA RATE: $140 / night+ taxes

To get the TCA rate online, go here: bit.ly/TCArateThe Hyatt Regency is a four-star hotel in the heart

of Jacksonville, close to numerous attractions such as the historic Art Deco Florida Theatre, the Museum of Modern Art, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), and the breathtaking Friendship Fountain. It is also near numerous restaurants including Morton’s Steakhouse (in the hotel), Cowford Chophouse—a block from the hotel in an elegantly restored historic bank building with a rooftop bar that has spectacular views of the St. Johns River and iconic Main Street bridge, Intuition Ale Works (excellent food and taproom), and many others to cover just about every type of cuisine and taste.

Hotel amenities include a business center and spacious rooms featuring iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions with cable and a variety of

The TCA’s Southern Division and the North Florida Village Collectors Club (a member of the National Council of 56 Clubs) invite you join us in Jacksonville, Florida, for a first-time event—a joint Convention/Gathering of TCA members and Department 56 Collectors! Combine a love of Trains and Dept. 56 with an opportunity to visit Florida’s “First Coast,” where you can experience a different side of Florida, combining both relaxation and adventure, and you choose just how active you want to be. Enjoy our 22 miles of beaches, extensive park system, world-class fishing, historic neigh-borhoods, vibrant street arts scene, creative coastal cuisine, delicious craft beer, vibrant nightlife and so much more!

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44 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org March 2020

CONV

ENTIO

N CON

TACT

S Convention Chair—plus Welcome Party/Banquet Steve Johnson [email protected] ◦ 305-335-1752

Registration—9am–1pm Maria Penry [email protected] ◦ 717-687-8623, ext. 113Registration—Evenings and Weekends Stephen Molnar [email protected] ◦ 904-524-4015

Trading Hall Mike Setzer [email protected] ◦ 954-476-1058Tours & Trips Larry Shughart [email protected] ◦ H: 904-292-3000 C: 352-284-1250Auction Fred Gorbell [email protected] ◦ H: 904-641-6391 C: 904-654-5258Seminars Steve Baxendale [email protected] ◦ H: 904-288-0870 C: 904-631-1120So. Division D56 Water Tower Mike Mills [email protected] ◦ 612-382-0325

Below is a partial list of Seminars we will be offering on a wide range of train and village display topics!Pullman Porters, Jacksonville, and Civil Rights—by railroad historian William F. Howes, Jr.

The Florida Railway: Fernandina to Cedar Key—by author & historian John Leynes

Seminar Topic TBD—by D56 specialist Brandon Taylor A Magical Christmas Village: Converting and Creating in White, Silver, and Gold—by Gary Powers

Northeast Florida Railroad History—by story teller Larry Brennan Florida East Coast Railroad—by Seth BramsonHow to use Static Grass on your Displays—by Steve Baxendale Using Hot Wire & Foam in your displays—by John and Pat EhrenreichEstate Planning for Collectors—by Steve Johnson, JD CPA Add Realistic Lighting to your Scenes—Steve Vertescher

Welcome Party and Silent AuctionEnjoy a view of the St. Johns River and the iconic Main Street Bridge

from the Hyatt terrace and then come inside to enjoy a delicious offering of Hyatt specialties as well as a cash bar. There will be a wide variety of trains and D56 items up for bid in our silent auction. All Convention gather-ings will include live entertainment from a variety of our multi-talented local musicians—including everything from classical to big band, piano, wind quartets, brass and even ragtime!

The Marketplace and Public DisplaysWe expect a wide variety of operating layouts (HO, O, S, Std, G, perhaps

even a Lego layout) that will be running in the Hyatt’s expansive second-floor lobby over the course of the week. There will also be displays of Department 56 Village vignettes with an accompanying contest you can help judge.

Our Marketplace will set up on Thursday and then open Friday and Saturday. We anticipate over 150 tables, as numerous train and D56 vendors are already signing up. If you want tables, please sign up soon—particularly if you want electricity at your table(s). See Marketplace Chair Mike Setzer's contact information below.

Kids ClubKids Club activities are still in the planning stages, but will include a

supervised play area and other activities as well as a special “Kids Club Banquet” Saturday evening with pizza and chicken nuggets!

Bingo Night!New to regular TCA convention-goers, Bingo Night is a staple of D56

Gatherings. Graciously sponsored by the National Council of 56 Clubs (NCC56), each participant is provided with up to six cards with additional cards available for purchase. Refreshments are available and numerous prizes will be awarded. Join us for a ton-of-fun Friday evening!

Banquet and Live AuctionThe Banquet will begin Saturday evening with cocktails among the

operating layouts and D56 displays in the Hyatt lobby. We will then move into the Hyatt’s Grand Ballroom for a sumptuous feast and delightful (but short ☺) program followed by a delicious dessert. In addition to the live auction, there will be numerous door prizes and a special prize for one person from each table. Nobody will leave empty-handed! Of course this event will also feature live music!

Sunday Morning Closing BreakfastThis is another D56 Gathering tradition that will be new to TCA mem-

bers, but please consider closing out your stay in Jacksonville at a fabulous breakfast with old and new friends. In addition to wonderful food, there will be prizes, drawings, and fun for everyone!

We need several benefactors to donate high-end items to include in our silent & live auction events. Please contact Fred Gorbell ASAP to arrange your tax-deductible gift: 904-654-5258.

Be sure to visit the SD website (tcasoutherndivision.org) to order your souvenir D56 water tower—While supplies last!

How do I get to Jacksonville?Arriving by plane? Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is just 15

miles (20-30 minutes) from the Hyatt. JAX is a relatively small airport with two terminals but is served by nine major airlines as well as several regional carriers. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are all readily available and an inexpensive way to get to the hotel. East Coast Transportation is the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront’s exclusive ground transportation provider. Their services include airport shuttles and private cars. For more information, reservations, or group rates, please call 904-722-9494.

Arriving by train? Jacksonville’s Amtrak Station is about 6 miles (15 minutes) from the Hyatt. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are all readily available here as well. See above for group transportation options and/or reservations

Driving? I-95 runs north and south through downtown Jacksonville and I-10 begins its east/west route in downtown Jacksonville, so no matter what direction you are coming from the Hyatt is easy to find. Less than two miles from I-95 or 5 miles from I-10, the Hyatt is located on the Saint Johns River and is adjacent to a city owned parking garage with plenty of space. Parking for hotel guests is $15 per day and will be charged to your room. Garage clearance is 6’7” and nearby parking is available for oversized vehicles, trailers, etc. Valet parking is also available.

What to see and doJacksonville is the largest city by land area in the continental United

States. With more than 840 square miles within its jurisdiction, Jacksonville has everything from beaches to golf, history, culture, and the largest urban park system in the country. Be sure to check our tour options, particularly two tours we expect to fill up quickly, numbers 32 and 33—the Day in St. Augustine and the ride on the St. Johns River Taxi, followed by dinner at the River Club with its spectacular 35th floor, 360-degree view of Jacksonville.

Many additional sights are included in our extensive assortment of tours, or you can visit them on your own. Go to visitjacksonville.com for an in-depth look at the options. There’s something for everyone! If you feel like you just can’t visit Florida without saying “Hi!” to Mickey Mouse, plan to include a pre- or post-convention trek to Walt Disney World—it’s just 150 miles (2.5 hours) south of Jacksonville.

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For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 45March 2020

SATURDAY, JUNE 204pm–8pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge

SUNDAY, JUNE 217am–9am Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge 7:30am–6:30pm Tour #1: Royal Palm Train Mt Dora to Tavares7:00am–5:00pm Tour #2: Deep Sea Fishing 8:30am–1pm Tour #4A: Jacksonvillle Zoo & Botanical Gardens 1:15pm–5:30pm Tour #4B: Jacksonvillle Zoo & Botanical Gardens 10:30am–5:30pm Tour #3: Jacksonville Beach 3pm–7pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge

MONDAY, JUNE 226:15am–8am Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge6:30am–12pm Tour #9: Golf TPC Sawgrass7:30am–6:30pm Tour #6: South Georgia Railfan Trip 7:30am–6:30pm Tour #7: Day in Savannah 8am–5pm Tour #5: North Florida Coast Train Layouts 9am–10:30am Tour #8: Walk/Jog the Bridges Riverwalk Treaty

Oak 10:30am–5pm Tour #11: Jacksonville Beach 1pm–5pm Tour #10: Shopping St Johns Town Center3pm–7pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge

TUESDAY, JUNE 236:15am–5:30pm Tour #13: Amtrak Trip to Winter Park (Orlando)8am–6pm Tour #12: South Jacksonvillle Train Layouts8am–6:30pm Tour #14: Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach

Town8am–11:30am Tour #15: Riverside Avondale Historic Homes9am–2:30pm Tour #16: World Golf Village/St. Augustine Outlet

Malls10:30am–5pm Tour #18: Jacksonvillle Beach12pm–4pm Tour #17: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens3pm–7pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 247am–1pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge7am–4pm Board of Director Meeting St Johns Room7:30am–7pm Tour #19: Deland Daytona Beach (Train Tour)8am–7pm Tour #20: Jacksonville Railfan Tour8am–7pm Tour #21: Deland Daytona Beach (Regional Tour)8am–12pm Tour #22: Mayport Navy1pm–5pm Tour #23: Jacksonville History & Architecture

Walking Tour1pm–5:30pm Tour #24: Kayak Amelia2pm–5pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge 6pm–7pm Welcome Party Cocktails 7pm–10pm Welcome Party Dinner, Silent Auction,

Entertainment

PLEASE REPORT TO TOUR ROOMS 20 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME

THURSDAY, JUNE 257am–4pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge8am–4pm Board of Directors Meeting, St Johns Room8am–6pm Tour #25: Jacksonville Train Layouts/North &

Beach8am–7pm Tour #26: Jacksonville Railfan Tour8am–12pm Tour #27: D56 Home Tours9am–10:30am Tour #28: Walk/Jog the Bridges Riverwalk

Treaty Oak12pm–5pm Tour #31: Jax Micro Brew Bus Tour12pm–4pm Set up Train Market Place1pm–6:00pm Tour #29: Shopping, St. Augustine Outlet Malls1pm–5:30pm Tour #30: D56 Home Tours1pm–4pm Banquet Table Registration5pm–? Tour #39: St John's River Boat Ride Dinner at

River Club

FRIDAY, JUNE 267am–4pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge8am–10am Market Place (TCA Members only)9am–5pm Meet the Experts9am–4pm Kids Club9am–1pm Banquet Table Registration7:30am–11:30am Tour #34: Naval Air Station Jacksonville8am–6pm Tour #32: Day in St. Augustine9am–12pm Tour #33: Sweet Pete's Candy Store10am–5pm Market Place (TCA Members and Public)1pm–4:30pm Tour #35: Jaguar Stadium Tour12:30pm–5:30pm Tour #36: Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens7:30pm–10pm Department 56 Bingo Night

SATURDAY, JUNE 277am–12pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge8am–9am Market Place (TCA Members only)9am–12pm Tour #37: Budweiser Brewery9am–1pm Market Place (TCA Members and Public)10am–12pm Banquet Table Registration12:30pm–1pm Meet The President: Peter Atonna, St. Johns

Room1pm Market Place closed; Vendors exit1pm–2pm President Forum, St. Johns Room2pm–3pm Annual Membership Meeting, St Johns Room3pm Board of Director Meeting, St Johns Room6pm–7pm Banquet Cocktails7pm–10pm Banquet

SUNDAY, JUNE 288am–10am Department 56 Annual Breakfast

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR TCA 2020 NATIONAL CONVENTION/DEPARTMENT 56 GATHERING

For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 45March 2020

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46 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org March 2020

(bit.ly/JaxBeach). You will need to pack your swimsuits, beach wear, suntan lotion, towels, etc., and bring them with you. You can either change at the hotel (recommended) or make use of the public changing rooms/bathrooms and showers at the beach. People can choose to rent chairs, umbrellas, etc., and go to the beach, or they can simply choose to stroll along the boardwalk, visit shops, sit at cafes, or whatever they please (www.rentbeachstuff.com).

There is a very historic all-volunteer lifeguard station that is a highly recom-mend tour. You do not need to arrange this ahead of time. If a group of you just walk up and knock on the door, they will give you a tour.

Tour #4—Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Sunday) $60Sunday June 21 ● Start 8:30 AM/1:15 PM; Return 5:30 PMIncludes: Bus transport, general admission to Zoo; Not Included: Lunch

Guests make their own lunch plans, and can either choose to have an early brunch/lunch at the Hotel or downtown, or a late lunch at the Zoo cafes. The later departure time is for those who want to go to church or do something else in the morning before visiting the zoo and/or do not wish to spend as much time at the zoo.

This is not just a zoo, but beautiful gardens with walking paths, cafes, carousel, and a train ride. The zoo is divided into zones for each continent. The animals and the gardens provide a unique setting for each section: Asia, Africa, South America, etc. The Zoo is also the home to the world’s largest Jaguar research center and hosts a special exhibit on Jaguars. And, a trip to Florida would not be complete without alligators, snakes, and other natives all safely separated from the viewing public! It will give you a great experience of Florida swamp, marshes, palms, water, etc. (www.jacksonvillezoo.org).

Tour #5—North Florida Coast Train Layouts $75Monday June 22 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, box lunchTour Stops:• St. Augustine: Carl Reusser’s Layout—N Scale and 3 rail O scale• Box Lunch on the bus while we travel north• First Coast Model Railroad Society—A large HO club layout with many

fine scenes• Fernandina Beach—Steve Lukefhar’s 3-rail O custom-built layout and Peter

Williams' 13' x 28' Lionel layout

Tour #1—Royal Palm Train, Mt. Dora to Tavares $60Sunday June 21 ● Start 7:30 AM; Return 6:30 PM Includes: Bus transport, train ticket, water/snacks; Not Included: Lunch

The Bus will leave the hotel and take you straight to the Tavares Train Station, about a 2.5-hour ride. The Train leaves Tavares at 11:00 AM, goes to Eustis, and returns to Tavares at 12:30. You will then board your buses and go to Mt. Dora to enjoy a late lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafés in town.

Mount Dora is a small town with many historic buildings and a large canopy of oak trees. It is known for a variety of antique and specialty shops, and the gorgeous Lake Dora. Mt. Dora has a flair for the arts and remains a popular tourist destination. The bus will depart Mt. Dora at 3:30 PM to return to the Hyatt, giving you plenty time to explore Mt. Dora’s shops, galleries, and parks.

Tour #2—Deep Sea Fishing $190Sunday June 21 ● Start 7:00 AM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, boat ticket, bait/tackle, fishing license, box lunch

Nothing says Florida’s First Coast like a fun day at sea. Whether you and your friends want to catch the big one through a day of deep-sea fishing, or if you just want to soak up some sun with friends, Captain Scott Reynolds and the crew of the Ship Majesty will make it happen. The Majesty is the most well-appointed and largest charter fishing boat in Jacksonville. The Majesty is 70′ in length and 20′ in beam, allowing for a smoother ride on the Atlantic. Relax and enjoy your vacation day at sea. Price includes bus transport to/from the ship, rod and reel, bait, and fishing license. A box lunch and drinks will be included for you to take on-board.

Want to enjoy the sun while your family is fishing? It comfortably seats 30 outside and 25 inside, and the top sun deck holds 14. This is a family-oriented fishing experience. Liquor is not allowed on board, but you can bring beer or wine.

Tour #3—Jacksonville Beach (Sunday) Start 10:30 AM/1:15 PM; Return 5:30 PM

• Sunday June 21 $40

Includes: Bus transport; Not Included: Lunch, beach accessory rentalsGuests make their own lunch plans, and can either choose to have an early

brunch/lunch at the Hotel or downtown, or lunch at the beach cafes. The later departure time is for those who have other plans in the morning before the beach and/or do not wish to spend as much time at the beach.

The tour bus will take you to a central location on Jacksonville Beach, a large white-sand beach with a nice boardwalk filled with shops and cafes

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For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 47March 2020

Follow a pre-planned walking tour that allows you to see Savannah at your own pace. You can choose which old houses and churches to visit, which restaurants to eat in, and what shops to patronize. You can enjoy as few or as many of the squares as you like.

There is a “hop on /hop off” trolley tour available in case the weather is inclement or you do not want to walk very much. (www.trolleytours.com/savannah/map)

Tour #8—Walk / Jog the Bridges, Riverwalk, Treaty Oak (Monday)Monday June 22 ● Start 9:00 AM; Return 10:30 AM Price: FREE

Jacksonville is the City of Seven Bridges. On this tour you will get to walk or jog across two of them. It is a very pleasant route with lots of views of the gorgeous St. John’s river and the scenic River Walk on both banks. You will see the oldest bridge in Florida, the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge, which connects the FEC to the NS and CSX.

The first group will jog West along the Northbank Riverwalk, pass by the Landing and the CSX Headquarters building. They will then ascend the Riverwalk spiral ramp and take the pedestrian bridge across the FEC railroad tracks. Continuing West on the Riverwalk as far as the YMCA, the group will stop for a rest break, bathrooms, and water. The group will then jog on the sidewalk East to the Acosta bridge and jog up the ramp, across the St. John’s river, and back down the other side. Turning left, the group will jog to the Treaty Oak and stop for their second rest break. From the Treaty Oak, the group will jog West to the School Board building, and back to the West on the Southbank Riverwalk as far as the Main St. Bridge. The group will then jog up the Main St. Bridge East sidewalk and back down to the North bank and return to the Hotel. (About 4 miles total.)

The second group will walk West along the Northbank Riverwalk, pass by the Landing and then turn North at the CSX Headquarters building. They will then walk East on Water St. and ascend the Acosta bridge ramp on the east sidewalk, cross the St. John’s river, and back down the other side. Turning left, the group will walk to the Treaty Oak and stop for a rest break. From the Treaty Oak, the group will walk to the Main St. Bridge. The group may decide to extend their walk with a detour along the Southbank Riverwalk. Public Bathrooms and water fountains are available on the Riverwalk. The group will then walk up the Main St. Bridge East sidewalk and back down to the North bank and return to the Hotel. (About 2 miles total.)

Tour #9—Golf TPC Sawgrass $300Monday June 22 ● Start 6:30 AM; Return 12:30 PM Includes: Limo to/from hotel, green fees, golf cart; Not Included: Club rental

Tour #6—South Georgia Railfan Trip $95Monday June 22 ● Start 7:30 AM; Return 6:30 PM Includes: Bus transport, 2 museum tickets, train ticket, water/snacks, lunch

This tour is for people who want to see REAL trains, and enjoy the countryside and small towns of South Georgia. We have arranged for your tour guides to be professional railroad men who are passionate about the industry and knowledgeable railroad historians.

We will begin with a visit to Patterson Georgia, where Progress Rail (a Subsidiary of CAT and sister company to EMD) operates a locomotive shop that rebuilds and upgrades locomotives. We will then go to Waycross, Georgia, where CSX has a large hump yard and locomotive shop.

We will stop in Folkston Georgia for lunch at “Whistlin’ Dixie” (www.whistlin-dixie.com/order-online), a down-home southern cafe, and to tour the Folkston Depot railroad museum. We can sit under the train-watching pavilion and watch CSX trains go by. This is one of the premier train-watching spots in the U.S. Our tour group will split into thirds and rotate through these attractions so we don’t bunch up at any of them.

We will end our day in St. Mary’s, Georgia, where we will ride an excursion train on the St. Mary’s Railroad and visit the St. Mary’s Submarine Museum. St. Mary’s is home to Kings Bay Navy Base, which is houses many of America’s nuclear subs.

Tour #7—Day in Savannah $70Monday June 22 ● Start 7:30 AM; Return 6:30 PM Includes: Bus transport, Hop-on-hop-off Trolley Tour ticket, water/snacks; Not Included: Lunch

Savannah is a picture-book city, designed and built around 22 gorgeous squares. Each square is a city block that hosts a park, fountain, sculpture, garden, etc. Surrounding the squares are beautiful southern homes, historic churches, and quaint store fronts. Many of the streets are cobblestone and brick. Savannah was the only city not destroyed by Sherman during the Civil War and is immaculately kept. There is a very nice waterfront area with many shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Our tour bus will take you to the Visitors Center, which co-located with a roundhouse Railroad Museum featuring the history and legacy of the Central of Georgia railroad, the cotton industry, and Savannah history. From the visitors’ center, you can choose how you would like to enjoy your day in Savannah.

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48 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org March 2020

to rent chairs, umbrellas, etc. (www.rentbeachstuff.com/home.html), and go to the beach, or they can simply choose to stroll along the boardwalk, visit shops, sit at cafes, etc.

There is a very historic all-volunteer lifeguard station that is a highly recommend tour. You do not need to arrange this ahead of time. If a group of you just walk up and knock on the door, they will give you a tour.

Tour #12—South Jacksonville Train Layouts $75Tuesday June 23 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 6:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, box lunch

Larry Shughart ● The 65’ x 35’ Northern Florida Railway is one of the largest S Gauge layouts in the country. Featured in Classic Toy Trains, the display includes a huge collection of both vintage and current S Gauge trains. Larry specializes in structures from all manufactures and eras with over 500 buildings on the layout. You will enjoy Florida-themed scenes such as St. Augustine Lighthouse, South Beach Miami, Disney World, Sarasota Circus Grounds, and much more.

Larry’s house also features a 10’ x 16’ 3-rail O Gauge layout operating five trains around 100 buildings. There is a 12’ x 14’ Lego layout with three trains, and a large Garden Gauge outdoor railroad welcomes you at the front porch. Inside his house, Larry promises to have a “Christmas in June” display featuring some vintage pre-war trains and an extensive collection of glitter houses. Coffee and bagels in the morning and Happy Hour drinks and snacks in the afternoon.

Jacksonville Terminal Railroad Club ● This HO Gauge layout includes dozens of scenes that are custom models of places around the Northern Florida Region. The main passenger terminal is modeled after downtown Jacksonville in the heyday of train travel. All of the supporting express tracks, dining car servicing, locomotive servicing facilities, and the surrounding buildings and highways are historically accurate. This stunning layout operates on two levels and features vintage trains from the FEC, SAL, Southern, ACL, FGE, and other fallen flags that used to frequent Jacksonville. Many of the club members are retired professional railroad men and bring a personal passion to this club.

Lloyd Lippert ● One of the premier collectors and operators of Gilbert American Flyer S Gauge trains, you will enjoy this vintage themed layout featuring pristine quality Gilbert trains operating on traditional track. The layout is tastefully landscaped with vintage Plasticville and Ertl buildings to represent Lloyd’s hometown in South Dakota. The walls display Lloyd’s museum-quality collection. This is a must-see for CNW fans.

John Grisnik ● Located in a separate building in Jacksonville’s historic Avondale district, this all pre-war layout features classic Lionel and American Flyer trains and accessories. Tastefully displayed around the rooms are many historic toys and antiques, with a ceiling layout to boot.

Tour #13—Amtrak Trip to Winter Park / Orlando & Return $80Tuesday June 23 ● Start 6:15 AM; Return 5:30 PMIncludes: Bus to/from station, Amtrak ticket; Not Included: Lunch, museums, SunRail

This tour will be subject to Amtrak on-time performance, and we will adjust the itinerary based on Amtrak’s performance that day. We will have a chase bus and may need to substitute our tour bus for one or both legs of the trip if Amtrak is far off schedule.

Schedule: Depart JAX 7:00 AM on the Southbound Silver Star; Coffee/Breakfast in Snack Car ● Arrive: Winter Park, 9:43 AM ● Depart Winter Park: 1:52 PM, Northbound Silver Meteor ● Arrive: JAX 4:47 PMOnce you arrive in Winter Park, you may choose one of three options:Walk around and have lunch in Winter Park (bit.ly/WinterParkFood). Ride the ‘Sun Rail’ commuter service (bit.ly/SunRailTCA) to and from Church Street Station, which has many lunch options (bit.ly/ChurchStreetFood). Visit the Morse Museum (www.morsemuseum.org), home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933). See his chapel interior from Chicago's 1893 World’s Columbian Expo, art and architectural objects from his Laurenton Hall estate. Exhibitions also include American art pottery, late-19th- and early-20th-century American painting, graphics, decorative art, jewelry, art glass, and windows.

(Tour #9 description; Continued from previous page) Just 12 miles from Jacksonville, TPC Sawgrass offers championship golf courses that are open for the public to enjoy—THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, and Dye’s Valley Course. The Stadium Course is not open in the summer season, so you will be playing the Dye’s Valley Course.

Ranked as #1 on Golf Advisor’s 2017 "Top 10 Golf Courses in the US," they have been honored as a top-10 ranked resort golf course in the United States and the top-ranked golf course in Florida, by Golfweek magazine. The Stadium Course is most recognizable thanks to the intimidating par-3 17th hole that features the famed island green (tpc.com/sawgrass).

Tour #10—Shopping St. John’s Town Center $40Monday June 22 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks; Not Included: Lunch

This outdoor lifestyle mall is home to over 150 of the biggest brand name stores, many exclusive in the market, including Dillard’s, Apple, Pottery Barn and Ann Taylor as well as shops in the palm-lined streets of the Luxury Col-lection such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Mayors.

Enjoy a late lunch, afternoon tea, and/or a cocktail at one of the many restaurants or cafes in town center. Relax among the Florida sunshine at the Park Green’s turtle pond, life-sized chess board, or dog park.

Tour #11—Jacksonville Beach (Monday) $40Monday June 22 ● Start 10:30 AM/1:00 PM; Return 5:00 PMIncludes: Bus transport, water/snacksNot Included: Lunch, beach accessory rentals

Guests make their own lunch plans, and can either choose to have an early brunch/lunch at the Hotel or downtown, or lunch at the beach cafes. The later departure times is for those who do not wish to spend as much time at the beach.

The tour bus will take you to a central location on Jacksonville Beach, a large white-sand beach with a nice boardwalk filled with shops and cafes.

You will need to pack your swimsuits, beach wear, suntan lotion, towels, etc., and bring them with you. You can change at the hotel or there are public changing rooms/bathrooms, and showers at the beach. People can choose

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Gardens, including a visit to Memorial Park. The beautiful sculpture along the St. John’s River is Florida’s only shrine dedicated to remembering World War I.

Tour #16—World Golf Village / St. Augustine Outlet Malls $35Tuesday June 23 ● Start 9:00 AM; Return 2:15 PMIncludes: Bus transport, water/snacks; Not Included: Lunch

This tour is ideal for a couple who are interested in simultaneous golf and shopping. Bus will depart the Hotel and go directly to the St. Augustine Outlet Malls and drop off anyone who wants to shop and not visit the World Golf Village Hall of Fame Museum. Stores open at 10 AM (www.staugoutlets.com).

The bus will then take folks who want to visit the Golf Hall of Fame to that museum. The World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum provides an extensive look at the game of golf through stories, artifacts, videos, art and photography of its members within 75,000 square foot exhibition space. Guests have the opportunity to enhance their visit with an audio tour guide that tells “behind the scenes” stories from Hall of Fame members themselves. Admission includes two-day access to the museum, a round on the 18-hole natural putting course, and a shot on the Challenge Hole. The Museum opens at 10:00 AM, and tickets cost $21 at the door (www.worldgolfhalloffame.org).

Noon Bus departs Hall of Fame and returns to the outlet Malls to meet the Shoppers. There is time for lunch at the Food Court if you wish.1:30 PM Bus Departs Outlet Mall to return to Jacksonville Hotel 2:15 PM Bus Arrives Hotel; You still have time to tour the Cummer Art Museum and Gardens

Tour #17—Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Lunch & TourTuesday June 23 ● Start 12:00 PM; Return 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, Lunch at the Museum, Docent-Guided $50 Tour of Museum (www.cummermuseum.org)

The Cummer Museum holds one of the finest art collections in the South-east, with more than 5,000 objects in its Permanent Collection. You will see world-class art spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century, with diverse special exhibits, and is home to the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain.

The Museum’s 2.5 acres of historic gardens are unique examples of early 20th century garden design, featuring reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments, and sculptures. The majestic Cummer Oak has a canopy of more than 150 feet and is one of the oldest trees in Jacksonville.

The bus will depart Museum at 3:45 PM and 4:45 PM to return to the hotel.

Tour #14—Day at Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach Town $80Tuesday June 23 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 6:30 PMIncludes: Bus transport, harbor boat tour, water/snacks; Not Included: Lunch

Just North of Jacksonville is a piece of Florida Paradise known as Amelia Island. This stunning island features old-growth oak trees, beach-front vistas, and peaceful salt marshes. Visit the quaint fishing village of Fernandina Beach (bit.ly/FernandinaBch), famous as a center for commercial shrimp boats and as a historical hide-out for Pirate ships.

On the way to Amelia Island, you will stop at Kingsley Plantation National Park (bit.ly/KingsleyPlantation). This historic site is much more typical of most Southern Plantations, as most were big family farms instead of giant plantations like "Tara" from Gone with the Wind. Because the slave quarters at Kingsley were constructed of Coquina (a cement made from sea-shells) this is the only extant slave village known to still be in existence. It is quite powerful and sobering to walk in the footsteps of the slaves and the plantation owners.

Upon arrival in downtown Fernandina Beach, you will enjoy the shops, historic churches, the Pirates Saloon (with its famous Pirates Punch), fresh seafood restaurants (we recommend Timoti’s Seafood Shak, Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro, and The Salty Pelican), and local artists’ works at the Art Co-op.

A 1.5-hour historical boat tour around the harbor is included. You will see shrimp boats, waterfront homes, and hear about Florida history.

We will end the day at the Ritz Carlton Hotel to enjoy an afternoon tea or a cocktail from the veranda, overlooking the white sand and the ocean breakers (bit.ly/OceanBarGrill). Your ticket includes a drink here.

Tour #15—Riverside Avondale Historic Homes $30Tuesday June 23 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 11:30 AMIncludes: Bus transport, professional tour guide, water/snacks; Not Included: Lunch

Riverside and Avondale are Jacksonville neighborhoods with many his-toric homes, street shops, and tree-lined boulevards. The incredibly diverse architectural treasures were created after the great fire of 1901 that decimated downtown Jacksonville. Soon after some of the most innovated architects of their time came to Jacksonville to experiment with Mediterranean, Georgian Revival, Tudor, Prairie, and bungalow-style homes.

Many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s students came to Jacksonville to practice their skills, resulting in the largest collection of Prairie-style architecture outside of Chicago.

On this tour, you will see a wide variety of beautiful homes, ranging from quaint to ostentatious and everything in-between. You will visit the inside of one of the Prairie style homes that is an active residence and very indicative of the Prairie style. You will enjoy Riverside and Avondale’s many parks and

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get an overview of the operations from Port Management and see the trains serving the docks. Florida East Coast Railway Bowden Yard is the main hub of activity in Jacksonville. We will arrange for a presentation by FEC and you will see their newest Natural Gas power locomotives.

Next, we will enjoy a box lunch on the bus as we travel to Green Cove Springs, Florida, to the North Florida Railway Museum, which preserves, restores, and displays the region’s railroad history. Volunteer guides will ex-plain the significance of the rolling stock, provide insights on the challenges of restoring and maintain vintage rolling stock, and answer questions. While at Green Cove Springs, we will tour the History Museum while waiting for the Amtrak Silver Meteor "photo run by."

We will end our day at the former Orange Park railroad station and the historic business car, Georgia 300, which has carried several U.S. Presidents. We have made special arrangements with the car owner for you to visit this magnificent piece of railroad history. The station also houses an upscale gift shop with numerous mementos, gourmet food items, and teas. We will photograph the Northbound Auto Train—the longest passenger train in the world at over 40 cars—and then head back to the Hyatt.

Tour #21—Deland / Daytona Beach (Regional Tour) $90Wednesday June 24 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 7:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, buffet lunch, Stetson Mansion ticket

This tour is designed to complement the Deland/Daytona Train Tour. Both tour groups will meet in Daytona Beach to mingle and travel back to the hotel together on either bus.

Jane Lysinger’s House ● Jane and her late husband Bill have long been stalwart members of the North Florida Village Collectors Club. Visit this home in Palm Coast that has an entire room dedicated to presenting their D56 Snow Village collection. This ceramic city has an operating train and a custom-painted mural to embellish both the realism and fantasy. Coffee and Snacks.

Stetson University ● located in Deland, Florida, this small liberal arts college has a history of success in music, art, literature, and sports. We will drive through campus on our way to lunch.

Price includes lunch at Cook’s Buffet ● Excellent home style cooking with your choice of 1 meat from 4 different meat options, plus all you can eat salad bar, dessert bar, and many side dishes (cooksbuffetdeland.com).

Stetson Mansion ● The estate of Florida’s first "snow bird" and famous hat maker. Built in 1886, this winter retreat is a richly detailed mansion in unusual “High Victorian” architectural design. It includes interior carvings, 16 patterns of rare parquet wood floors, and 10,000 panes of original leaded-glass windows. The Stetson brand set the 19th century benchmark for qual-ity and it followed that his mansion was

once the most exciting address in Florida. Thomas Edison, a personal friend, installed power as one of the first homes in the world built with electricity.

Daytona Beach ● “The World’s Most Famous Beach.” We will drive through the downtown area, home of “Bike Week,” then park in a central location to enjoy a walk on the sand, stroll the boardwalk, and visit one of the restaurants, shops, or bars.

Tour #22—Mayport Navy ● Wednesday June 24 Start 8:00 AM; Return 12:00 PM ● Includes: Bus trans- $25 port, water, snacks ● All tour guests must be U.S. Citizens/Green Card holders and have a valid Driver's License, Federal ID, or Passport

Take a 20-mile ride to the east of downtown to the Atlantic Ocean to visit Naval Station Mayport, the second largest Naval Base on the east coast

Tour #18—Jacksonville Beach (Tuesday; repeat of Tour #11)Tuesday June 23 ● Start 10:30 AM / 1:00 PM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks; $40Not Included: Lunch, beach accessory rentals

This is a repeat tour (#11)—For details, see the description of Tour #11 a few pages earlier!

Tour #19—Deland / Daytona Beach (Train Tour) $90Wednesday June 24 ● Start 7:30 AM; Return 7:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, lunch, Raceway Museum ticketThis tour complements Deland/Daytona Beach Regional Tour (#21). Tours #19 and #21 will meet in Daytona Beach to mingle, and will travel back to the hotel together on either bus.

Clark and Ilene Vegazo’s Home—Deland ● Visit the home of Clark and Ilene Vegazo, who for over 30 years have collected primarily Postwar, but also Prewar Lionel, with a dabbling of Flyer, Marx, HO, etc. Over 300 SETS on display, with hundreds more still in their set boxes. Lots of accessories like an operating original Lionel D-224 Display layout, along with unusual items like the 1965 styrofoam Lionel boat. While Clark has a large separate building for his trains, Ilene’s HO to Prewar Lionel trains are displayed in every room in the house! The Vegazos have arranged for a vintage Ice Cream Truck to provide special treats!

Dr. Richard Delany Layout ● Located in Ormond Beach, just north of Day-tona Beach, this home features a large 3-rail O-gauge layout and an HO layout.

Round House South Train Shop ● Tony Rotunda’s shop holds frequent seminars for area model railroaders, and caters to families with their first train to the most sophisticated operators and collectors. The Rotundas have been involved in TCA for decades and Tony is carrying on his father’s legacy. Come see this very large train store featuring an operating display layout.

→ Lunch at Aunt Catfish Restaurant next to the Train Shop ←Daytona Raceway Tour and Museum ● Featuring history of the race,

vintage movies and photos, old cars and memorabilia. Even if you don’t like NASCAR, this is a piece of Americana and a professionally curated museum where everyone can find something to enjoy. All Access Tour.

Take a walk on the Boardwalk ● Daytona Beach is “The World’s Most Famous Beach.” We will drive through the down-town area, home of “Bike Week,” then park in a central location to enjoy a walk on the sand, stroll the boardwalk, and visit one of the restaurants, shops, or bars.

Tour #20—Jacksonville Railfan Tour (Wednesday) $80Wednesday June 24 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 7:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, box lunch, museum tickets

Jacksonville is served by many railroads, including CSX, FEC, Genesee & Wyoming, and Norfolk Southern. Your tour guides will be professional railroaders and knowledgeable railroad historians.

Your first stop will be a large TTX repair facility. An officer from TTX will board the bus and give you an overview of the operation. After a visit to Florida’s Official Steam Locomotive, USRA Pacific ACL 1504, we will go to NS Simpson Yard where you will be able to view switching operations and the locomotive servicing facility from the safety of a public access road.

The Port of Jacksonville is a huge facility with its own railroad. We will

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Simpson Creek, a tidal stream that runs between Big Talbot and Little Talbot Island State Parks, is part of the greater Timucuan Preserve Estuary. You will paddle through Fort George estuary, a series of tributaries that wind through the marsh. The water twists and turns creating intimate canals for the resident wading birds, fishing osprey, and provides protection for newly hatched fingerlings. This land echoes the tales of the Timucuan Indians and French Huguenots that once inhabited this landscape.

Tour #25—Jacksonville Train Layouts / North & Beach $75Thursday June 25 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 6:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, box lunch

Ron Fisher ● Since there are no basements in Jacksonville, Ron Fisher bought a 3-car garage with a house out front. This O Gauge layout is 18’ x 18’ and showcases a fascinating two-level operation with trains disappearing and automatically reversing. Ron is the embodiment of “I love Toy Trains” with a fun and joyful display. Don’t miss his Life Saver Factory, Mt. Rushmore, operating carnival, and an airport stretching across the back of his display. Coffee and Snacks provided.

Jacksonville Beaches Museum & History Park ● Travel back to the past and get to know the people and events that shaped our area. The museum has an historic train station, a section foreman’s house, a chapel, and other buildings on site. Go inside and tour these buildings, as well as see a vintage steam locomotive that has been lovingly restored and under cover.

Cypress Village Train Layout ● An upscale retirement home that sports a very nice HO club layout. Enjoy a box lunch on the bus as you travel to the Gorbell house.

Fred Gorbell ● Over the years, Fred has been in and out of collecting and operating Standard Gauge, Postwar Lionel, Prewar Lionel, and Modern era Lionel. He has now returned to his roots, as his first loves were Gilbert and Plasticville. Fred’s combination S Gauge layout showcases vintage Gilbert trains. Masterfully produced scenery makes the Plasticville buildings and Gilbert trains look like a catalog cover. You will also enjoy Fred’s massive Department 56 collection, which he displays year-round, set up in many vignettes along with Marx trains. Snacks provided.

Alan Marshall ● All pre-war Standard Gauge trains and accessories, displayed and played with like they were meant…on the floor! This unique layout is in a spare bedroom with the wall removed from the next room. You stand in one room and view the trains in the other. The trains are set in vintage buildings, accessories, and scenery; a true tinplate world. Alan also collects and will display a very large collection of vintage toy trucks. Snacks provided.

Ray Gabler ● Retired CSX executive and originally off the Chessie System, Ray is a leader in the Jacksonville model railroad community. He organizes weekly get-togethers every Monday evening, often at his own house or others, to play with trains, build layouts, and/or maintain rolling stock. Ray’s layout is 2 rail O scale on two different levels, housed inside a large garage. Since Ray grew up in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, along the original Cumberland Valley Railway, you will see a lot of PRR trains and buildings—even though you are in the deep South! Happy Hour drinks and snacks provided.

Tour #26—Jacksonville Railfan Tour (Repeat of Tour #20)Thursday June 25 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 7:00 PM $80Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, box lunch, museum tickets

This is a repeat of Tour #20. For details, see the description of Tour #20 on theprevious page!

Tour #27—D56 Home Tours (#1 of 2) $30Thursday June 25 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 12:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks

Gary & Debbie Powers ● This is a house full of houses! Gary and Debbie are celebrating "Christmas in June" in their beautiful home in Ponte Vedra Beach. They have their trees decorated, their gingerbread baked, and some nice Christmas cheer to warm your blood. Come see their vignettes featuring D56 buildings which include North Pole, Dickens, and New England Villages that surrounds the top of their great room. Gary will be presenting a seminar at

after Norfolk, Virginia. Mayport is the home of over 30 of the Navy’s newest and most advanced fighting ships. Of particular note is the USS New York, which was built in part from salvaged metal from the World Trade Center buildings in New York City. This base is home to the Navy’s newest Lit-toral Combat Ships. Which ships we will see depends on ships' schedules.

Helicopter squadrons and other aircraft make their home along the run-way. Mayport is also the Navy Firefighting school. We may see black smoke billowing up from a concrete building across from the ship basin, as sailors sharpen their firefighting skills. Your tour guide will be a local TCA member, retired Navy veteran, and knowledgeable historian.

Tour #23—Jacksonville History & Architecture Walking Tour $25Wednesday June 24 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Professional guided tour, water/snacksDowntown Jacksonville Historical and Architecture Walking Tour—Featuring:• Presentations on Jacksonville History:

“Cowford,” “Great Moss Fire,” “Civil Rights led by the Pullman Porters," etc.

• Ride the downtown “People Mover,” the only commercial Monorail system outside of Disney and Las Vegas

• Churches• Ritz Theatre• Tour the magnificent Jacksonville

Terminal Station• See Florida’s official Steam Loco-

motive: ACL #1504, USRA Pacific

Tour #24—Kayak Amelia $90Wednesday June 24 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 5:30 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, guided kayak tour, all equip-ment, training (www.kayakamelia.com/kayak_guided.htm)

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Tour #30—D56 Home Tours (#2 of 2) $30Thursday June 25 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 5:30 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks

Don & Janet Isaac ● Don’t be scared, but this house is full of bats, spi-ders, skeletons, ghosts, goblins, and monsters of all sorts. Janet is a retired kindergarten teacher, and Halloween was her favorite holiday to celebrate with the children. Like all good teachers, she would decorate her classroom for the season and added a little something each year, including many D56 pieces. You will be amazed at the level of detail and the sheer volume of scenes and houses and vignettes that Janet and Don can squeeze into many different rooms of their home. They normally set up and tear-down Halloween decorations every year. They have graciously agreed to start early in 2020 so you can experience one of the top D56 Halloween collections in the country.

Larry & Nancy Horton ● Enjoy the Christmas decorations that make this house look like pages from a design magazine! Larry and Nancy have many collections and vignettes scattered around their home, including a life-size nativ-ity creche and Department 56 villages that are presented in different displays.

Fred & Angie Gorbell ● A massive Department 56 collection of Original Snow Village and Christmas in the City is masterfully presented on three walls, stretching from floor to ceiling. This year-round display places the buildings in different vignettes, and mixes along some toy trains, LeMax, and other vintage collectibles to keep it interesting. Fred and Angie met in Hong Kong when Fred was in the Navy. Don’t miss their version of D56 China Town. In addition to the D56 collection, you will enjoy seeing Fred and Angie’s beautiful home, Fred’s toy train layouts, and Angie’s collection of Chinese art and dolls. Happy Hour snacks and drinks provided.

Tour #31—JAX Micro Brew Bus Tour $40Thursday June 25 ● Start 12:00 PM; Return 5:00 PM Jacksonville is now home to over a dozen micro-breweries. On this tour,

you will visit three of the most popular ones, and get to see a bit of the city as you drive between them. The Price includes 10–15 beer tastings at 3 different local breweries. Good food will be available for purchase at the first stop, with bar snacks available at all stops.

(D56 Layouts Tour #27 Description; Continued from previous page)the Hyatt on how he customizes D56 buildings to create a winter wonderland of white, gold, and silver. Coffee and Snacks provided.

Larry Shughart ● A charter member of the North Florida Village Col-lectors Club, Larry’s first love is American Flyer toy trains and the buildings that go with them. He was only going to get one, maybe two, D56 buildings for his train layout—but that plan quickly faded. Larry’s 35’ x 65’ train layout features over 500 buildings, of which less than 30 of them are D56 (mostly from Christmas in the City Village and New England Village). You will enjoy seeing the history of Christmas villages and vintage houses from dozens of different manufactures represented over the last 100 years.

A Lionel layout also has one corner dedicated to D56 with a number of Season’s Bay buildings that fit nicely with the overall theme of the New York suburbs. And while you are there, do not miss the Lego™ room, a complete village with three operating trains and over 50 buildings, castles, and Lego pieces from every year since 1968.

Larry will also have a special Christmas village display of Glitter houses, with vintage trains and bottle-brush trees to complete the old-fashioned style putz.

Tour #28—Walk / Jog the Bridges, Riverwalk, Treaty Oak (Repeat of Tour #8) FREE Tour!Thursday June 25 ● Start 9:00 AM; Return 10:30 AM

This is a repeat tour (#11)—For details, see the description of Tour #11 a few pages earlier!

Tour #29—Shopping St. Augustine Outlet Malls $35Thursday June 25 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 6:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks

Arrive at Outlet Malls 1:30Option to stay at Outlet Malls or

go to Premium Outlet MallsDepart Outlet Malls for Premium Outlets 3:30

Depart Premium Outlet Mall back to Outlet Mall 5:15

Depart Outlet Malls for Hotel 5:45

The St. Augustine Outlet Malls are comprised of two shopping centers (www.staugoutlets.com). The largest “Outlet Malls” is an outside mall with 95 stores and a food court.

On the East side of I95 is the “Pre-mium Outlet Mall” which is an inside facility, with fewer stores, and a food court (bit.ly/StAugOutlets).

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manufactures a line of hand-crafted quality chocolates and sells over a thousand different types of candies. The location boasts a fully functioning factory with an interactive gallery, two large retail areas, a full restaurant and bar, rooftop patio and dessert bar.

Peter also finds joy in sharing his expertise with others by teaching the art of candy making. The fun-filled educational environment includes Sweet Pete’s "Sweet Science" classes, hands-on interactive candy making sessions. Learn the art of old-fashioned candy making. Turn boiled sugar into colorful hand-pulled lollipops you can take home. Class is approximately 1-hour long, and includes a voucher for one scoop of ice cream from the ice cream counter!!

Tour #34—Naval Air Station, Jacksonville ● Friday June 26 $25Start 7:30 AM; Return 11:30 AM ● Includes: Bus transport, water, snacks ● All tour guests must be U.S. Citizens/Green Card holders and have a valid Driver's License, Federal ID, or Passport

Just 8 miles south of downtown is NAS JAX, home of the United States Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Helicopter squadrons. Commissioned as NAS Jacksonville in 1940, the base is home to the P3C Orion and P8A Poseidon aircraft on the east coast, and the training command for those squadrons. It is also the home of the sea-based helicopter squadrons and their training command. NAS JAX was the original home of the Navy’s Blue Angels.

Your tour guide is a local TCA member, retired Navy veteran, and knowledge-able historian. We will spend an hour in the Heritage Garden, which displays retired examples of each of the aircraft types that have served at NAS JAX. We will walk and talk about each and its role in Naval Aviation history. We will visit Patrol Squadron 30, the training command for the P3C and P8A aircraft. Operational conditions permitting, we will get a static tour of both aircraft.

We then take a short bus ride to the main water towers for the base. These towers are the replacements for the older water tower, which was the prototype model for the TCA/D56 convention commemorative piece. The old water tower sported the DEWEY DUCK graphic designed by Walt Disney and given to NAS JAX for their use as their official mascot. We will view the current version of the mascot graphic before leaving the base.

Tour #35—Jaguar Stadium Tour $50Friday June 26 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 4:30 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, guided stadium tour

We will leave the hotel at 1:00 p.m., drive around all of the Jacksonville sports venues, and arrive at the home of the Jaguars. The tour begins at 2:00 p.m. and lasts 90 minutes. We will give you extra time for souvenir shopping and will return to the Hyatt when everyone is ready.

Experience TIAA Bank Field with a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the crown jewel in Jacksonville’s downtown sports and entertainment complex. Learn the history and obscure facts about this one-of-a-kind venue, the first NFL stadium ever to have an open-air amphitheater and an indoor practice facility attached. Hear the stories and explore areas normally off-limits to the public. Get up close and personal with two of the world’s largest video boards and the unique swimming pools in the north end zone.

Tour #32—Day in St. Augustine $70Friday June 26 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 6:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, Hop-on-hop-off Trolley Tour ticket

Once the tour bus drops you off at the Visitor’s Center, you are on your own for the day. While your tour price includes a ticket for the Hop-on/Hop-off Trolley, you should also plan on lots of walking as this is very much a pedestrian city. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. It is also the former Headquarters of the Florida East Coast Railway and the Flagler Hotel empire. There are many historic sights related to Henry Flagler, founder of the railroad and the key person who opened Florida up for development and tourism. There is so much to do in St. Augustine, one day is not enough. Attractions include:• The Spanish Fort, Castillo de San

Marco, is a National Park• The Lighthouse and Keepers Home

tour is a MUST SEE • The oldest school house, jail, and

apothecary• Tourists often skip the Flagler

College tour (former Flagler Hotel), but it is very good, especially for rail historians who want to see Henry Flagler’s work

• Many shops, art galleries, crafts, antiques, restaurants, and cafes

• Historical churches• Fountain of Youth• Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum

is in an old stone castle, well worth seeing, and a great option to cool off in the middle of a hot day

• Alligator Farm• Lightner Art Museum• Horse-drawn carriage rides

You are on your own for lunch. There are many very fine restaurants in all price ranges.

Tour #33—Sweet Pete’s Candy Store and Make-your-own-candy workshop ● Friday June 26 ● Start 9:00 AM; Return 12:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, $40candy-making class, 1 scoop of ice cream

Peter Behringer, owner of Sweet Pete’s, was raised in the chocolate industry. In 1985, when he was eleven, his mother opened a family chocolate business in Jacksonville, Florida, which grew to 32 locations and a large production facility. After college, Pete decided to strike out on his own and opened Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop, featuring his own hand-made confections.

In 2014, Sweet Pete’s was featured on the TV show The Profit (bit.ly/SweetPetesOnTV). Sweet Pete’s opened a new Jacksonville location in the historic Seminole Club, a 1903 building that hosted visitors such as Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. At 23,000 sq. ft., it is one of the largest candy shops in the United States. Sweet Pete’s

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54 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org March 2020

Tour #39—St. John’s River Boat Ride, Dinner at the River ClubThursday June 25 ● Start 5:00 PM; Return at your leisure $125Includes: Boat ticket / food; Not Included: Cash bar (beer/wine)

Limited to 300 passengers on four boats. First-signed-up, first-served. This event will sell out!

Join us for a boat ride on the famous Saint Johns River, which is one of those rare rivers that flows from South to North. Each boat will include a guide that will talk about the river and give a brief history of Jacksonville. The Saint Johns River is a beautiful, ecologically significant river that flows through the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Our ride on the River Taxi will be about an hour long. Restroom facilities are NOT available on the boat but small.

The boats will pick us up about two blocks from the hotel and return to the same dock. After arriving back at the dock, walk one block to join us at The River Club, a beautiful venue on the 34th and 35th floors of the Wells Fargo Tower. The River Club provides a cash bar, followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner—all while enjoying an unrivalled 360-degree view of Jacksonville and the Saint Johns River.

EXTRAS Do-it-Yourself-Tours as You Travel to and from Jacksonville, Before and After the Convention

These tours were just too far for us to make a day trip from Jacksonville as part of the convention. However, we highly

recommend you visit the websites and consider visiting these attractions either before or after the Convention dates.

SAM Shortline RailroadLocated in Americus, Georgia, this train ride will take you through the

Heart of Georgia to Plains, Georgia, where you can get off the train and tour the quaint, small town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. Browse the original train depot which has been restored as it appeared in 1975 when it served as President Carter’s campaign headquarters. Buy a bag of peanuts from local merchants. Visit the Plain Peanuts to try their famous PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM. See Billy Carter’s service station, the Carter farm where he grew up without indoor plumbing, and the current Carter house and church. (samshortline.com/routes-depots)

Disney World Behind-the-Scenes Train TourMany people do not know that you can pay an extra $54 and show up at

7:30 AM to visit the railroad shops and see the back-lot support for the Dis-neyland Railroad and Monorail system. As part of the tour, you get to ride the train on its first trip from the shops to the park, and take the test run around the park before the gates are open to the public. This is a very informative and special tour. You must call early to make reservations as it often sells out. (bit.ly/TCADisney)

Clark and Ilene Vegazo’s HomeLocated in Deland, just west of Daytona Beach, Clark and Ilene are included

on one of the layout tours. However, they also are welcoming travelers to/from the convention who might not be able to make the planned tour to stop in for a visit. Please call for an appointment: (954) 290 3890.

Tour #36—Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Friday repeat of Tour #4) ● Friday June 26 ● Start 12:30 PM; Return 5:30 PMIncludes: Bus transport, A “Total Experience” $60Zoo ticket ● Not Included: Lunch

This is a repeat of Tour #4. For details, see the description of Tour #4 severalpages earlier!

Tour #37—Budweiser Brewery Tour $60Saturday June 27 ● Start 9:00 AM; Return 12:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, tour ticket

The Jacksonville Budweiser Brewery experience is unique. Not currently offered to the public, this will be a special tour for our group. From the historic architecture to the use of the latest brewing technology, the center has a captivating story to tell.

As you walk through the halls of the brewery, all of your senses will be engaged while you discover what it takes to brew some of America’s most popular beers. You will also learn about Budweiser’s signature “7-Step Brewing Process” that was created and perfected more than 100 years ago to brew the most consistent, high-quality beer.

Tour #38—Take me out to the Ball Game! Jumbo Shrimp BaseballMonday June 22 ● Start 6:00 PM; Return 10:00 PMIncludes: Bus transport, Game ticket $35Not Included: Dinner at park, concessions

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp is the Florida Marlins Double A minor league baseball team. The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville is a traditional-styled ballpark that is very well appointed with many food stands, clean restrooms, covered seating, and close-up views of the game.

Buy your own food and beverages at the game. All options available, includ-ing pizza, chicken, BBQ, shrimp, Italian sausages, bratwurst, hamburgers, hot dogs, and lots of beverage choices.

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For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 55March 2020

REGISTRATION FORM Online Convention www.TCAconvention.org Registration has begun!

Hotel reservations may also be made by calling 1-888-421-1442; mention the Train Collectors Association for the convention room rate.

TCA#_________-__________________ Division________________________________________

First_________________________________ Last________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________ State____________________________________

Zip_______________________ Phone (cell

preferred)______________________________________

Email_____________________________________________________________________________

First Name to be Printed on Badge ______________________________________________________________

ADA

NEE

DS Check here if you have special needs: Please include a description of your limitations or needs.

Some tours are not ADA Compliant. Please also include any dietary issues for the banquets.

Only TCA members, spouses, significant others, companions, and de-pendent children may register for the National Convention. All members of the TCA must pay the full registration fee. There is no registration fee for spouse, companion, or children under the age of 18.

Seminars and Marketplace admission are included with registration. All other tours, meals, and events are individually priced. Tickets for tours, meals, and events are required for all adults and children.

Guests (no TCA member may be a guest) must pay the Guest Regis-tration Fee as set forth on this form, and pick up badges in person in the presence of the sponsoring TCA member.

Name of Spouse, Significant Other, or Companion:

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

Names of Children (under age 18):

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

Guest (Non TCA Member)

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

First___________________________ Last____________________________________________

Add Additional names as needed on an attached note.

I agree to be bound to the rules of the TCA in regard to buying, selling, ethics, and behavior. I further agree, in the event of a dispute, that the Meet Chair or designee shall arbitrate the mat-ter and render a final and binding decision.

Signature___________________________________________________________

Date: ____________ /_____________ /___________________________

CONVENTION REGISTRATIONFee Description Price Qty. Total

Convention Registration Fee $45 1 $ 45

Guest Registration Fee $45 $

Marketplace—Tables (all tables are 8 feet long and 30 inches wide) $35 $

Electrical Outlet Hookup (Limited qty., provided on a first-come basis) $50 $

EVENT REGISTRATIONDay Time Event Name Price Qty. Total

Wednes. June 24 Evening Welcome Party & Silent

Auction, Live Music $60 $

Friday June 26 Evening NCC56 Bingo Night, Prizes!

Includes 6 cards Free! $

SaturdayJune 27 Evening

Annual Banquet, Live Music!Entree Selection (Enter number of meals required)Beef___ Chicken___ Salmon___ Veg___

$79 $

SaturdayJune 27 Evening Children's Banquet $35 $

SundayJune 28 Morning D56 Annual Breakfast $40 $

CONVENTION REGISTRATION TOTALS

Convention Registration Fees Total $________________

Event Registration Fees Total $_________________

Tour Registration (from next page) Total $_________________

Total Convention Cost(remit this amount)

$

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONSBy mail, fill out form and carefully review your entries. You may pay by check, money order, or credit card (Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Discover).

Make checks payable to: Train Collectors Association

Amex MasterCard Visa Discover

Card # _______________-_______________-_______________-_______________

Exp. Date ___________ / ___________ Security Code (3 or 4 digits) _____________________

Name as it appears on card_______________________________________________________

Signature____________________________________________________________

Mail your registration

to →

TCA—ATTN: 2020 CONVENTION REGISTRATIONP.O. BOX 248STRASBURG, PA. 17579

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56 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org March 2020

TOUR # DAY TIME TOUR NAME PRICE QTY. TOTAL

1 Sun, Jun 21 All Day Royal Palm Train—Mt. Dora to Tavares $60 $

2 Sun, Jun 21 All Day Deep Sea Fishing $190 $

3 Sun, Jun 21 Afternoon Jacksonville Beach—Sunday $40 $

4 Sun, Jun 21 Afternoon Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens—Sunday $60 $

5 Mon, Jun 22 All Day North Florida Coast Train Layouts $75 $

6 Mon, Jun 22 All Day South Georgia Rail Fan Trip $95 $

7 Mon, Jun 22 All Day Day in Savannah $70 $

8 Mon, Jun 22 Morning Walk / Jog the Bridges—Monday FREE $

9 Mon, Jun 22 Morning Golf TPC Sawgrass $300 $

10 Mon, Jun 22 Afternoon Shopping St. John's Town Center $40 $

11 Mon, Jun 22 Afternoon Jacksonville Beach—Monday $40 $

12 Tue, Jun 23 All Day South Jacksonville Train Layouts $75 $

13 Tue, Jun 23 All Day Amtrak Trip: Winter Park / Orlando and Return $80 $

14 Tue, Jun 23 All Day Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach Town $80 $

15 Tue, Jun 23 Morning Riverside Avondale Historic Homes $30 $

16 Tue, Jun 23 Morning World Golf Village / St. Augustine Outlet Malls $35 $

17 Tue, Jun 23 Afternoon Cummer Art Museum and Gardens, Lunch, Tour $50 $

18 Tue, Jun 23 Afternoon Jacksonville Beach—Tuesday $40 $

19 Wed, Jun 24 All Day Deland / Daytona Beach—Train Tour $90 $

20 Wed, Jun 24 All Day Jacksonville Railfan Tour—Wednesday $80 $

21 Wed, Jun 24 All Day Deland / Daytona Beach—Regional Tour $90 $

22 Wed, Jun 24 Morning Mayport Navy Base Tour $25 $

23 Wed, Jun 24 Afternoon JAX History and Architecture Walking Tour $25 $

24 Wed, Jun 24 Afternoon Kayak Amelia $90 $

25 Thu, Jun 25 All Day Jacksonville Train Layouts / North and Beach $75 $

26 Thu, Jun 25 All Day Jacksonville Railfan Tour—Thursday $80 $

27 Thu, Jun 25 Morning D56 Home Tours #1 $30 $

28 Thu, Jun 25 Morning Walk / Jog the Bridges—Thursday FREE $

29 Thu, Jun 25 Afternoon Shopping St. Augustine Outlet Malls $35 $

30 Thu, Jun 25 Afternoon D56 Home Tours #2 $30 $

31 Thu, Jun 25 Afternoon JAX Micro Brewery Bus Tour $40 $

32 Fri, Jun 26 All Day Day in St. Augustine $70 $

33 Fri, Jun 26 Morning Sweet Pete's Candy Store and Workshop $40 $

34 Fri, Jun 26 Morning Naval Air Station—Jacksonville $25 $

35 Fri, Jun 26 Afternoon Jaguar Stadium Tour $50 $

36 Fri, Jun 26 Afternoon Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens—Friday $60 $

37 Sat, Jun 27 Morning Budweiser Brewery Tour $60 $

38 Mon, Jun 22 Evening Jumbo Shrimp Baseball $35 $

39 Thu, Jun 25 Evening St. John's River Boat Ride, Dinner $125 $

TOTAL TOURS COST $