For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 37 May 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 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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For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 37May 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 JAXTO 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!
38 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org May 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 Using Hot Wire & Foam in your displays—by John and Pat EhrenreichHow to use Static Grass on your Displays—by Steve Baxendale 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 mi² 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.
For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 39May 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 Canceled8:30am–1pm Tour #4A: Jax Zoo/Botanical Gardens Canceled1:15pm–5:30pm Tour #4B: Jacksonvillle Zoo & Botanical Gardens 10:30am–5:30pm Tour #3: Jacksonville Beach Canceled3pm–7pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge
MONDAY, JUNE 226:15am–8am Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge6:30am–12pm Tour #9: Golf TPC Sawgrass Canceled7:30am–6:30pm Tour #6: South Georgia Railfan Trip 7:30am–6:30pm Tour #7: Day in Savannah 8am–5pm Tour #5: N. Florida Coast Train Layouts Canceled9am–10:30am Tour #8: Walk/Jog the Bridges Riverwalk Treaty
Oak 10:30am–5pm Tour #11: Jacksonville Beach Canceled1pm–5pm Tour #10: Shopping St Johns Town Ctr Canceled3pm–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 Jax Train Layouts Canceled8am–6:30pm Tour #14: Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach Town8am–11:30am Tour #15: Riverside Avondale Historic Homes
Canceled9am–2:30pm Tour #16: World Golf Village & St. Augustine
Outlet Malls Canceled10:30am–5pm Tour #18: Jacksonvillle Beach Canceled12pm–4pm/5pm Tour #17: Cummer Museum Art/Gardens Canceled3pm–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 Bch (Train Tour) Canceled8am–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 Amelia Canceled2pm–5pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge 6pm–7pm Welcome Party Cocktails 7pm–10pm Welcome Party Dinner, Silent Auction,
Entertainment
THURSDAY, JUNE 257am–4pm Registration: Hyatt 2nd Floor Skybridge8am–4pm Board of Directors Meeting, St Johns Room8am–6pm Tour #25: Jacksonville Train Layouts/North &
Beach Canceled8am–7pm Tour #26: Jacksonville Railfan Tour8am–12pm Tour #27: D56 Home Tours Canceled9am–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 Outlets Canceled1pm–5:30pm Tour #30: D56 Home Tours Canceled1pm–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
PLEASE REPORT TO TOUR ROOMS 20 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE TIMEFor the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 39May 2020
40 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org May 2020
Tour #5—North Florida Coast Train Layouts $75Monday June 22 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacks, box lunchStops St Augustine: Carl Reusser’s Layout; N Scale & 3-rail O scale; Box Lunch on the bus while we travel north; First Coast Model RR Soci-ety—Large HO club layout w/ many fine scenes; Fernandina Beach—Steve Lukefhar’s 3-rail O custom-built layout & Peter Williams' 13'x28' Lionel layoutTour #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.
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
Includes: Bus transport; Not Included: Lunch, beach accessory rentals
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. Tour 4A, which was the earlier 8:30 AM departure time, has been canceled. If you had been interested in Tour 4A, please con-sider Tour 4B, which is the basic trip but at a different time on the same day.
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).
For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 41May 2020
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 ShughartJacksonville Terminal Railroad Club Lloyd LippertJohn Grisnik
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 #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.
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 #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
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
42 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org May 2020
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 ticketThis 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 $25
Tour #23—Jacksonville History & Architecture Walking Tour $25Wednesday June 24 ● Start 1:00 PM; Return 5:00 PM Includes: Professional guided tour, water/snacks
Downtown Jacksonville Historical and Architecture Walking Tour—Featuring:Presentations on Jacksonville History: “Cowford,” “Great Moss Fire,” “Civil Rights led by the Pullman Porters," etc.
ChurchesRitz Theatre
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
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
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)
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 of Tour #11. For further details, see a full description for this tour two pages earlier in this issue!
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 ticket
Clark and Ilene Vegazo’s Home—Deland ● Dr. Richard Delany Layout ●Round House South Train Shop ● Daytona Raceway Tour and Museum ● Take a walk on the Boardwalk
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 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."
For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org Nat’l Headquarters News 43May 2020
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 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. (Tour #33 continued on following page)
Ride the downtown “People Mover,” the only commercial Monorail system outside of Disney and Las Vegas
Tour the magnificent Jax Terminal StationSee Florida’s official Steam Locomotive: 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)
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 ● Jacksonville Beaches Museum & History Park ● Cy-press Village Train Layout ● Fred Gorbell ● Alan Marshall ● Ray Gabler
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 further details, please seethe description of Tour #20 on the previous page!
Tour #27—D56 Home Tours (#1 of 2) $30Thursday June 25 ● Start 8:00 AM; Return 12:00 PM Includes: Bus transport, water/snacksGary & Debbie
PowersLarry ShughartTour #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 of Tour #11. For further details, please 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
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 ● Larry & Nancy Horton ● Fred & Angie Gorbell
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.
44 Nat’l Headquarters News For the latest updates, please check www.TCAconvention.org May 2020
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
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.
EXTR
AS 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.
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
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 #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 further details, please see the descrip-tion of Tour #4 several pages 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.
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.
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.
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
