 |
 
Hosted By The Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis (WB&A) Chapter
|
|
|
Nestled on a beautiful waterfront, the world-famous Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD is the location of TCA’s 56th National Convention June 20-27, 2010. Baltimore is known for its history, diversity, culinary cultures, museums, and much, much more. Baltimore played important roles in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War. Baltimore has several ethnic neighborhoods, each showcasing its heritage, culture, and, especially, food. It seems as though Baltimore has a museum for every occupation—dentists, Irish railroad workers, sports heroes, and for objects such as clocks, machinery, and fire equipment.
The revitalized Inner Harbor, once abandoned warehouses and wharfs, now offers museums, shops, restaurants, an aquarium, lots of night life, and the sailing ship, U.S.S. Constellation, the last all sail warship built by the U.S. Navy, and the submarine U.S.S. Torsk, which sank the last two Japanese frigates during World War II.
Baltimore is known as the Birthplace of American Railroading. The first horse-drawn B&O Railroad train traveled 13 miles on newly-completed track on May 22, 1830. Baltimore has embraced its railroading history with many historical sites in and around the city.
Do you want
something totally different for a Welcome Party? Then plan to join
us for this first off-site Welcome Party at the Sports Legends and
Some say that Baltimore is better by water. So what better way to find out than to take an evening Harbor Dinner Cruise. We will climb aboard the newly-refurbished “Spirit of Baltimore” and the “Inner Harbor Spirit” and enjoy great food, music, and dancing.
Looking for a
hidden treasure? You might just discover it in the 700
tables/booths that will be available in the
Be sure to
visit the Ultimate Extreme Train Room exhibit at our convention
headquarters hotel—the Sheraton Baltimore City Center. Many items
on display will be scarce and shown in multiple color variations and
in like-new to mint condition. Prewar items will include a
collection of Lionel handcars in all known color variations in their
original boxes. Included in the postwar items will be many B&O
items, including the very scarce F3 freight set in the set box and
with its individual original boxes. For the modern era, you’ll see
many unique items from 1970 through current production, plus the
first and second Lionel Service Station sets in original set boxes.
Finally, you will be in awe at an exquisite collection of original
B&O china, and beautiful blown-glass Christmas ornaments in the
shape of trains.
Oh! Make sure you work up a healthy appetite for the banquet. We’re serving authentic Baltimore crab cakes (and other delicious entrees), while you enjoy dinner with TCA friends from near and far. In addition, the children’s banquet will feature a buffet of favorite foods, and a surprise guest will entertain.
TCA Convention host WB&A Chapter promises you’ve never been to a convention like this one, and looks forward to making it a memorable one for you. So, plan to join us for exciting times and camaraderie with your fellow collectors.
Tour Registration and Hotel Reservations are being accepted as of January 1, 2010.
| ||||
|
Geppi’s Entertainment Museums at Camden Station near the Inner
Harbor. You will enjoy a “food stations” dinner while you muse over
the exhibits of Babe Ruth, Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Orioles, Ravens,
and Colts, plus many others showcased in the Sports Legends Museum.
At Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, you will reminisce with Howdy Doody,
Superman, GI Joe, Annie Oakley; nostalgic toys, comics, vintage
radio clips of the 1940’s, and other collectibles—be on the lookout
for a Lionel Mickey Mouse Circus Train in its original box,
including the tents, tickets, etc. Also, bring your bucks for the
silent auction. You will not be disappointed with this Welcome
Party!
Trading Pits located in
the Baltimore Convention Center. Don’t forget to bring along some
extra luggage to take your goodies home in! UPS will also be on
site to ship home your new treasures. Also located in the Baltimore
Convention Center will be 25,000 sq. ft. of public displays that
include manufacturers’ exhibits, and seminars throughout the day, plus
five operating train layouts. 