LCCA 2011 Holiday Season in New York with Lionel
The Lionel Collectors Club of America was in New York City again during the past 2011 holiday season. Lionel trains and the traditions of the holiday season go hand in hand. This past year, Lionel had operating layouts on display at Grand Central Terminal, Santa Land at Macy's Department store and at FAO Schwartz.
The impressive Lionel layout on display at Grand Central Terminal was designed and built by TW Design of Dallas Texas. Lionel continues to spread the magic of Lionel trains during the busy and exciting holiday season by having these layouts on display. These layouts introduced an entire new generation of kids to the magic of Lionel trains. They also re-acquaint people who grew up playing with Lionel trains, but have gone away from the hobby. Young and old visitors alike from all over the world all stopped and took in the sights and sounds of an operating Lionel train layout.
The LCCA was in the city with Lionel to as part of LCCA President Dennis DeVito's plan to reach out and touch 2000 LCCA members in this business year cycle. We started off the Holiday season with a two day open house and Holiday Season Train Show special event at the NJ Hi-Railers clubhouse in Patterson NJ. Members and guests had an opportunity to experience the massive and impressive 165' long layout. Lionel licensed artist and LCCA member Angela Trotta Thomas was there demonstrating her new Lionel train art. Lionel's Director of Marketing Jenna Egan and her family were in attendance representing Lionel. A special appearance by Santa Clause was the highlight of this two day event. The NJ Hi-Railers and the LCCA members sure know how to have fun! A big thanks goes out to Ben Fioriello, Marty Horning, Bernie Callen, Chef Vinnie and the entire NJ Hi-railers for hosting this fun event.
While in the city, we also had an opportunity to meet with Lionel's CEO Jerry Calabrese. Please go to our "Video Gallery" section of our website for additional videos of our interview with Jerry Calabrese. We know you will find it to be very interesting, informative and entertaining.