Archive News Story

FACTS ABOUT NEW LCCA MEMBERS FROM THE LRRC

As you can imagine we have received many questions with regard to the merger of two great toy train clubs, Lionel Railroader Club (LRRC) and the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA).  Below is a list of some of these questions with the attendant answers.  The list is not intended to be all encompassing but covers most of the important features of the merger.  If you have a question in regard to the merger which is not covered herein please contact the LCCA club secretary, Harry Hampson at hgh45@aol.com or 757-406-9636.  He will promptly address your inquiries.



1. What is the effective date of the merger?  September 1, 2014, although, some details will be implemented throughout the early fall of 2014.

2. If I am a current member of both clubs do I get a new LCCA member number?  No, you will retain your original LCCA member number.  Lionel, LLC will contact you if your membership in LRRC expires after August 2014.

3. How will member numbers be assigned to the LRRC members joining the LCCA as a part of the merger?  All members of LRRC who are becoming members of LCCA (and who are not already current members of LCCA) will receive a new LCCA member number.  The club will assign these numbers in a single sequential block and you will be notified of your member number.

4. If I am currently a member of both clubs will there be any change in status as a member of LCCA?  No, there will be no change and your LCCA membership will continue to expire at the same time as in the past.  Your member number will NOT change.

5. What if I am a lapsed member of LCCA and a current member of LRRC.  Can I get my original LCCA member number restored?  Yes, you can have your lapsed member number restored. AFTER the merger takes place and you receive your new LCCA member number you must call the LCCA business office at 1-815-223-1052 and ask to have your lapsed number restored. Your new LCCA member number will be canceled.

6. Will the LRRC web site continue to be available and will I still be able to use my LRRC password to log on?  No, the LRRC web site and all attendant passwords, etc. will no longer be available.

7. As a new member of LCCA will I get an LCCA password so I can log onto the LCCA web site?  Yes, when you receive your new LCCA member number you will also receive a password.  Using your member number and password you can log onto the LCCA web site.  When you log on for the first time you can change your password to something more meaningful to you.  Logging on to the web site is a simple process.  Go to www.lionelcollectors.org and place your member number and password in the designated spaces in the upper right hand corner of the opening page.  You will be taken to the Members Only section of the site.  Here you can make changes to your member profile, etc., access the on-line store and use E-track, the on line version of ‘Interchange Track.’

8. Will I receive an LCCA membership card?  Yes, when you receive your new member number an LCCA membership card will be mailed to your address of record.

9. Will Lionel, LLC continue to provide catalogs to me when I become a new member of LCCA?   Yes, Lionel, LLC has mailed LCCA members copies of their catalogs as a courtesy and plans to continue doing so.  They will be mailed to your address of record.

10. As a new member of LCCA will I continue to get a 10% discount on Lionel, LLC products which I purchase through the Lionel on-line store?  Yes, Lionel, LLC has committed to provide this discount to all former LRRC members AND all current members of LCCA.* *Not valid with any other promotional code nor on e-gift certificate purchases.  When you log on to the Lionel, LLC web site you will be identified by LCCA member number and the discount will apply.  This discount feature is available now for those who wish to use it.  Go to www.lionelstore.com to buy from Lionel.  *Not valid with any other promotional code nor on e-gift certificate purchases.

11. Will ‘Inside Track’ continue to be published and provided to all LCCA members?  No, the publication of ‘Inside Track’ will cease immediately.

12. As a new member of LCCA what publications will I receive?  All new LCCA members will be enrolled as RMs (Regular Members).  They will receive two hard copy editions of the LCCA’s award winning magazine, ‘The Lion Roars’ and one edition of the club’s publication ‘Interchange Track’ which allows LCCA members to advertise/buy/sell their trains among other LCCA club members.  These publications will be mailed to your address of record between October 2014 and December 31, 2014 on the regularly scheduled dates for the publication of each.

13. What happens after December 2014?  Just prior to December 31, 2014, all NEW LCCA members will be asked to decide if they wish to continue as Regular Members (RMs) of LCCA.  If you wish to continue as an RM LCCA member you can renew as an RM and receive all club benefits including hard copy publications (5 editions of ‘The Lion Roars and 4 editions of ‘Interchange Track’ annually).  The cost of a Regular Membership is $35.00 annually, OR you can elect to have an Electronic Membership (EM) and receive all club benefits with publications available via the club’s website (no hard copies will be mailed).  The cost of an EM is only $25.00. NOTE:  The only difference between the RM and the EM is the mailing of the publications.  Both memberships receive all other club benefits.  If the member is under 18, he can enroll as a Junior Member (JM) -see website for more info on the JM program.  If you do not choose to renew in the LCCA by December, 2014 your membership in LCCA will transfer to an EM for the remainder of your original LRRC membership period.  When your original LRRC membership period is over your LCCA membership as an EM will lapse.

14. What if I am under 18 years of age and a member of LRRC and not a Junior Member of LCCA?  If you are under 18 years of age when you become a new LCCA member you will be ask at December 31, 2014 to declare this fact.  At that time you will become a Junior Member of LCCA (JM) and receive all publications electronically as well as the hard copy publication “The Lion Cub.”  The cost of a Junior Membership is $25.00 annually.  Please note:  Junior Members do not have voting privileges in club elections.

15. What if I am already a Junior Member of LCCA?  There will be no change in your status when the two clubs merge.  As a Junior Member of LCCA you will retain your original LCCA club member number and all attendant benefits.  Please note:  Junior Members do not have voting privileges in club elections.

16. I have heard LCCA is raising dues, is that true?  No.  There is no plan to raise member dues.

17. Once I become a member of LCCA, can I purchase items from the LCCA store on-line?  Yes, as an RM or EM you will have full access to the LCCA on-line store.  Please note: Junior Members are not permitted access to the LCCA on-line store.





To All New LCCA members - Welcome Aboard!



Harry Hampson - Secretary

hgh45@aol.com 

757-406-9636