SIGN IN PLEASE
By M. Stella

Somewhere in the Lionel Modern Era some collector first thought it would be a "collectable idea" to have Lionel rolling stock autographed by various toy train folks thereby adding to the collectability and value of otherwise quite common pieces.

I remember a few decades ago that someone got Johnny Cash to autograph the boxcar with his picture on it and then sold it as a club fundraiser. Former Lionel owner Richard Kughn has signed a number of cars including boxcars and tank cars and even locomotives. I guess when you own the company your autograph on a Lionel piece increases its value.

One of the nicest Lionel people around today and one of the most recognized is Lenny Dean. Lenny has autographed countless Lionel cars, most with a "Lenny the Lion" theme.

As a fundraiser for the upcoming TCA 2003 National Convention in Ontario, California, I ask Lenny Dean to sign just a few more Lenny the Lion Hi-Cube Boxcars with the added notation of "TCA 2003 Convention." As a special added bonus they come sitting on a piece of track mounted in a protective plastic case. One of these special 2003 TCA cars will be available at the opening welcoming party silent auction.

BUT OF SPECIAL NOTE to all TCA members that cannot attend our California 49er Convention is the opportunity to bid for an exact car on EBAY that will close at approximately the same time as the party auction.

As an ADDED BONUS to those attending the annual banquet there will be another autographed Lenny the Lion boxcar for the always fun filled LIVE AUCTION and ANOTHER EBAY CAR set to close at the same time.

This will be everyone's chance to add a great car signed by a great Lionel personality to his or her collection. I hope many of you will log onto EBAY and bid Bid BID.