About HTOS

The Houston Tinplate Operators Society (HTOS), is an organization of O gauge train modelers whose principal interests range from true tinplate (pre & postwar) to near-scale 3-rail operation. Our club was founded in 1988 by a group of people who wanted to have fun running Lionel and compatible trains. HTOS is dedicated to promoting research of 3-rail O gauge trains and fostering the education of people in the field of model railroading.

Club officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer) are elected from current dues paying members by the membership for one year terms. Elections are held at our Annual Main business meeting, usually on the third Tuesday of January. Several committees are available for members to join that help shape different aspects of our club.

We have a set of Bylaws on file. All members receive a copy upon joining our organization. Most rules set forth in the bylaws cover club organization, membership rights, and general conduct of the membership. In case of conflict with the information presented on this website, the offical copy of the bylaws, on file with the club, overrides any information presented here.

Membership is on a family basis, however, we encourage family members, aged sixteen (16) and over, to seek their own membership. Spouses and children of members are welcome and encouraged to participate in our organization. We like to promote a fun and family oriented atmosphere where all feel welcome. Membership rights and policies are outlined in our bylaws.

As of June 1st, 2026, we are no longer located at or affiliated with Memorial City mall. We are currently seeking and pursuing leads for spaces where the club can meet and be available to the public. Short business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. Regular weekly lunches are held at various Houston area restaurant locations. We have regular scheduled annual events monthly every September through June. We encourage you to stop by and visit us. If you have an old train, bring it along.

Additional HTOS Information

• To The Tracks - Virtual tour of the layouts and the old club facility.
  
• Gallery - Photos of club members, places and events.
  
• Size Matters - Everything you need to know about gauges, scales, and other train trivia.
  
• Special Events - Schedule a birthday party, scouting trip or other group outing with HTOS.
  

Contact Information:

Houston Tinplate Operators Society
C/O David Fronick
4023 Sand Myrtle Dr
Houston, Texas 77059

E-Mail: htostrains@gmail.com
Web: www.trainweb.org/htos

Many HTOS members also belong to regional or national toy train and modeling organizations. Membership in any of these other organizations is not a requirement of HTOS membership, however, their monthly newsletters and flyers can be a great aid in learning more about model railroading. Among the many available organizations are:

• Train Collectors Association (TCA)
  The focus of TCA centers around the hobby of collecting and operating model trains and the history of their production.
  
• Toy Train Operating Society (TTOS)
  An organization for promoting the running and operating of trains, rather than just letting them collect dust.
  
• National Model Railroader Association (NMRA)
  An organization whose members run the gamut of model railroading scales.
  
• Lionel Operating Train Society (LOTS)
  Members of LOTS operate and collect trains from yesteryear and today.
  
• Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA)
  Members of the LCCA are folks from all walks of life who love to operate and collect model trains from all eras.
  

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