TTOS New Mexico Division; The First Ten Years; 1986 - 1996 by William L.   The TTOS New Mexico Division officially came into existence in 1986, but the story actually starts a year or so earlier:   It was a cold and windy day. Literally! Back in 1985 this is the way the day was as I drove through Albuquerque to get to a swap meet. Not just any swap meet, but a toy train swap meet. As I traveled I thought, no one would be there on a day like this. I was happy to learn that I was wrong as I drove up to the place. After parking the car at the Quarters Restaurant, I noticed a few tables with toy trains on them. As I wandered over a question came to mind.  Just who are these people?  At the time I knew most of the scale model railroaders in Albuquerque.  And these people weren’t any of them.  Surrounding the tables were individuals with smiles on their faces and enjoying themselves.  To make the day even better, the wind stopped and the sun shone brightly.  Then one of the strangers walked up to me. “Hi,” he said.  “My name is Mike M.  and I was wondering if you like toy trains?” “Hello,” I replied.  “I’m Bill L. and I like all kinds of trains.”  Apparently he liked my answer.  I was informed that by putting my name and address on a piece of paper I would receive a notification of a meeting to unite people who like toy trains. At this first meeting, Mike introduced himself and each person followed introducing themselves.  We were later informed about the TTOS and the Arizona, Texas and New Mexico Division.  Those attending joined both that night.  If that wasn’t enough, the idea of becoming a New Mexico only division was brought forward.  It appeared most attendees liked the idea.  But to do so we needed to get enough members to satisfy the membership requirement.  Having experience with other clubs in town, I thought it was a fat chance. Following meetings proved me wrong.  A local swap meet was held to determine the interest in the area.  It was at a city park inside a community center, which was located south of Central Avenue near Wyoming.  Before the day ended another swap meet was planned. During the summer of that year another project took off.  Construction began on the museum.  Besides trains of Lionel and American Flyer, the museum also had Marx and LGB.  Each train had its own loop of track.  But also included was an original Lionel Display Unit.  On it were two loops of track and a short straight section with bumpers at each end.  All of this was placed on the third floor of the Classic Century Square. After 1986 rolled in, more was accomplished.  For one thing, the swap meets were relocated in another park.  At the Mesa Verde Community Center, the group was happy with the place.  Inside the building the meets were held in a big room.  Besides the selling tables, small privately owned layouts were on display and operating.  Two or sometimes more layouts were placed down the middle of the room.  Another room was where the raffle and other activities were held. As 1986 was coming to an end, the best news was coming.  At a meeting, President Mike M. told the news.  As of November 14th we would be a separate club.  The New Mexico Division of the TTOS was born.  To help spread the news, the new division had baseball caps and T-shirts made.  On these was the TTOS/NMD logo. Also about this time, video and film features began to be seen at the swap meets, and how-to clinics on various aspects of toy train repair and maintenance were added. 1989 brought new excitement to the swap meets.  First, the meets were moved to the Best Western Rio Grande Inn.  Second, flyers began to be mailed to members notifying them of the upcoming events.  Third, introduction of the NMD Tinplate Trackers, a modular group each of whom built and brought their module to be assembled into an operating display at the meets.  Last was the biggest: the Christmas meet was held at the Jefferson Middle School.  Inside the school’s gymnasium were various layouts and an outstanding number of seller’s tables. Several swap meets were held in 1990, including another Christmas meet at the Jefferson Middle School.  And though it was inside the cafeteria, there was a large gathering.  Mike M. resigned as president and Tony P. was elected.  Tony had previously assisted the division as vice-president and had helped out in the early years.  He also wrote the first NMD newsletter.  The Fixed Voltage first issue came out in November 1990.  Romeo K. took over as Museum Director.  And the first swap meet in Las Cruces was the beginning of the meets in other towns. From 1991 to 1995 things settled down.  The museum was rebuilt in 1991.  Swap meets were held in Las Cruces, Roswell and Santa Fe.  The meets in Albuquerque were moved to the Holiday Inn Pyramid in 1993, then to the Albuquerque Airport in 1994.  Tinplate Trackers appeared at the Great American Train Show and at Winrock Mall. Starting in 1994 was the annual trip to the Carrie Tingley Hospital as a Christmas show.  Responsibility for the Fixed Voltage was turned over to Bruce C. in 1992, and 1993 brought another change of President as Tom L. took over.  Bill H. was treasurer from the beginning to 1995. In 1996 one of the biggest undertakings occurred; the hosting of the TTOS National Convention in August.  It was a great way to celebrate, for when November 1996 came, the NMD was ten years old.  A good time was had by all during the first ten years, and continues to this day.   Now this year, 2010 we are celebrating our 25th anniversary!