Founded in 1971, RCAI promotes fellowship and scholarship among collectors of the artifacts of railroad history. Many specialize in a particular type of artifact such as locks and keys, dining car china, timetables, or hardware. Others concentrate on particular railroads or the roads that served a particular region. All enjoy the rich and colorful history of railroading and strive to preserve this great legacy through conserving the artifacts that represent it. Currently RCAI has around 800 members.