257 North D Street, Porterville, CA 93257 Phone: 559-784-2053
Displaying and preserving local history one relic at a time
New Candyland Theme for 2024
See Willy Wonka Train!
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2024 Candyland Train Video
N-gauge Model Railroad
"Village of Pine Tar
Recap of Annual Model Train Show 2022
Our New Layouts and Kid-Friendly Model Train Accessories Table
(The "Button Center!")
Brought Excitement & Joy to Visitors of all ages at the 2022 Toy & Train Show!
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Photos & Videos from Prior Years
Kendall's Toy Train History & Porterville Museum Video
Great Holiday Fun For the Whole Family!
More than 38 Years in the Making
BEST Toy Train Show in Tulare County
The Story of the Trains
The Museum is housed in the former passenger terminal of the Southern Pacific Railroad, so it's only fitting that we honor our history by displaying model trains once each year. The idea of running toy trains at the Museum goes back to the early 1980's when the "Underwater Train Society" erected the first display with operating layouts. Those early toy train pioneers have long since passed the torch to others, but their vision and efforts are remembered.
In recent years, Dr. Don Stover, mixing equal doses of grit and generosity, has kept the torch lit. Under his leadership, and with help from the Central California Model Railroad and Historical Society (https://www.ccmrhs.org), Museum board members and community volunteers, the Model Train Show has grown into the premier display of operating toy trains in all of Tulare County and beyond.
With new additions to the display every year, whether you are a first time visitor or a repeat toy train rail-fan, the Model Train Show is sure to delight. All aboard!
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