The National Toy Train Library

The National Toy Train Library (NTTL) is the repository of extensive material about the toy train industry’s rich history—an excellent resource for Train Collectors Association (TCA) members and general researchers alike. The National Toy Train Museum and Library are located at the headquarters of the Train Collectors Association in Strasburg, PA. Our librarian is available to assist you during our regular hours but please call ahead before visiting the library. Or, browse our online catalog today!

2022 Featured Library Exhibit

Ward Kimball’s Legacy to TCA

This year’s exhibit examines Ward Kimball’s contributions to the Train Collectors Association. Kimball, an academy award winning Disney animator, had a life long fascination with trains, which eventually led him to join TCA. Kimball was one of TCA’s charter members having joined the Association prior to the date of TCA’s incorporation, March 17, 1957. His influence and involvement in the Association extended well beyond his term as TCA’s National President (1974-1975), he authored 19 articles and designed 22 covers for the Train Collectors Quarterly magazine and added his creative, artistic touch to many of TCA’s most recognizable landmarks and symbols.

What’s In the Library?

Our library houses a unique collection of information on the history and characteristics of toy trains in the United States and elsewhere. We are a research library and do not lend materials. This means we safeguard a cultural and commercial heritage of toy trains and the significant industry that produced them—though we are always happy to share our resources and knowledge with our visitors!

It’s More Than Just Books About Toy Trains

We have over 500,000 items, ranging from popular publications such as Classic Toy Trains magazine to catalogs and related paper, instruction sheets, advertisements, photographs, and more. We seek to document and preserve the story not just of nostalgia but of historical development of toy trains.

Our files on American and World manufacturers as well as our extensive book collection trace the history of toy and model trains from the 1800s to the present.  (The National Toy Train Library also maintains copies of price guides for a number of popular manufacturers; however, we cannot provide appraisals or evaluations.)

To acquire and preserve paper and ephemera relating to toy trains, to guarantee its current and future use; and to provide open access to the collection for research and studies.

Our Mission

Visit Us!

The National Toy Train Museum and Library are located at the headquarters of the Train Collectors Association in Strasburg, PA. Our librarian is available to assist you, but please call ahead to make an appointment to visit the library. We invite all toy and model train enthusiasts – including kids – to stop in and see what we have to offer. Please see the National Toy Train Museum’s yearly calendar for their open hours and seasonal schedule.

Attention Researchers: We encourage you to call ahead to make an appointment to set up a research consultation meeting with the library. (717) 687-8623 ext. 108

And don’t forget to follow the National Toy Train Library on Facebook!

Have a Question?

Ask the Library

The National Toy Train Library is overseen by a librarian and a committee of volunteers, who specialize in toy trains from various manufacturers and time periods. The Library is always happy to assist researchers and TCA members both in the physical library and with questions submitted online.

Call (717) 687-8623 ext. 108 or email with questions.