Bonnyville Historical Society - Lionel Train Display

Welcome to the Lionel Classic Toy Train Display

In 1997 Mr. John Borders donated his personal Lionel Toy Train collection to the The Bonnyville Historical Society. The collection includes Lionel trains, accessories and track John had received as a child between 1946 and 1960.    

Since that original donation other pieces have been donated to the collection.  We have received a few pieces of older tin plate trains and other model rail road items. The Lionel items used in our display are classic Lionel items; all items are from the 1940's through 1960's.  

The Train Room

A display room was designed for the trains and built in the main building on the Bonnyville Museum grounds.  The layout area is about 10 x 35 feet.  This is the second Lionel layout at the Bonnyville Museum, the original layout was built in a smaller 12 x 14  foot room.   The new room allows visitors a clear view of the layout through two wide windows (patio door windows turned sideways) and through the glass entry door.  This allows viewing when no volunteer is present to operate the trains.  A viewing platform was added to allow youngsters a better view of the trains.  

Donations

The Bonnyville Historical Society relies on donations and volunteer effort. All of our Lionel Train Collection and the materials used in the display have been donated or purchased with donated funds.  Anyone interested in donating to our collection is welcome to contact us or drop by the museum.

Last year the "Train Guys" were delighted to receive a Lionel Cross buck bank.  When a coin (any coin) is deposited into the slot on the post the train lights flash and the traditional warning bells ring.  This is a hit with the kids who manage to extract any coins in their parents pockets to keep the bells ringing and the lights flashing. 

This page was last updated on 01/28/07.