For fans of classic children's television and the enchanting world of talking trains, a rare and remarkable opportunity awaits. The Lomita Railroad Museum is currently hosting a special exhibition, "Thomas and Friends: The Britt Allcroft Collection," offering a one-of-a-kind look into the creative genius behind some of the most beloved characters in media history. This intimate display, on view now through Friday, September 12th, 2025, features a selection of artifacts from the highly anticipated online-only auction.

One of the City of Lomita’s major tourist destinations, and a center for railroad enthusiast for the last 50+ years, the charming 19th-century replica train station provides the perfect backdrop to explore genuine railroad artifacts, paired with artifacts from Miss Allcroft’s collection.

The Lomita Railroad Museum, a local treasure founded in the 1960s as a tribute to railroad history, has meticulously maintained a collection of vintage locomotives, cabooses, and a replica 19th-century depot beautifully complement the spirit of The Railway Series and the world of Sodor. The museum's dedication to preserving and sharing the rich history of rail travel makes it the ideal location to showcase the legacy of Britt Allcroft, whose work so profoundly celebrated the magic and wonder of trains. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Lomita Railroad Museum for allowing us the space to share these incredible pieces with the public ahead of the auction.

With over 200 original items from Britt Allcroft’s personal archives, chronicling her groundbreaking work on Thomas & Friends, Shining Time Station, Thomas and the Magic Railroad, and Magic Adventures of Mumfie, the exhibition provides a physical glimpse into the remarkable collection that is currently open for online bidding through September 9th.

Carefully preserved over decades, these pieces showcase the evolution of a beloved media legacy — from its early conceptual stages to the unforgettable stories and characters that captivated audiences around the globe. Highlights include early draft scripts, hand-drawn storyboards, original production photographs, personal correspondence, rare artwork, vintage toys, props, and even a prop locomotive used during filming of Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

Visitors can stand just a few feet away from the artifacts that shaped the on-screen worlds of Thomas and his friends.

Highlights on Display

An Original Prop "Lady" Locomotive: A tangible piece of cinematic history, this full-scale prop was created for the film Thomas and the Magic Railroad. Retained by Britt Allcroft herself, who also voiced the character, this model offers a fascinating look at the craftsmanship that went into bringing the magical engine to life.

Original Artwork from Thomas and the Magic Railroad: On display is the original acrylic painting of Lady, used in Peter Fonda's workshop scenes, as well as an original watercolor concept artwork that outlines the very first vision for the film, complete with hand-written notes from Allcroft.

Sir Topham Hatt Poster Prop: A fun and recognizable prop from Thomas and the Magic Railroad, this foam core board poster shows the iconic character, a piece that changed expression on screen during a memorable scene with Alec Baldwin's Mr. Conductor.

Britt Allcroft's Original Childhood "Mumfie" Doll: The very doll that inspired the creation of the Magic Adventures of Mumfie television series, this artifact tells a deeply personal story about the origins of Allcroft’s creativity.

A Thomas & Friends Production Style Guide: A must-see for collectors and historians, this original book from circa 2000 reveals the meticulous detail that went into maintaining the integrity of the brand, from character profiles and color codes to proper logo usage.

Each of these pieces offers more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. They are a testament to the passion, creativity, and foresight of Britt Allcroft, a visionary who transformed a beloved book series into a global phenomenon. For dedicated collectors, longtime fans, and new admirers of her work, this exhibition is a truly unique opportunity to connect with the physical legacy of an extraordinary creative force.

Don't miss your chance to see these artifacts in person at the Lomita Railroad Museum, 2137 W 250th St, Lomita, CA 90717. The exhibition is open until September 12th, and bidding on the full online collection closes on September 9th. We invite you to step into the world of Britt Allcroft and experience the magic for yourself.