Trainfest is a model railroad show that takes place annually in the Milwaukee suburb West Allis, Wisconsin. According to the show’s organizers, it is “America’s largest operating model railroad show” and markets itself to both hobbyists and young families.Trainfest
History Trainfest started in 1971 as a one-day show in a Milwaukee Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. Today, Trainfest is a two-day event sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) division of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) and takes over of the Wisconsin Exposition Center during the second weekend of November.Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Despite a faltering economy, total attendance in 2008 rose to 21,621 from 20,979 in 2007.Model Retailer
Trainfest serves as both a showcase for trends in model railroading and a place where model railroaders can connect to share ideas about their hobby. Trainfest features at least 50 operating layouts, ranging from Z to G scale, some constructed by hobbyists and some constructed commercially. Over 60 manufacturers (including industry giants such as Walthers, Athearn, Bachmann Industries, Lionel, Atlas, Kalmbach Media, Märklin, and MTH Electric Trains) and 50 hobby dealers from across the country showcase their newest products and sample layouts.On Milwaukee
Since there was no event planned in 2020, the 50th edition of Trainfest was deferred to 2021.
Currently In 2008, 12 historical groups exhibited at Trainfest, with some exhibitors featuring layouts depicting scenes from historical Wisconsin, including mining and logging, farm, and river and lake scenes.West Allis Now
In a 2008 West Allis Now feature story, executive director John Tews quoted that, “Some people think Trainfest is just a collector’s event, but it’s an event for everyone.” One of Trainfest’s stated goals is “passing along the traditional hobby of model railroading to a new generation.” The festival offers free admission to youngsters under 14 (with a coupon available on its Web site). Some exhibits are aimed toward children, such as a layout built from LEGO blocks, a kid-sized circus train replica, and interactive racing features. Trainfest has also partnered with Radio Disney to offer a live show and craft booth for the children in attendance.Baird, Laura. "Trainfest entertains the kid in all of us." Lake Country Family, October 2008. p. 16.
See also Rail transport modelling Milwaukee: City of Festivals
References
External links Trainfest Tracking America Episode 1: Trainfest National Model Railroad Association
Trainfest 2009 Official Promotion Video