Modelers in the Southern part of Wisconsin tend to measure the year by train shows. In fall of course is the big one: Train Fest. Last week was the almost as big train show in Madison WI, and in April comes the rather big Titletown train show in Green Bay : http://www.ttsgbllc.com/ . These shows are all interestingly different from each other, with the main difference is that Trainfest is determined not to be a swap meet and not to encourage the sale of used stuff -- the other two do.
In between Mad City and Titletown come three shows.
The on-going, and annual, large scale train show at the Mitchell Park domes sets aside one weekend for a multi gauge train show and this coming weekend is the time: The Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Boulevard is adding a special addition to its train exhibit in the lobby area of the Domes on the weekend of February 28th and March 1st. A model railroad show with layouts from the smallest model Z scale trains to trains that are large enough to ride on will be displayed.
The train show, “LEGOLAND,” currently running in the Show Dome has been extremely popular to visitors of all ages. The show is masterfully landscaped and designed with state-of-the-art digital technology. Visitors will observe rare, collectible one-of-a-kind trains traveling around the imaginative work of local Lego model builders.
Then, a week from now will be two train shows on the same weekend.
The Metro Model RR Club's annual show in Cedarburg WI at the Circle B bowling lanes has operating layouts and what is usually a very nice swap meet. Metro Model RR Club Train Show March 8, 2009 9am to 4pm Circle B Bowling Center, Hwy 60 Cedarburg, WI.
That same weekend, Saturday and Sunday, it will be "Train Time" at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. This is not a huge show -- when they say "one of the largest shows of its kind" I am not sure what they mean, but it is decent sized and totally free, there are operating layouts, a number of vendors (including folks who cannot afford tables at Tranfest or Mad City), and MSOE's own large multi deck student layout always shows interesting progress. Food is served, and most model railroaders in Southeastern Wisconsin seem to find their way there on one day or another if not both.
This is from MSOE's PR Department:
What: 42nd Annual Society of Model Engineers Train Time
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 3-4, 2007
Where: MSOE Student Life and Campus Center, 1025 N. Broadway, First Floor
Admission: FREE
Parking: Free; lot at Broadway and Highland
Model railroad buffs, families and children will want to "make tracks" to MSOE campus March 3 and 4 for the 42nd annual Train Time, featuring operating model railroad layouts, vendors and displays. One of the largest shows of its kind, Train Time is presented by MSOE's student-run chapter of the Society of Model Engineers (S.O.M.E.).
Some past participants have included: Lionel Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee, Badgerland ‘S' Gaugers, Cream City Traction, Metropolitan Transit Association, Milwaukee Area N-Trak, The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Transit Historical Society, Milwaukee Light Engineering Society, Milwaukee ‘N' Southeastern Ltd., National Railroad Historical Society, Stadelmann Engineering, The Wisconsin Electric Railway Historical Society, The MSOE Alumni Modular, Operation Lifesaver, World's Greatest Hobby and Kalmbach Publishing .
MSOE's student-run Society of Model Engineers promotes the practical application of engineering and technology through the design, construction and operation of a large HO-scale model railroads. Members are involved in railroad history and research, construction methods, electrical systems and computer design.
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Current plans are to take in The Domes this Saturday, then Train Time on the following Saturday, the Metro Model RR Club event that Sunday, and then head back to Train Time for the cheap hotdog lunch. I hope to see some of you at these shows.
Dave Nelson