Saturday, November 7, 2009

Trainfest 2009 - Milwaukee, WI

Time once again for Trainfest in Milwaukee.


Now in it's 38th year, Trainfest, billed as the largest model railroad show in the United States, typically hosts 20,000+ visitors each November over a two-day weekend.

200,000 square feet of displays, over 50 layouts of all shapes, sizes, scales, etc, over 130 manufacturers, distributors and retailers.


This year, Interurbans of The Fox Valley makes it's debut at Trainfest. I was tentatively set to do this last year, but work schedules interfered, the good news is that I was so irritated that it hardened my resolve that such a situation would NEVER occur again, so here we are.


Anyone who's seen the display this year, don't miss it this time. One of the commitments I've made to myself is that the display will continue to change and grow with every showing, and the current version is nearly double what the last public showing was. We will be occupying roughly a 10x16 square foot space and I promise to fill it.


For anyone that hasn't seen it yet, scroll through some of the other postings to get a flavor of what I'm talking about. I've combined my personal collection of memorabilia and railroadiana with models in O scale and 1/2" scale of the CA&E, AE&FRE, and several connecting lines, all telling the story of interurban service in the Fox Valley area.


Over and above the display, anyone interested in the CA&E and Fox River Line will have plenty to talk about these days with the Trolleyville cars already making their way back to Illinois.


Lots of pictures of Fox River 304 back on home rails for the first time in 74 years is one tease I will offer !


Assuming I'm reading the map correctly (A large leap of faith), our display will be roughly dead center up the middle of the display hall from where you enter, approximately 1/3 of the way in.
We are set to be directly across from the Glacial Garden G-Scale Railroad set-up, and across the aisle from the Milwaukee Electric Traction Club, a jury of our peers !


Trainfest is Sat and Sun, November 14, 15th, 2009
At the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, in West Allis, Wisc.
(Just immediately west of Milwaukee)
Check their website for more informatin, times, directions, and discount admission coupons.


Trainfest is presented by the WISE division of the National Model Railroad Association and the Model Railroad Industry Division HMA.
Enjoy your hobby more and join the NMRA !



Hope to see you there.

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