More than 300 tables of model trains, parts and accessories will fill three buildings at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton on Sunday, Nov. 1.
The Great Midwest Train Show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2015 Manchester Road. The fairgrounds' event listing describes it as the nation's largest monthly model train show, one that has been running for more than 50 years. The show takes place every month except July.
More than 100 exhibitors from across the country are expected, according to the show's organizer, Greenberg Shows. Dealers and collectors will sell new and used trains, accessories and parts inside the three buildings. Outdoor sellers will also set up, weather permitting.
Kids get in free
Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Adult admission is $7 online or $8 at the door, cash only.
The show is built for families. Kids can operate model trains at hands-on stations, ride a free train, and test-run their own trains on a free test track. Operating model train displays will be set up throughout the buildings. Exhibitors will also lead educational workshops for children and adults, Patch reported.
Event organizers told Patch that collectors will have a chance to pick up rare trains and other hard-to-find items alongside the standard inventory.
More model train events in Wheaton
Fans looking for more can visit the DuPage County Historical Museum, which hosts free Train Saturdays on the third and fifth Saturday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The DuPage Society of Model Engineers operates an HO Scale layout there covering more than 2,000 feet of track. The layout highlights scenes from DuPage County history.
If you go
- What: Great Midwest Train Show
- When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton
- Cost: $7 online, $8 at the door (cash only). Kids 11 and under free with adult.
- Info: (630) 668-6636
