Great Midwest Train Show

We took my train-​obsessed toddler son here this weekend, not really knowing what to expect. It turns out this event is really more for train-​obsessed adults, and there were plenty. The average age of the attendees was about 65 and almost exclusively male. All five buildings are crammed full of collectors items and train memorabilia. It is really crowded and difficult to navigate with a toddler. That being said, there were several booths set up with motorized model trains that my son loved watching. We ended up staying for an hour, most of which was spent at three different booths watching the trains whiz around the tracks. My son loved it, and it was certainly an experience for us to observe the train-​collecting culture. I think when my son is a little older, perhaps in a few years, he will enjoy this even more.

This is a wonderful train show for modelers and collectors of all levels — from professional to hobby. Spread across five buildings on the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, the monthly (except July) show has roughly 175 vendors using 500 some tables to set up displays and presentations of railroad models, freight cars and engines, track layouts, artifacts, and memorabilia. The equipment displayed is of all scales and gauges, and includes steam and diesel. Some vendors have books and other materials, but always related to railroads, trains, and modeling. The show runs from 9:30 am to 3 pm on show days. Hundreds of people attend this show, and that is why it has been in operation since 1972. It has lasted because it is well organized for both vendors and attendees. Try it some Sunday.

This is the monthly model railroading show held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. It’s $ 7 to get in, but you can print a coupon by clicking on this link (
) and save a buck.
The show is pretty good, with lots of dealers selling lots of different model railroad stuff — all gauges are represented, although it appears to be mostly Lionel and HO. There are 5 buildings, but the quality seems to go down as you move from the main building out to the others… Plenty of negotiating on price going on here, but don’t be surprised if you get nowhere trying to knock down a price — some of these guys appear more than happy to take the stuff back home to the garage and wait for another day.
There is some food for sale here, but something about the general sell of moldy cardboard boxes kind of made me think more of my grandparent’s basement than it did a nice hot dog…
TIP: Get here early for the best selection and parking. Get here late for the best prices.