| Model Trains are a are hugely popular both both as a | | | | railroading and some not, are also held at nearby |
| hobby and simply as a source of entertainment. There | | | | locations. There is much to see and do and many |
| are many places where you can go to see and learn | | | | model railroaders plan their entire year around this |
| about the model railroad hobby, but some of the best | | | | week. Yes, there are some true fanatics! |
| places are model train shows. There are many model | | | | While the NMRA convention is probably the largest of |
| train shows held every month of the year. This is | | | | the model train shows, it is by no means the only one |
| where enthusiasts can gather to share their | | | | available. There are many other national and regional |
| experiences, talents, and enjoyment of this hobby with | | | | shows held throughout the year all around the world. |
| others who are equally captivated by model railroading, | | | | Little Toy Trains and Railserve are great websites that |
| whether they are actively participating or just admiring | | | | list many of the shows that are held in the U.S. You |
| the efforts of others. | | | | can find out a great many details about where and |
| One great place to start is national conventions. The | | | | when the shows are held as well as options for local |
| National Model Railroad Association holds a convention | | | | accommodations, and registrations for clinics and |
| every year in various cities across the U.S. This is a | | | | special events. Much information can also be found at |
| very large show and lasts a full week. It attracts model | | | | your local hobby shop, where you will find people who |
| railroaders from everywhere in the U.S. and around the | | | | are not only willing but anxious to tell you about their |
| world. Contests are held so that modelers can show | | | | favorite local or national get together. |
| off their talents in all aspects of model train building | | | | Another good choice for finding a model train show or |
| including both the trains themselves as well as the | | | | other model train hobby information is a locally held |
| scenery. Layouts are set up for everyone to admire, | | | | trade show. One large trade show, which is supported |
| critique, be entertained and learn from what others are | | | | by some of the model train supply manufacturers and |
| doing. Workshops are held so that people can learn | | | | the Model Railroad Industry Association, is the Worlds |
| new skills and so that people who have mastered skills | | | | Greatest Hobby on Tour. It moves to different cities |
| can pass on what they have learned to others. If you | | | | around the U.S. with the goal of introducing the general |
| haven't seen a very good model railroad layout by an | | | | public to model railroading and providing a place where |
| experienced hobbyist, you will be amazed at the | | | | people can buy, sell, trade, learn about and talk about |
| realism that can be accomplished. Some of these | | | | model railroading. Check it out if you want to learn |
| layouts are so big that special tours of them are given | | | | more about this exciting hobby. |
| so that features and methods of construction can be | | | | As you can see there are many sources of |
| pointed out. An auction is held during the week to | | | | information if you want to find model train shows. |
| connect buyers and sellers. Of course, all of the model | | | | These are very helpful events where you can meet |
| train suppliers, as well as hobby stores and local model | | | | with other railroaders, get information, buy or sell |
| train special interest groups are in attendance as well | | | | products and supplies and see what the industry and |
| so that you can buy, sell and trade anything model train | | | | other hobbyists are up to! |
| related as well. Special events, some related to model | | | | |