Trainfest (Milwaukee)

Trainfest started in 1971 as a one-day show in a Milwaukee Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. Despite a faltering economy, total attendance in 2008 rose to 21,621 from 20,979 in 2007. Trainfest serves as both a showcase for trends in model railroading and a place where model railroaders can connect to share ideas about their hobby. Trainfest features at least 50 operating layouts, ranging from Z to G scale, some constructed by hobbyists and some constructed commercially. Over 60 manufacturers (including industry giants such as Walthers, Athearn, Bachmann Industries, Lionel, Atlas, Kalmbach Media, Märklin, and MTH Electric Trains) and 50 hobby dealers from across the country showcase their newest products and sample layouts. Since there was no event planned in 2020, the 50th edition of Trainfest was deferred to 2021. ==Currently==

In 2008, 12 historical groups exhibited at Trainfest, with some exhibitors featuring layouts depicting scenes from historical Wisconsin, including mining and logging, farm, and river and lake scenes. In a 2008 West Allis Now feature story, executive director John Tews quoted that, “Some people think Trainfest is just a collector’s event, but it’s an event for everyone.” ==See also==