America’s largest operating model railroad show returned to Milwaukee over the weekend. After a 2023 hiatus, Trainfest 2024 was held Nov. 23-24 at the Baird Center, located in the downtown area. The center itself was recently renovated and featured 170,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, with highlights from the show that included the following:
- Dozens of major model railroad manufacturers
- Over 50 operating model train displays in many different sizes and scales
- Over 500 tables of merchandise and organizations
- Free miniature train rides for kids behind Thomas the Tank Engine
There will be plenty more to review, including show reports on new products, attendee counts, and plans for 2025. But for now, here’s a visual of inside Trainfest 2024 as we look back on the weekend that’s more than just the trains, no matter how big or small. It’s also the people, young and old, groups and individuals, who all took part in sharing the love and excitement of the industry and hobby as it heads deeper into the 2020s and beyond.
