March
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High Wheeler Train Show
Dates: March, Shows this year are cancelled due to construction at the venue.
Location: Harper College Sports Center, Algonquin & Roselle Roads, Palatine, IL
Web: http://www.highwheelertrainshow.com/
Audience: Family
Description: Family oriented Model Train show with some vendors selling railroad related items.
All American Train Show
Date: March 24th, 2018
Location: Lyons Township High School, 100 South Brainard Avenue La Grange, IL 60525-2100
Web: http://www.mwr-nmra.org/divisions/dupage/dupageindex.htm
2018 Train Show Flyer
http://www.mwr-nmra.org/divisions/dupage/aars2018flyer.pdf
Audience: Family
Description: Good family show in a large gym with train displays only, no selling of any kind. The event is well worth attending if you are in the Chicago Area. The show caters towards family fun and children of all ages. This show is run by the NMRA DuPage Division, please see the link above for more information about the show and recent division activities.
October
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RPM Chicagoland
Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) Conference Chicagoland
Dates: October 18-20, 2018
Location: Lisle, IL
Organization Web: http://rpmconference.com/
Audience: Hobbyist / Prototype Modeler
Description: A model show for serious railroaders where in-depth sessions focus on accurately modeling prototype aspects of railroading. The event is for adults who enjoy modeling railroad equipment with exacting detail. Sessions cover historical aspects of railroading with elements on how to build a accurate model reflecting the prototype. The focus is primarily steam transition era modeling however some modeling techniques can be applied to any era. Registration and entry payment can be done on-site for the event.
Formerly known as: Naperville Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet, Naperville RPM, Sunshine RPM
Southland Train Show
Dates: October 13th – 14th, 2018
Location: Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn, IL.
Web: http://www.hlrperformingarts.com/railroad-show.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Southlandtrainshow/
Audience: Family
Description: Very good train show in two large gymnasiums. Historically there are a handful of vendors selling railroad items but this is primarily a display show.
November
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Trainfest
Dates: November 10th – 11th, 2018
Location: Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park • Milwaukee (West Allis, WI)
Web: http://www.trainfest.com/
Audience: Family
Description: The best train show in the Midwest with many train layouts on display and vendors selling railroad and hobby items. The focus is trains of all scales. This show is worth the drive to Milwaukee for the day as it is two to three times bigger than the local shows in Chicago.