Southland Train Show
Dates: September 25th - 26th, 2010
Location: Richards High School, Oak Lawn IL
Web: http://www.railroadshow.com/
Audience: Family
Description: Very good train show in two large gymnasiums. There was a handful of vendors selling railroad items but this is primarily a display show.
iHobby Expo
Dates: October 21st - 24th, 2010 (Public Viewing 23rd - 24th)
Location: Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Rosemont IL
Web: http://www.ihobbyexpo.com/
Audience: Family / General Hobbyist
Description: Featuring Model Trains, RC Cars Boats and Planes, models, games and "Make n Take" for children. The show includes vendors and models on display by local clubs.
Naperville Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet (formerly Sunshine RPM)
Dates: October 21st- October 24th, 2010
Location: Holiday Inn, Naperville IL
Sponsor Web: http://www.ppw-aline.com/rpm.htm
Organization Web: http://railroadprototypemodelers.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.
Trainfest
Dates: November 13th - 14th, 2010
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.
High Wheeler Train Show
Dates: March 2011
Location: Harper College Sports Center, Algonquin & Roselle Roads, Palatine, IL
Web: http://foxvalleydivision.org/newfoxwebpagefiles/highwheeler.htm
Audience: Family
Description: Model Train show with some vendors selling railroad related items.
All American Train Show
Date: Tentative March 2011
Location: Lyons Township High School, 100 South Brainard Avenue La Grange, IL 60525-2100
Web: Unavailable
Audience: Family
Description: Good family show in a large gym with train displays only, no selling of any kind. Under publicized event but well worth attending if you are in the Chicago Area. Caters towards family fun and children of all ages.
2011 Great Model Railroads Symposium
Dates: Tentative 2011
Location: South Bend IN
Web: http://www.sjvrr.com/pmm.php
Audience: Hobbyist
Description by Jim Six: "GMRS, is all about model railroad layouts. Presentations will be about many well known and popular layouts by some of the hobby's most popular modelers. They will be more than layout features though. We will address research, concept, design, construction, and operation of layouts along with putting together credible locomotive and rolling stock rosters. You will be dazzled with how to use Photoshop to create some of the most outstanding layout backdrops you will see anywhere."
"GMRS is NOT a prototype modeler's meet, although most everything we will show you is prototype-based. This will be an opportunity to learn about great model railroads although there will be a large display of prototype models at the meet. Bring your models with you to display and to share your experiences in building them with others. We all have something to share."
