For some of us, the tiny worlds that are built around model trains brings us back to our childhoods. The creative universes on display in Mannheim this weekend, were sights to behold. From large dioramas of city-scapes with the most minute details (including apple orchards complete with ladders) to larger G-scale displays, they had everything that hobbyists could want and need.
Layouts o' plenty!
People came from far and wide to show off their train sets. We cannot imagine the work it took just to get these large displays to the show. But model train people are of a different sort! They are more than happy to discuss trains with you, tell you how they built their layouts and why they love it.
People came from as far away as Holland (we saw the cars in the parking lot!) as well as other parts of Germany. There were young parents with toddlers, middle-aged men talking excitedly about railroad enthusiasm and even some teenagers.
Everybody was there to enjoy the trains and maybe pick up some new miniature rolling stock!
They had everything you need to build your own tiny world in whichever scale you deem appropriate. They had working steam engines, tiny waterfalls, and LED lighting kits for every occasion!
This old west themed set was for sale in O-guage and completely automated. We were tempted to ask for the price but it could be assumed that a loan would be necessary. Not to mention it would not have fit in the car!
If you are thinking about starting your own train set, then this place had everything to get you started. From kits to shape mountains and plant tiny trees to miniature people in every conceivable configuration.
The big brands like LGB and Märklin had their own displays at the show. On display were their newest treasures. Beautifully hand-crafted engines with no details left out were running about the layouts. They even sold pasta in the shape of steam locomotives!
So if you want to hit up this show next year, keep your calendar open for early March and check out our website for updates. Maybe we will see you there!
