GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Hobbyists from around the state came to show off some work at the 20th annual Titletown Train Show.
The show is at the KI Convention Center from April 17 through April 18. You can attend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
This year, masks and social distancing are encouraged as you walk through and look at the displays.
Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $1 for children ages 6-12; and children 5 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
“It started when i was three years old and my grandfather got me my first train set and for him it started when he was a kid,” said John Zimmer with Kenosha Lego Layouts.
Zimmer says it took over 10 hours to set up his Lego model railroad set — but he has the help of his family.
‘Myself, my grandfather, my grandmother, my mom, and two uncles. They all really have come to enjoy it,” said Zimmer.
‘I believe I was three years old with my first train set,” says Shawn Hoppert with the Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers Railroad club.
“It was actually something that was out on the porch and it could go on to figure eights and I could sit on it,” said Hoppert.
Hoppert says building model railroads helps keep his dad’s memory alive.
“Go to rummage sales and stuff looking for deals and someone who passed away who had their grandfather’s collection or something we’d buy some stuff out of it,” said Hoppert.
He adds, “I think I would happily come here even with the masks and get to enjoy the hobby that I’ve grown up with as a child.”
Last year the Titletown Train Show was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Director, Todd Bushmaker says its great to see people back.
“Our vendors and exhibitors have been itching to get out for the first show in a year,” said Bushmaker, “An event for everyone whether they are a serious modeler or just a casual train fan.”
Bushmaker says he makes the show family friendly so more people can find interest in the hobby.
