 |
Press Release
|
For Immediate Release TRAINFEST® 2009, America’s Largest Operating Model Milwaukee, WI, (November 20, 2009)… Trainfest maintains its position as America’s Largest Operating Model Railroad Show again this year, drawing more than 21,000 attendees. In fact, 2009 Trainfest attracted more adults than it has in the last decade with this year’s adult attendance increasing 6.5%. (Attendance numbers do not reflect the nearly 1,900 exhibitors who participated in the show.) In concert with strong attendance, retailers experienced increased sales, this in spite of a very challenging economy. Trainfest was held at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov.15. 2009 was the second year of hosting the private exclusive Friday Product Showcase event, where avid enthusiasts with a special purchased ticket could meet in a quieter area surrounded by exhibitors, distributors and retailers. Again, Trainfest scored a success with the 38% increase in Friday Product Showcase ticket sales. Indicators are that this preview private event will continue to grow. According to Richard Ramskugler, “This was the first time we attended the Product Showcase, and we enjoyed it tremendously. We were able to talk to the dealers in a more relaxed and less congested atmosphere, which was great. We were also able to view their products, ask questions AND they had the time to devote to us. We are looking forward to it next year.” The Friday Product Showcase had appeal from coast-to-coast with hobby dealers from California to Florida and Georgia, and as far away as Tokyo, Japan and Frankfort, Germany. There were many
opportunities to see new products from more than 60 manufacturers who participated. Friday Product Showcase ticket holders also receive a train “grab bag” with randomly selected gifts along with train sets and locomotive door prizes. Sponsors included Athearn/Horizon Hobbies, Accurail, Broadway Limited, DCC Systems, Kalmbach Publishing, Marklin, Micro-Trains, M.T.H. Electric Trains, Model Rectifier Corp., NCE/North Coast Engineering and Wm. K. Walthers. Again this year, Trainfest was home to many manufacturer’s clinics and exhibitor demonstrations, a few more than in 2008. “Attendance at the clinics was up roughly 75% and includes both those held in the second floor conference rooms, as well as on the show floor,” said John Tews, Trainfest Executive Director. Considering youth attendance was down slightly from 2008, it was not apparent on the show floor. Radio Disney was on-site with two 90-minute programs on Sunday that were extremely well attended with many parents commenting this was their first time to Trainfest. More than 900 children participated in make-and-take crafts, and the line for the Disney prize wheel seemed to snake on endlessly over the three hour program. In addition to Radio Disney, the Blau Pewaukee Road LEGO® Layout attracted well over 500 kids to their “Build and Play LEGO Brick Area”. The circus train ride for kids had continuous movement throughout the show with more families purchasing train hats and whistles. Tews stated, “I’m pleased to maintain the record attendance position set last year considering the current economic climate and I really enjoyed hearing retailers had either strong sales or increased sales.” Trainfest, a 38 year tradition, is America’s largest operating model railroad show under one roof. The annual two-day event attracts train hobbyists and families who come to see over 50 operating layouts from Z to G scale, 70 manufacturers, 60 hobby dealers, 12 historical groups, artists and photography displays and on-site demonstrations, including locomotive testing. Trainfest, a non-profit organization, is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc. of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). Adult admission $12 (online coupon available), Kids (4-14) $2 or download a kid’s free coupon at www.trainfest.com, kids 3& under are free. For show information, visit trainfest.com or call 262-820-3566. # # #
For Immediate Release Model Railroad Fun for Families at Trainfest® - Milwaukee, WI, (May 21, 2009)…Trainfest®, America’s largest operating model railroad show, will be held at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov.15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More than 50 detailed, operating model railroad displays and scenic reproductions will be featured. In addition, 70 manufacturers, 60 hobby dealers and 12 historical groups are anticipated to fill over 200,000 square feet of display area. Trainfest is about passing along the traditional hobby of model railroading to a new generation. Kids will discover a railroad built entirely from LEGO® blocks. They can ride a kid-sized circus train replica. Several exhibitors bring model railroads designed to let kids operate the trains. Shiny brass and copper steam trains of all sizes will captivate kids. Radio Disney will set up a craft booth with a take-home activity, and hold two events on Sunday, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Children can race two trains against each other on a track set up in the shape of a dog bone. Manufacturers and vendors will bring everything from starter train sets to miniature cars and buildings perfect for first time layouts. “Trainfest is a show where families can enjoy a fun-filled day together and feel a part of something very unique,” said John H. Tews, executive director of Trainfest. “The sheer number of layouts we have at Trainfest makes our show special, but it's the craftsmanship and creativity poured into making these layouts that is truly spectacular.” Last year, Trainfest attracted more than 21,000 attendees from across the country. The show included over 160 exhibitors from as far away as Oregon, Texas, California, Florida, Vermont, Maine, North Carolina, and New York to showcase their operating model railroad layouts and miniature scenic reproductions. Some layouts depict Wisconsin tourist highlights, including farm scenes, lake cottages and river trips. Amazingly accurate mining and logging scenes are recreated in miniature, so kids of all ages can learn about a bygone era. “Trainfest has something for everyone, activities for kids, dozens of scenic layouts, great deals on train products, demonstrations, how-to clinics and more,” said Tews. “Our goal for the show is to grow the hobby and create a place for those passionate about model railroading to build lasting relationships. Bottom line, people come to Trainfest to have fun and lots of it.” Trainfest will feature operating layouts from Z to G scale. Manufacturers will showcase the most popular trends in model railroading. Model railroad leaders including Walthers, Athearn, Bachmann, Marklin, Lionel, Atlas, Kalmbach and MTH Electric Trains will bring the latest in new products. The exhibit hall will be filled with several new, scenery – embellished layouts. Model railroad experts will demonstrate how to create landscapes. Trainfest, a 38 year tradition, is America’s largest operating model railroad show under one roof. The annual two-day event attracts train hobbyists and families who come to see over 50 operating layouts from Z to G scale, 70 manufacturers, 60 hobby dealers, 12 historical groups, artists and photography displays and on-site demonstrations, including locomotive testing. Trainfest, a non-profit organization, is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc. of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). Adult admission $12 (online coupon available), Kids (4-14) $2 or download a kid’s free coupon at www.trainfest.com, kids 3 & under are free. For show information, visit trainfest.com or call 262-820-3566. # # #
|
 |
 |
|
