Two-Day Model Train Show Coming to Crown Point

lakemichiganToy and model train collectors and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy a two-day train show at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30. The show will feature all gauges of model and toy trains, with featured brands including Lionel, American Flyer (also known as S-Gauge), Marx, HO and more.

The show will be co-sponsored by a local train club, Illiana Train Club of Highland, Ind., and three national organizations: Lionel Collectors Club of America, Central Indiana Chapter of Train Collectors Association and the Toy Train Operating Society.

Joe Algozzini, one of the founding members of the Illiana Train Club, stated that this show will be the first time there will be a two-day train show in the region.

“The train shows in this area are usually one day, and they’re hosted throughout the region,” explained Algozzini. “We decided to do this show with a group of other clubs, and wanted it to be something more than a train meet where people come to buy, sell or trade trains.”

During the show, attendees will be able to see a large modular train group, who will have a 32’ by 36’ layout on display, as well as meet with exhibitors from Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.

Event planners hope the show will offer an educational opportunity for train collector experts and novices, offering information on a range of topics including information on manufacturers, creating and designing pieces such as trees and insuring collectibles.

The Lake County Fairgrounds are located at 889 S. Court St. in Crown Point. The show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. Santa Claus will also be available to meet with children from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. both days. Cost to attend the show is $5 per person, or free for those under 18.

Limited space is available for vendors. Member tables cost $15 each, and non-member tables cost $20. Interested vendors can contact Joe Algozzini at 219-922-6083.