Mad City Model Railroad Show

press release: The 53rd annual Mad City Model Railroad Show and Sale will soon happen in Madison. It is one of the nation’s most wide-ranging model train shows - drawing close to 10,000 attendees and is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16, 2020 at the Alliant Energy Center, Exhibition Hall. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

Visitors to the Mad City Model Railroad Show and Sale will enjoy over 90,000 square feet of railroad mania including exquisitely detailed and operating model railroad layouts in Z, N, HO, S, O and G-scales. Plus, there are classic toy trains, historical exhibits and railroad videos.

This will be an exciting, fun-filled family event, especially for kids, where they get a chance to help build a giant wooden train layout or to run a model train.  Children can also take a ride on a circus train carrousel or ride for free on a large indoor train. Guests can register for door prizes that will be awarded hourly. Plus, a total of four train sets will be given away each day.

Shoppers can browse over 300 tables of model train and rail-related merchandise, including tools, railroad collectibles, videos, models, books, clothing and artwork. There will also be a company store for the sponsoring organization, SCWD (South Central Wisconsin Division) of the National Model Railroad Association, offering previously-owned model trains, structures, track and scenery supplies.

Model railroading is a fun hobby with much to offer. Electric trains are animated and come in a variety of sizes from very small to large heavy-haulers. Many hobbyists take their trains and put them in an environment that recreates life, structures and landscapes in miniature.

People who create great model railroads find that they have been absorbing a number of related interests: from history, industry, geology, electronics, art and architecture to name a few.  

The train show is a great family entertainment value. Tickets for adults (16 and older) are $12, seniors (65 and older) are $11, and children ages 5-15, $6. Children under the age of 5 are admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased at selected hobby shops throughout Wisconsin. For train fanatics, a special 2-day pass can be purchased for $16. and Family Pack special includes two adults and two children (ages 5-15) for $32. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission prices do not include parking. New this year. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased online at www.nmra-scwd.org .

Visit the train show website of the South Central Wisconsin Division of the National Model Railroad Association at www.nmra-scwd.org for more information and discounted online ticket sales.