Our next Annual Gateway Division NMRA Model Train Meet and Model & Photo Contest will be held November 11, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, with home layout tours in the evening.
We are at a new location this year: VFW Post 5691, 1234 Vandalia, Collinsville, IL 62234.
Admission: $8 per adult.
Children under 12 free (with adult).
The Gateway Division Model Train Meet and Train Show features presentations on model railroading, swap tables, model and photo contests, and home train layout tours.
Vendor Area at the 2011 St. Louis Train Show
- Bring your model railroading questions – we’ll give you the answers!
- Bring your models to enter in the contests.
- Bring your model railroad or prototype train photos to enter in the photo contests.
- Mini presentations on the hour and half-hour: scales, track, and scenery.
- Special hands-on activities for children (big children too!).
- Special grand prize drawings. Lots of door prizes.
- Browse the swap tables for that model you’re looking for.
- Go on self-guided tours of local model railroad layouts in the evening.
- Vote for your favorite models and photos.
- See small and modular layouts on display.
- A lunch vendor will be on-site for when you get hungry.
Attend Model Railroading Presentations, Talk Trains
Viewing Entries in the Model Contest Room
Help yourself to coffee and donuts (for as long as they last), look over what’s being offered at the swap tables, check to see if you’ve won a door prize, take your pride-and-joy model to the contest room, and settle down in one of the presentation rooms and learn something new.
Usually, a presentation runs from 45 minutes to an hour long and may allow time for questions. Model railroaders love to share their experience with others through demonstrations, slides, samples, and even hands-on/try-it-yourself presentations. This “how to” aspect is one of the best ways to learn about the many facets of modeling. Presentations on present-day railroads, as well as long-gone and merged railroads, provide background on how the real railroads do things, from operations to laying track and building stations to the kinds of equipment and freight or passenger service to be found. They help the modeler to build and operate a more realistic railroad.
Model Railroad Layouts on Display
Children Watching Lionel Trains at the St. Louis Train Show
Throughout the Fall Meet, a variety of small and modular model railroads will be on display. Compare the different sizes of model trains, ask questions, enjoy seeing different approaches to model railroading.
Modular layouts combine a number of small elements to create a larger layout.
Home Layout Tours
Four members of the Gateway Division will open their homes to tours on Saturday afternoon and evening, beginning around 4 pm. Directions (maps) and information about these layouts will be provided with admission to the Train Show.
More Ways to Win in the Model Contest
2011 Model Contest Video
In an effort to increase participation in Gateway Fall Meet Model and Photo Contest and to give you more chances at receiving an award; the Gateway Division’s Fall Meet Contest has adopted the NMRA National rules, with Scratchbuilt and Kitbashed categories and Peoples Choice (Popular Vote) Judged with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards, Merit Judged with Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention for those scoring merit (87.5 points), but not placing, and Model Showcase (Display), no awards, just show and explain your work. We request those entering Merit Judged to complete the forms in advance.
Save the date and plan to attend this great event!
Swap tables (30″x8 ft.) may be reserved for $20 each.
VFW Post 5691, 1234 Vandalia, Collinsville, IL 62234
Please check this website to get details on other planned Division model railroad activities and events.
