The annual Greater Edmonton Model Train Show brought enthusiasts from across Alberta to the Expo Centre this weekend. The event is a weekend-long celebration of elaborate displays and layouts with family-friendly activities and vendor booths interspersed through the space. The layouts include scenery from all over western Canada. “We had to move to the Edmonton Expo Center because of lack of space at a previous venue, and now we’ve filled this entire hall,” the show’s chairman, John Koob, said. He says the appeal of miniature trains isn’t just what keeps hobbyists chugging along. “It’s sculpture and art. People might focus on trees or mountains or paintings for a backdrop. There’s a lot of different options … It’s a hobby that’s been around for decades. We have people who’ve been doing it for 40 or 50 years.” Each model, he added, is an hours-long logistical challenge as each booth carefully sets up displays. “But every year it seems to work out like magic.” Brian Mapplebeck, an Edmonton train lover who’s been attending similar events since he was 10 years old, said this year’s event is “absolutely spectacular.” He was particularly excited to see a childhood favourite of his, Thomas the Tank Engine, on display. “It’s a great idea to recreate the model versions of classic series … It’s been a wonderful adventure for a very long time.” The Greater Edmonton Model Train Show also runs on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 per adult, $5 per child aged 6-16. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch
