Great Train Show rolling into Wichita

The Great Train Show will make a stop in Wichita this weekend to offer train enthusiasts of all ages two full days of workshops, displays and plenty of family fun. The national traveling train show will be at Century II from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Bill Grove has been a show manager for the past 27 years and travels across the country to present about 30 to 40 shows annually. Grove says the show has come to Wichita for 15 years, and he enjoys the positive reception from the community.

“For being in our smaller market, Wichita has turned into a really great show over the past few years,” he says. Grove says about 2,000-2,500 people attended last year.

The show caters to all types of fans with operating model railroads, train dealers, collectors, interactive exhibits, workshops and kid-friendly entertainment. Grove says that avid train modelers and collectors enjoy the show just as much as families.

“That’s the great thing about the hobby – there’s something for everyone,” Grove says.

A riding train that runs non-stop on a 50-foot track and plenty of Thomas the Train vendors will keep the kids happy. Collectors, and “rail fans” will be able to visit with vendors and dealers from across the country who sell model train sets, DVDs, books, t-shirts, train gifts, hobby tools and other collectible items and souvenirs. Grove says the show is a great place to get an appraisal and receive offers from dealers if someone is interested in selling an old toy train.

Free workshops throughout the weekend offer the opportunity to gain skills in railway modeling. Participants can visit with experts and apply what they’ve learned to their model train layout at home. Grove says these model train workshops are often the most popular; teaching guests skills such as how to build scenery, or how to use “weathering,” a technique to give model trains a more realistic look with graffiti, or salt stains.

Other workshop topics often include bench work, which is the plywood structure a model train sits on, and Digital Command Control, which allows enthusiasts to operate their model train railways digitally.

Local train museums and clubs will also take part in the show. The Wichita Toy Train Club will feature two model train displays including a S Gauge and O Gauge layout. Wichita Toy Train Club president, Shari Shockey, says these interactive model train displays are very popular with children. She says the enjoyment she sees from families watching the model trains is worth the work and time it takes to set up for the show.

“When you see a child walk up to the display and the look on their face; it’s well worth it,” Shockey says.

The Wichita Toy Train Club Museum will also be open this weekend, giving families an opportunity to make a day of train-related activities.

Grove says the show can offer families and train enthusiasts great entertainment on a cold, winter day.

“Model railroading is such a great winter hobby,” Grove says. “You can build and design your layout in your own basement.”

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 7:56 PM with the headline "Great Train Show rolling into Wichita."