The Great Scale Model Train Show

Our History

The original train show was held in an armory in Ellicott City, MD. In the mid-1980's, famed modeler Howard Zane had decided the time had come to provide an alternative to the shows offered locally, which were usually train and toy shows.

Howard and his partner Ken Young wanted a juried show just for exhibitors focusing on scale rail modeling or offering actual artifacts from the real railroads. Thus was born what would become the Great Scale Model Train Show of today.

After a passage of many years, Howard and Ken sought new owners to continue operating the show as they had, maybe with some "new ideas." In late 2013, after a penetrating interview, Howard chose Makin' Tracks, LLC, whose two owners (John Scott Geare and Michael Joseph Militello) operate the shows today. Howard was understandably very cagey about whom he would choose as a new owner. But when he and Geare realized they both were born within a few miles of each other (Bergen County, NJ) their conversation became more relaxed, and, eventually, the deal was done. Geare and Militello assumed operations in February of 2014.

The "Way We Roll"

We believe...that as a hosting enterprise, we should do more than just collect vendor rents and visitor admissions. We see our shows as a community.

FOR EXHIBITORS

We work to get you what you want, instead of forcing you into a "design." And we keep a stock of items that might have been forgotten or were used up, such as gaffer's tape, table covers and extension cords. These are things that other shows either don't have, or make you pay for if they do have them. We also provide large cargo carts to make move-in more convenient.

For a more complete explanation of the care we take, please see this Comprehensive Train Show Information Document.

Of course we have policies and rules to keep everything running smoothly, but we are also alert to situations which might require a little creative thinking. And in those situations, we do our utmost to find ways to say "yes," whenever possible, reasonable, and legal.

FOR VISITORS

If you have never been here before, please know that the shows are family-friendly, safe, secure, and an absolutely stunning visual experience. When you walk past the many operating layouts, you'll only need to squint a tiny bit to think you are seeing the real thing and that you are in the picture.

And if you are here as a buyer looking for bargains, you've found the right place. Show vendors know this is a competitive marketplace, and prices are accordingly. PLUS, our White Elephant Tables display hundreds of items offered by people who are eager for a sale. See more, here:

And if you are here to learn, attend our free clinics to learn more about the hobby, explained in everyday language.

WHAT OTHER
PEOPLE SAY...

The most reliable source of information about us is the opinions of people who post (good, bad, indifferent or ugly), reviews on Google. Strap yourself in, and click this Google Reviews Link.

WHAT WILL
YOU SAY...?

We do our best to get most of the important stuff right, most of the time. This is the link where you can post your HONEST review of our show.