23rd Annual Northwest Arkansas Model Train Show Returns to Springdale Depot

Crowds packed Springdale-area halls for the 23rd annual Northwest Arkansas model train show, a two-day event that spotlighted operating layouts, vendors, LEGO train exhibits and photo displays while raising money for local charities and youth rail education.

The event ran Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, with show hours listed by event organizers as 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Sources used both Springdale Convention Center and Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 1500 S 48th St, Springdale, AR 72764, when listing the venue; the J. Reilly McCarren Transportation Museum served as the host organization and used the Springdale Train Depot as its base of operations at 305 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR 72764. Admission for the show was $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children 5 and under.

Exhibits included multiple operating model-train layouts and vendor tables selling rolling stock, scenery items, and accessories, alongside family-friendly LEGO train builds and a dedicated photo gallery. The museum and its volunteers framed the weekend as both a community celebration of railroading and a fundraiser: “The J. Reilly Transportation Museum is a non-profit 501c3. All work is done by volunteers. The museum operates events to raise money for the museum and local charities including: Arkansas Childrens Hospital NWA, Childrens Advocacy Center, Snack for Kids.”

The show tied into evening rail programming on Jan. 31 with the Pizza Train Express, a 6:30 p.m. departure from the Emma Street station that offered attendees a themed passenger ride after the convention hours. Organizers reminded riders to arrive early: “Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the departure time. This will give you time to park, pick up your tickets, and use the restroom before boarding. You can also browse our gift shop while you wait to board!” Advance ticket purchase was recommended to guarantee a seat on excursions.

The weekend also underscored the museum’s educational mission: proceeds from the show support local charities and help send a student to the National Railroad Historical Society’s Rail Camp program. Sugar Creek Model Railroad and Historical Society, Arkansas & Missouri Railroad and the NMRA were among the groups that listed or supported the event on regional calendars.

For practical details, contact the J. Reilly McCarren Transportation Museum at 305 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR, or by phone at (479) 725-4017. Expect hands-on layouts, vendor bargains, LEGO creativity and a chance to support local kids and preservation efforts. As the museum and volunteers tally receipts from this year’s show, planning for next year’s layouts and charity projects starts now, and modelers and families looking to stay involved can watch for upcoming excursion and museum event announcements.