58th Mad City Model Railroad Show Attracts Over 8,500 Attendees in Madison

The 58th Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale drew over 8,500 visitors to the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall at 1919 Alliant Energy Way in Madison during its Feb. 21-22, 2026 run, filling more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. Organizers staged operating layouts, vendor tables, clinics and family activities across the venue as steady crowds moved between modular displays and vendor rows.

Exhibits spanned scales from Z and N up through HO, S, O and G, and included classic toy trains, historical exhibits and railroad videos alongside modern digital control technology and electronics. Modular model railroads were operated by clubs from Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with participating groups representing Milwaukee suburbs, Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire, Crystal Lake, Random Lake, Orland Park and Menomonie.

Vendors and merchandise were a major draw; event listings and social posts cited 300-plus vendor tables, and the show’s footprint allowed expanded vendor rows and clinic space. Trains LIVE has covered past iterations and related programming, and Trains’ past coverage noted the festival occupied 90,000 square feet for the 56th show in 2024 as a comparison to the 58th’s reported growth. Trains LIVE hosts Bob Lettenberger and Bryson Sleppy have featured the show in video and podcast formats in previous years.

Family programming included hands-on activities for kids and a Family Pack ticket option - two adults and two children ages 5-15 for $36 - underscoring the event’s emphasis on introducing young people to the hobby. Admission for adults 16 and older was $15, seniors 65 and older $14, children 5-15 $5, and children under 5 were admitted free; a special two-day pass sold for $20. Organizers reminded visitors that all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and that admission prices do not include parking. Discounted advance tickets were available through the event website.

Longtime volunteer Tom Morrison, who has been involved with the show for about 30 years and handled the show’s graphics, said of the weekend, "This has been a really, good year for us. Turnout has been excellent. Weather cooperated. We missed that storm," and added, "The hobby of model railroading continues to be pretty vibrant," reflecting strong family turnout and active club participation. A commenter identified as Mike Vivion, Past Superintendent of SCWD, noted in online discussion, "Great coverage of our show. Enjoyed meeting both of you at our show on Saturday. Hope to see you again next year."

The show continues the long-running tradition presented by the South Central Wisconsin Division of the National Model Railroad Association. For ticketing and organizer contact information, the event lists the website nmra-scwd.org/mad-city-model-railroad-show, phone 608-267-3976 and email mcgeever@charter.net.