Peoria Train Fair Returns to Illinois Central College with Model Displays

Train lovers from across the region packed Illinois Central College's East Peoria campus as the Peoria Train Fair returned on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, filling the gym with detailed operating layouts and a marketplace of hobby wares. Organizers said the event featured more than 100 tables and 43 vendors offering models, parts, and railroad memorabilia.

Several operating layouts drew sustained attention, with Pekin’s River City Model Railroad Club supplying multiple running displays and volunteers serving as operating engineers. 25News Now reported that operating engineers returned to the fair, giving attendees a firsthand look at what’s possible in model railroading, and the River City club’s layouts were a focal point for visitors of all ages.

Families and kids gravitated to the popular Run a Train activity, where children took turns as engineers on a small layout. WCBU listed the event as running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with admission at $3 for adults and free entry for kids 12 and under when accompanied by an adult; refreshments were available for purchase during the full-day show.

Vendors covered a wide range of scales and collectibles, with tables highlighting new and used items in Lionel, G, O, HO, N and Z scales. WCBU’s event listing noted offerings that included DVDs, videos, books, photos, model railroad parts and supplies, plus real railroad memorabilia such as hats, shirts, patches and pins, giving longtime hobbyists and newcomers plenty to browse.

Train fair coordinator Don MacGregor characterized the turnout as proof the hobby remains healthy, saying, "People who think model railroading is going away, they're wrong." MacGregor put the Peoria fair in local perspective, adding, "This is just what I would call it. This is a little show, and there are some like Trainfest in Milwaukee that attract thousands of people."

Organizers reported that this year’s fair was their busiest yet and said proceeds support local clubs and outreach. WCBU described all proceeds as supporting local model railroad clubs and their efforts to promote the hobby, while 25News Now specifically noted that proceeds supported the River City Model Railroad Club in Pekin.

Looking ahead, organizers announced the next Peoria Train Fair is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, providing a target date for hobbyists and vendors who want to show layouts or set up tables at the fall event.