The Kansas Central Model Railroaders will host their ninth annual train show this weekend, June 14–15, at the Pride of Kansas Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, promising two days of family-friendly entertainment, hands-on exhibits, and a vendor hall packed with model railroading treasures.
The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, offers admission for $8 per person or $15 for two attendees. Children are admitted free.
“It’s like the Toy Depot on steroids,” said Marc Buckley, owner of Hutchinson’s Toy Depot and a long-time supporter of the event. “We have everything from N scale to G gauge, and kids can even run the trains themselves using iPads — ringing bells, blowing whistles — the whole experience.”
Lonnie Demoret of the Kansas Central Model Railroaders noted that more than 125 vendors are expected, offering trains, accessories, collectibles, and hobbyist goods. “There are great bargains you won’t find anywhere else,” he said. “We have vendors from across Kansas and even Oklahoma.”
The show includes interactive train layouts, including one of the only traveling boards in the state that allows kids to control trains via touchscreen technology.
Model railroading enthusiasts of all experience levels are encouraged to attend, and Buckley emphasized that the hobby is accessible for all ages. “For kids, O gauge is easier to handle. For adults, HO is popular because you can create more detailed scenery and layouts,” he said.
Demoret shared a bit of model railroading history as well, highlighting Lionel’s evolution — including its new “Base 3” legacy system, which allows old and new trains to be operated via remote or tablet. “It’s great for younger generations who are used to Bluetooth and mobile tech,” he said.
The Kansas Central Model Railroaders club, founded in 1983, is currently seeking a permanent home for its growing membership and layout collection. The club previously operated out of various locations in Hutchinson, including the downtown area and the local mall.
Anyone interested in joining the club or learning more can visit kansascentralmodelrailroaders.org.
In conjunction with the show, Buckley’s Toy Depot is giving away a “Golden Ticket” — good for free family admission and spending money at the show. The contest runs through Thursday, with the winner announced on Friday.
For rail fans and curious families alike, the annual expo continues to offer a nostalgic and engaging weekend that blends technology, craftsmanship, and community.