2026 great lakes large scale train expo & midwest garden railroad gathering

[Andrew_Fitch]

The Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo and Midwest Garden Railroad Gathering have come together for 2026 to create a bigger, more dynamic experience for everyone in the large‑scale railroading community. This partnership brings the best of both worlds into one coordinated event—combining the depth and camaraderie of the Gathering with the energy and excitement of the Expo.

By joining forces, we’re able to offer:

• A full Five days of activities, giving attendees more reasons to travel and stay.
• A seamless experience where Gathering registrants automatically enjoy full access to the Expo without needing a separate ticket.
• More value for vendors, exhibitors, and attendees, thanks to increased foot traffic, broader programming, and a unified promotional effort.
• A stronger regional event that highlights every corner of the hobby—from hands‑on clinics and private layout tours to shopping, displays, and demonstrations.
• A welcoming, community‑focused environment where newcomers, families, and longtime hobbyists can all find something to enjoy.

Bringing the Expo and Gathering together allows us to celebrate the hobby on a larger scale, support our vendors and hosts more effectively, and create a memorable experience that reflects the passion and creativity of our community.

2026 is shaping up to be something truly special—and we’re excited because it’s going to be GREAT seeing everyone Gathered there!

Friday Wednesday May 13 to Sunday May 17! (May 15 & Saturday May 16, 2026 will be Expo Days Open to General Public)

[Andrew_Fitch]

Less than 60 days till the 2026 Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo & Midwest Garden Railroad Gathering taking place in Girard Ohio!

Updates on:

Gathering Registration Deadline (March 31, 2026)

Updated List of Vendors, Exhibitors & Clubs

Clinics & Presentations

Kids and Family Activities

Special Hotel Rates (Expiring Soon)

Modeling Contest Registration

White Elephant Table Registration

Shrunk 3D Preregistration Discount

Hourly Door Prizes

Show Car Preorders (Only 18 Left To Preorder)

Expo & Gathering Shirts

March 2026 Updates Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo and Midwest Garden...

[Cliff_Jennings]

Linda and I attended the show, which involved a 4.5 hour drive from Maryland. It was so worth it.

The layout tours were excellent and inspirational (we visited 7), and the ride-on train clubs in Medina and Kirtland OH were fantastic.

The show was great: LOTS of vendors and clubs, and most importantly, attendees. All the amenities listed by Andrew, and others (such as the glossy-print 36-page official program they handed out), were all top-notch.

I’m afraid I didn’t take much in the way of photos, sorry…

We came away with a starter LGB train set, and two add-on track packages, for our grandson. Also a bunch of mini plants (Linda) and tools (moi).

Just got home an hour ago, and wanted to share a bit. We had a blast.

Thanks Andrew, Nico, and everyone for a great vacation.
Cliff

PS, we did the Corner Field Model Train Museum (O-scale, indoors, and massive) and Rhonda’s Emerald Diner, both listed in the program as extra things one might wish to do, and both were excellent.

[JRad (Jon Radder)]

Thanks for the report Cliff. Although we are closer than you, We decided it just wasn’t in the budget this year with a quick trip back to CT to celebrate both nieces: the youngest graduating college and the oldest having a baby shower. Then the main event, a month or two on the road ending up in Denver to camp with the grand kids.

I’m encouraged that the turnout was good. That probably ensures a repeat next year that I will try and make.

[naptowneng (Jerry Bohlander)]

I went to the show via my camper with 2 other couples and as Cliffy said, it was very good. Especially liked the Youngstown Steel Heritage Museum, less a museum then a playground for guys who love trains and steel making. They have a 2 ft gauge RR with a live steam tank engine from a steel mill, lots of small utility cars, a few switchers and a massive stationary steam engine, fun. The Ace hardware store was also one of a kind, featuring hardware and 2 box cars filled with O gauge and a second floor for gauge 1 trains. Wow.
The O gauge CornerField indoor layout was mind blowing, huge and super detailed. What a treat.
The expo itself, while smaller then the legendary ECLSTS at York in days gone by, was packed with vendors and lots of attendees, especially on Friday. The D&R RR from Dennis Rayon is amazing, a whole world on wheels in an old pop up camper. One of a kind.
And there were multiple layouts, including one for live steam, so i took my USRA 0-6-0 live steamer with WM coal cars, and had a great time running. And a banquet at the restored B&O RR station in Youngstown.

It is about 6 hours from Maryland, but we made a trip of it, stopping at Ohio state parks and touring around befor the show. Recommended.

Jerry

[JRad (Jon Radder)]

Great post Jerry. Where did you camp? Sounds like I need to do this next year. I do plan on visiting the Youngstown Steel Heritage Museum on the way home from our west this summer.

[naptowneng (Jerry Bohlander)]

Thanks, Jon- We camped at an Ohio State Park, Mosquite Lake SP campground, it was about 20 minutes north, easy ride. Bring your bass boat, supposed to be great fishing.

Jerry

[JRad (Jon Radder)]

We just spent 3 nights on Raystown lake in a Corps of Engineers campground. Lots of fish jumping! No boat any more.