2026 NMRA National Train Show

[NEMMRRC]

Somehow, the Z Scale layouts got left out of the main exposition hall and were relegated to a dark spot outside in the hallway of the convention center. Oftentimes the convention hall is not large enough or some glitch happens. Nevertheless, the Z Scale layouts were just as impressive as the others in the main convention hall.

Here are some photos of those Z Scale layouts.

[NEMMRRC]

More Z Scale.









I was really impressed by this Z Scale layout built on the top of a wooden toolbox. It was built by the super nice lady seated by it. She explained to me about the kerfuffle with the Z Scale layouts not getting placed inside the convention hall. It turns out she built several of the Z Scale layouts on display. She was a delight.
 

[NEMMRRC]

Here is the last of the Z Scale modular layouts on display a the 2026 NMRA National Train Show.



















There were more Z Scale layouts but they belonged to manufacturers or vendors and those were in the convention hall. I think I have a few samples of those. I might get to them later.

[NEMMRRC]

There were 2 Lego Scale layouts at the 2026 NMRA National Train Show. Needless to say, there were plenty of small kids very interested in these layouts. There were also plenty of large kids just as interested 

Ever since I joined the hobby back in the early 1990's I've heard the hobby is dying and you people are not interested in it. Perhaps this Lego Scale is the new Lionel and American Flyer that drew in so many of the old crusty modelers in the hobby today.

Here are some photos of one of the two Lego Scale layouts along with a short YouTube video for those that have not seen Lego Scale in action.

By the way, I first saw Lego Scale at the NMRA National Train Show in Philadelphia back in 2006.

































Here is the short video I made of this Lego Scale layout. 

[NEMMRRC]

Here is the second Lego Scale layout that was set up at the 2026 NMRA National Train Show. This one was not as big but it was still as colorful as the other one. I overheard the lady in the black and red shirt (I believe she was with the layout crew) that it took them 8 hours to set up the layout in the convention hall. There is a lot of work that goes into getting these layouts ready and on display for the show goers. I don't even know if the show helps defer some of their costs. I guess they do it for the love of the hobby.

[Rick]

Jaime, I've been enjoying your pictures.
I can't imagine modeling in N scale let alone Z.
Amazing how much detail those Z scalers do.
It would be great if the Lego trains attract more modelers.

[Zephyrus52246]

My grandson started with the Brio trains, then the Legos, and now he has an N scale one.  Hopefully a lot of these kids do the same.  Enjoying the pics, thanks for sharing them. 

Jeff

[deemery]

A Lego Shay!  Wow!  (Over at MRH Forums, there's a photo of a RCDU running on a Lego train, that's the Rivet Counter Detection Unit.)

dave

[Jerry]

Great pictures Jaime thanks for sharing with us.

Jerry

[NEMMRRC]

A Lego Shay!  Wow!  (Over at MRH Forums, there's a photo of a RCDU running on a Lego train, that's the Rivet Counter Detection Unit.)

dave

I bought a "lego" Shay. It actually runs, albeit much much much faster than any Shay ever ran. It's bluetooth remote controlled from the controller included with the Shay or from an app running on your mobile device. I'll have to make a photo of it. The wheels actually turn due to the steam engine turning the gears like a real Shay. I got it off Amazon for less than a run of the mill HO engine. Here is a link to it:

"lego" Shay you can buy on Amazon

It is not actual Lego brand or it would cost the same as a new kit from Sierra West    There are actually multiple "lego" steam and diesel locomotive manufacturers. They even have a Big Boy.

[jbvb]

Jaime, I've been to a number of National Train Shows with the HUB Division's modular layout. Bringing a layout gets exhibitors free admission to the Train Show, but that's the same terms as most other US shows. We pay to register for the convention itself.

 I know at least some of the train shows in UK and Europe pay at least some of their non-commercial exhibitors, but I've never read how much.

[NEMMRRC]

Jaime, I've been to a number of National Train Shows with the HUB Division's modular layout. Bringing a layout gets exhibitors free admission to the Train Show, but that's the same terms as most other US shows. We pay to register for the convention itself.

 I know at least some of the train shows in UK and Europe pay at least some of their non-commercial exhibitors, but I've never read how much.

I cannot recall if it was Armherst, Timonium or the Great American Train Show that paid modular layouts a small "honorarium" for setting up their layouts.

I appreciate all the layouts on display at every show I've attended. I don't always post photos of every layout even though I give everyone a look. You never know what new ideas you can pick up from others' work.

I recall when the Sundance Central set up at the first Hickory, NC National Narrow Gauge Convention they had to rent more than one moving truck to get the layout there. They must have had deep pockets.

[deemery]

Jaime, I've been to a number of National Train Shows with the HUB Division's modular layout. Bringing a layout gets exhibitors free admission to the Train Show, but that's the same terms as most other US shows. We pay to register for the convention itself.

 I know at least some of the train shows in UK and Europe pay at least some of their non-commercial exhibitors, but I've never read how much.

I cannot recall if it was Armherst, Timonium or the Great American Train Show that paid modular layouts a small "honorarium" for setting up their layouts.

I appreciate all the layouts on display at every show I've attended. I don't always post photos of every layout even though I give everyone a look. You never know what new ideas you can pick up from others' work.

I recall when the Sundance Central seat up at the first Hickory, NC National Narrow Gauge Convention they had to rent more than one moving truck to get the layout there. They must have had deep pockets.

Seeing the Sundance Central was definitely an experience!  And as I recall, they did have 'deep pockets' (something to do with PODS moving and storage, if I remember correctly.)  It's such a shame the museum that contained that and several other iconic model railroads ("Muskrat Ramble", which was also at Hickory), later closed.

dave