Railroad lovers travel to model train show in Grayslake

Hundreds of model railroad fans climbed aboard a traveling train show Saturday in Grayslake.

Appropriately dubbed the Great Train Show, the event at the Lake County Fairgrounds featured dozens of vendors selling miniature trains, tracks, spare parts, landscape elements and other necessities for dedicated hobbyists and newcomers alike.

Iowan Jim Gruber attended the gathering while in town visiting family. He and his son both are train hobbyists.

It's relaxing, he said.

"We kind of collect everything," Gruber said.

One vendor's table was loaded with classic electric Lionel train cars, still in their original boxes. Another seller offered toys of the much more modern Thomas the Tank Engine and his brightly colored, plastic friends.

Books about trains, T-shirts featuring train designs, puzzles and other rail-related memorabilia were available for purchase throughout the spacious hall, too.

Alex Reents of Naperville exhibited Saturday with his model train club. He made sure the group's small trains moved smoothly on tracks set up in a large square.

"We're here because we like to run trains and have a nice collection in our club," he said. "(The show) lets people actually drive a train in real life, whereas normally they wouldn't be able to."

The show continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road. Admission is $8 for adults or free for kids 11 or younger.

For more information, visit greattrainshow.com.