All aboard for model train show

Choo, choo, everybody get on board for the World's Greatest Hobby on Tour!

Watch the Topeka, Santa Fe and Chattanooga head out of the station at the model train show at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center. More than 250 industry manufacturers and retailers, including Lionel and Walthers, will meet at the Thoreau/Meacham junction.

"They will have elaborate displays and company representatives will be there," said Randy Bachmann, the event's promoter. "People will be able to talk to them about products they'd like to see come out, or the ones they like."

Included in the 50,000 square feet of train heaven are operating model railroads. Bachmann said the circus-themed layouts are always a favorite. Also of interest may be one set up from scratch, not board attached. There's even a LEGO town.

"Adults can operate some of the displays, but kids can't. So the Thomas the Tank Engine playground is always a crowd-pleaser for some hands-on fun," Bachmann said.

Something unique to the affair will be presentations throughout the day by Michael Broggie, author of the book, "Walt Disney's Railroad Story." Seminars and demonstrations also are scheduled through out the day, including one on weathering equipment by Paul Gehrett of the Prairie Scale Model Railroaders Club.

"Weathering can be done by using chalk, alcohol, rust-colored paints and sandpaper, which is later sprayed with a sealer. It's a relatively easy technique to learn," said club member Don Betker. "A lot of people do it because they want their layout to look as natural as possible because they are trying to duplicate real life only on a smaller scale."

Besides its kickoff in Illinois, this show's whistle stops only in California, Virginia, Kansas City and ends in June in Kentucky. The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour, which is expected to draw 20,000 to 30,000 attendees during its two-day run, will not be back this way for at least five years. So if you're a train enthusiast, you'd better head on down to the station.

If you go

What: World's Greatest Hobby on Tour

Where: Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $10 (good for both days), free for children 16 and younger

Call: (630) 279-5094 or www.wghshow.com.