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‘Great’ model train show lives up to its name at DuPage fairgrounds

Billed as the largest monthly event of its kind in the world, the Great Midwest Train Show lived up to its name Sunday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.

With more than 500 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts, and more for sale, as well as free giveaways to attendees and a train layout for kids to operate, the show featured something for veteran enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby.

Among the newer fans was 6-year-old Arwyn Majewski, who tried her hand at operating a train with help from her mom, Emma Monroe of Chicago.

“They don't have this opportunity everywhere,” Monroe said.

On the other end of the spectrum, longtime hobbyist Timothy Bothe of Mount Prospect was on hand checking out items to add to his HO Gauge collection.

“I love collecting and being able to get them to run,” he said.

Timothy Bothe of Mount Prospect checks out items to potentially add to his collection Sunday during the Great Midwest Train Show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
A model train runs on a display Sunday during the Great Midwest Train Show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The show featured hundreds of vendors selling model trains and accessories as well as train displays that kids could operate. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald