Minnesota Garden Railway Society

Minnesota Garden Railway SocietyMinnesota Garden Railway SocietyMinnesota Garden Railway Society

Minnesota Garden Railway Society

Minnesota Garden Railway SocietyMinnesota Garden Railway SocietyMinnesota Garden Railway Society
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    • Home
    • IN THE LOOP
    • Photo Gallery
    • Public Events
    • Links
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • IN THE LOOP
  • Photo Gallery
  • Public Events
  • Links
  • Contact Us

Public Events

Some Model Train Clubs own traveling modular displays they take to events to showcase their hobby.  MGRS does not own such a display, however we DO have a very dedicated team of members who volunteer time & their own equipment to operate a functioning G Scale layout for the duration of the events you see highlighted here. 


Members are welcomed to join this Team at MGRS.  The motivation for doing these Events is not only to recruit new members, but the primary function is informing people about the world of G Scale trains. 


  For each venue the layout changes- depending on size, the number of loops run from 2 to as many as 8 running trains at one time.  Scenery is always changed up and usually set for the holiday or season.  Volunteers always on hand to answer questions and demonstrate what it takes to run inside and or outside with trains this size.

THE GREAT TRAIN SHOW - Shakopee, MN

This National Traveling Train Show tours all across America and stops in Shakopee, Minnesota, at the Canterbury Downs facility, October 28 and 29 in 2023.  Well attended with vendors and layouts.  This particular photo highlights a wooden double helix built by MGRS member Jim Shaver of Mound, MN used in 2021.

CENTURY COLLEGE TRAIN SHOW - Maplewood, MN

Due to space limitations, and basically a swap meet for modelers, this show allows one layout to be featured during the one day show.  This is our only show that is elevated and place on tabletops, with dimensions 9x32 feet, a challenge for sure, but very doable.  Next year's shows are Feb. 3 & Apr. 6,  2024.

RANDOLPH RAILROAD DAYS - Randolph, MN

 Randolph, MN is a small town about 25 miles south of the Twin Cities with much railroad history.  The K-12 school gymnasiums are filled in October with vendors and model train layouts.  Profits from this show go to the new train history museum fund they opened in 2023.  Scheduled over the teachers convention weekend, MEA.

 

TCMRM TRAIN SHOW - St. Paul, MN

This fundraiser supports the Twin City Model Railroad Museum of St. Paul, MN and is an All Scale Vendor & Layout one day show held in the Education Building on the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.  Occurs twice a year, in May  and September.

 

DAKOTA COUNTY FAIR - Farmington, MN

This County Fair runs for 7 days straight and MGRS is given a whole building to fill with trains from 10am-10pm each day of the fair.  This is our largest layout, with 8 running trains going at all times, plus several other gauge modular layouts running in the building as well during the Fair.  Occurring the second full week in August.

WEST WISCONSIN TRAIN SHOW - Eau Claire, WI

The West Wisconsin  Railroad  Club sponsors an All Scale train show every year in the Eau Claire Sports Center.   The purpose of the show is to have fun sharing the hobby with everyone. Held mid October every year.

SCOTT COUNTY FAIR - Jordan, MN

Scott County Fairgrounds are in Jordan, MN and host a five day fair at the end of July every year.  MGRS premiered there in 2022, ran in 2023,  and will be back in 2024 with a huge floor display in the same building; dates are the last Thursday thru Sunday in July

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE - Farmington, MN

New in 2022, MGRS member Don Bolt created a G Scale Christmas layout in the historic library building of the Dakota Village.  Open the first two weekends of December, many people toured this building and more for their Christmas celebrating the heritage of the region.  2023 dates are December 2&3 and 9&10.


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