Model trains chug into Portland

All aboard for trip to Expo Center as weekend trade, public show draws enthusiasts from across the nation

A fascination for youth, nostalgia for many adults, and celebration of aura and power for everybody — who doesn’t love model trains?

Enthusiasts from around the city, region and country will gather in Portland this week for the National Model Train Show, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 28 through 30, at the Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive.

The show is part of the national convention of the National Model Railroad Association, a combined trade and public train show to promote the hobby of model railroading.

There’ll be massive model train displays in 50,000 square feet of the 180,000 square feet of Expo Center space, vendors, collectibles and accessories, hands-on-demonstrations, experts and local clubs, as well as a collectible appraiser. It’s the largest gathering of enthusiasts in North America.

The Incredible Lego Mini-Land will be 2,500 square feet dedicated to the creation of a dynamic designed display with model railroads, hundreds of train cars, landscapes and waterfalls, scale buildings, retractable bridges and more, all made from Lego pieces. Modelers will be on site to answer questions.

There’ll also be a chaperoned children’s play area with trains, games and more.

The National Model Train Show is hosted by a different city each year.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14 ($13, 65 and older), $26 for two-day pass, and $7 for youth (6-12 years old).

For info: www.NationalTrainShow.com.