Hello Vendors, Exhibitors, and Attendees!

With only 19 days to go the Countdown is on for the Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo!

Hold on to your seats because we have BIG updates for everyone! The biggest update of all is WE'VE DONE IT! We have successfully expanded to fill the entire Metroplex Expo Center. We've had such overwhelming interest from Vendors, Exhibitors and Clubs we needed every last inch of the facility. Heck, we even needed some of the parking lot as well but you'll have to read on to hear about that!

In this newsletter update:

Expo Floor Plan

Expo Schedule

Go Big & Go To The Expo!

Hourly Door Prizes!

Special Daily Prize Drawing Just For Kids!

Clinics & Presentations

Hopper Topper Challenge

How to send Morse Code

Hand On The Throttle

Large Scale Live Switching Puzzle

Youth Clinics

Purchase Your Tickets Online Now For A Special Deal

Get Your Official Expo Shirts!

Pre-Register For A Discount On Getting Yourself Scanned/Printed In 3D!

Updated Vendors/Exhibitors/Clubs List

Last Call For Vendors/Exhibitors! (Available Space Is Just About Gone)

Modeling Contest Registration

White Elephant Registration

Food and Refreshments

General Expo Info

Be sure to check out our past newsletters for more updates you may have missed!

(If this is your first time receiving our newsletter make sure you scroll down to the "General Expo Info" section)

Check Out The Expo Floor Plan!

🛠️ Expo Schedule

Friday May 9

9:30 AM Early Admission Online Tickets

10:00 AM Admission Onsite Tickets

11:00 AM All Entries For Modeling Contest Must Be Turned In

11:00 AM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Good Enough: Simple Landscape Concepts for Garden Railroads, Frank Dunbar Lakeshore Garden Railway Club

12:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

1:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

2:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM Conductivity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Maximize It (David Bergmann, Split Jaw Products

3:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

3:00 PM Hopper Topper Challenge Winner Announcement

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Youth Flat Car Clinic

3:30 PM Just For Kids Prize Drawing

4:00 PM Doors Closed

Saturday May 10

9:30 AM Early Admission Online Tickets

10:00 AM Admission Onsite Tickets

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Modular Layouts: The Basics of Construction and Setup, Nico Corbo 4 Track RR

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Youth Flat Car Clinic

11:00 AM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Good Enough: Simple Landscape Concepts for Garden Railroads, Frank Dunbar Lakeshore Garden Railway Club

12:00 PM Modeling Contest Voting Ends

12:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Youth Flat Car Clinic

1:00 PM Modeling Contest Winners Announced

1:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Getting the Maximum Life from your Boiler: The best ways to design, operate, and maintain boilers. Marty Knox Ridge Locomotive Works

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Youth Building Clinic

2:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

3:00 PM Hopper Topper Challenge Winner Announcement

3:00 PM Hourly Door Prize Drawing

3:30 PM Just For Kids Prize Drawing

4:00 PM Doors Closed

Go BIG & Go To The Expo!

We've all heard the expression "Go BIG or go home". That just doesn't sound right so with the help of ACCU-TIE we're saying "GO Big & Go To The EXPO!"

What could that mean? Is it something exciting? Is it something BIG? Well, it's all that and so MUCH MORE! Not only will you see 7.5" Gauge trains at the Expo but you'll also be able to see them in operation! ACCU-TIE will be setting up their large portable track along with some of their equipment to make this all possible. There's no better way to appreciate the size of 7.5" Gauge than by seeing it in action!

Hourly Door Prizes!

What can we say other than WOW!!!!

The support we have received in the form of donations for our hourly door prizes has just been AMAZING! We've received so much great stuff there will be at least 3 items given every hour from 11am to 3pm both days!

The best part? You don't have to do anything additional for a chance to win something! Every paying adult automatically gets an entry into the drawing for the days they attend. Plus, if buy your admission online in advance you'll get twice the chances to win something!

One catch though, you (or someone acting on your behalf) must be there if your ticket gets drawn with your ticket stub or it will go to the next person drawn.

Below are all the door prizes we have received so far.

Special Daily Prize Drawing Just For Kids!

That's right, JUST for kids! We have two G gauge starter sets to give away this year and we thought what better way is there to foster a youth's interest in the hobby than to give two lucky children their very own G gauge starter set! 

So, how will this whole thing work? Each adult entering the Expo will receive a ticket for every child 12 or younger accompanying them—free of charge, just like the regular door prize ticket the paying adult receives. Be sure the kids hold onto their tickets, as the special giveaway will take place at 3:30 PM on both days. You must be present with the ticket to claim your prize!

We hope these starter sets will find their way into the hands of two lucky children, igniting a lifelong passion for Large Scale Trains!

Clinics / Presentations

We have multiple great clinics and presentations lined up for everyone this year! Look them over and decide if you want to attend one, several or all of them!

Dr. Frank Dunbar from the Lakeshore Garden Railway Club

🚂🌿"Good Enough: Simple Landscape Concepts for Garden Railroads"

Struggling with how to landscape your garden railroad? Not sure what materials to use, plants to buy, or scenes to create? This is your workshop!

Dr. Dunbar has a garden railroad, but also was, for many years, a landscape architect. He has modified and applied concepts that he used in that profession to the miniature landscapes we attempt to create as a part of our garden railroad empires.

In this workshop he will share some of his thoughts on materials to consider, ones to avoid, as well as some specifics on plant material choices and pruning techniques. In addition, some time will be spent on the creation of scenery that is good enough to convey the message without going overboard.

Bring your questions and enjoy talking about the garden part of large scale railroading.

Marty Knox from Ridge Locomotive Works

🚂🔥"Getting the Maximum Life from your Boiler"

For those passionate about large-scale and ride on trains, a well-maintained boiler is the heart of smooth operation. That's why Marty Knox, an industry expert and owner of Ridge Locomotive Works, is conducting a specialized clinic: **"Getting the Maximum Life from Your Boiler."** This session is designed for the enthusiasts who want to optimize the performance, longevity, and efficiency of their boilers.

During this clinic, Marty will share his wealth of experience on the **best design practices, operational techniques, and essential maintenance strategies** to ensure your boiler runs at peak condition for years to come. Whether you're working with an older steam locomotive or a modern steam one, you'll gain practical insights to **reduce wear and tear, maximize heat efficiency, and enhance overall safety.**

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss common boiler issues, and get expert recommendations tailored to their specific setups. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting to explore steam locomotives, this clinic promises valuable knowledge that will keep your locomotive running strong.

David Bergmann from Split Jaw

🚂⚡"Conductivity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Maximize It"

For large-scale railway enthusiasts, maintaining reliable track conductivity is essential for seamless operation. This educational session is designed to deepen your understanding of how electrical conductivity impacts the performance of large-scale trains/tracks and how to optimize it for trouble-free operation.

During this clinic, David will guide participants through the different types of metal used in track construction, discussing how their conductivity varies and what factors influence electrical efficiency. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how material choice affects power distribution, locomotive performance, and long-term durability.

Most importantly, attendees will learn practical techniques to enhance conductivity—from maintenance best practices to installation methods that reduce electrical resistance and improve overall reliability. Whether you’re building a new layout or troubleshooting an existing one, David’s expertise will help you achieve the highest level of conductivity and minimize operational disruptions.

This is a must-attend clinic for anyone looking to optimize their railway system and ensure smooth, reliable performance for years to come.

Nico Corbo from 4 Track RR

🚂🔧"Modular Layouts: The Basics of Construction and Setup"

If you're looking to build a **G gauge modular layout**, understanding the fundamentals of **construction, planning, and setup** is key to ensuring a trouble-free experience.

In this session, Nico will cover everything from **initial layout planning to full implementation**, offering insight into **common techniques** that help make modular layouts **versatile, durable, and easy to transport or expand**. He’ll break down the **challenges you may encounter** during the construction process and provide **practical solutions** to avoid pitfalls before they become major issues.  

Beyond the basics, attendees will also learn how to **optimize modular layouts for smooth operation**, ensuring consistent connectivity, stability, and alignment between sections. Whether you’re new to modular track systems or looking to refine your existing setup, this clinic is designed to give you the tools and knowledge needed to **build a layout that runs reliably and efficiently**.

Hopper Topper Challenge

Try your hand at loading hoppers with an RC Excavator! A fun challenge for kids and adults to see how quickly you can load the cars to maximum weight within the time limit!

Each day at 3:00 PM the person with the best time/weight will win a special prize!

How to send Morse Code

Stop at the Mahoning Valley Railroad Heritage Associations table and learn wow to send and receive Morse Code with a real telegraph key!

Hand On The Throttle

Just for the kids! Stop by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroads display and learn all about their railroad! As a bonus the kids will get to learn how to operate a G gauge locomotive and even receive their own certificate!

🧩Large Scale Live Switching Puzzle

Fun for the young and young at heart, challenge yourself with our live switching puzzle layout! Test your skills and see if you can successfully navigate the  tracks to get your cars to their destinations! See how this little switching puzzle made a BIG impact last year by reading the following article HERE

Youth Clinics

Why should the adults have all the fun? That's right, the kids deserve to have fun and play with trains too! LOL.

The youth clinics put on by Making Trains Fun are for children between the ages of 7 and 16. The children will be given a USA Trains flat car to build a load for the Train clinic. For the building clinic, the children will be given a wood building made out of cedar to paint and create a diorama. Once the children complete the flat car, they can take them over to the Lakeshore Garden Railway Clubs modular layout to have their flatcar run on the track. The children can take both the flat car and/or building home with them.

A parent or adult family member is required to remain with each child while they are working on the flatcar or building and selecting items to be used.

There is no cost for the children to participate, but a donation to Making Trains Fun is appreciated to help support future youth clinics.    

The goal of Making Trains Fun is for the children and their parent or adult family member to have a fun experience via an activity they can enjoy together.  The youth can learn about railroading and build new skills and confidence with G-scale trains while applying their imagination and creativity.  

The children can sign up for a clinic upon coming to the show where they will be given a wrist band for the clinic.   The clinics are on a first come, first serve basis until the clinics are filled. There will be 40 flat cars and 20 buildings available for the clinics.

🎟️Purchase Your Tickets Online Now For A Special Deal

Purchase Your Tickets Online Now! Purchase your tickets early to enjoy these exclusive perks:

Advance Entry: Breeze past the ticket line with our fast pass entry.

Early Entry: Start exploring the Expo at 9:30 AM, half an hour early.

Increased Chances to Win Door Prizes: Double your luck with two hourly door prize tickets! Those buying at the door will only get one.

Special Prize Drawing: Be among the first 100 to purchase and gain entry into an exclusive prize draw.

Show Shirt Discount: Save $2 on your show shirt purchase.

Please note: Tickets available at the door will be cash only.

👕Get Your Official Expo Shirts!

No, not really LOL! You can however pre-order your very own Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo Show Shirt! Not too quickly now, don't forget to buy your admission online to get your $2 off discount code and other perks first!

👫Pre-Register For A Discount On Getting Yourself Scanned/Printed In 3D!

Want a unique souvenir from the expo? Shrunk3D will be onsite doing 3D scans! This amazing technology captures every detail and creates a miniature version of you in full color. If you've ever wanted a miniature version of yourself to put in the cab of your locomotive (or any other place for that matter) be sure to register now to lock in special show pricing!

Get a 3D scan and a color 3D print of yourself starting at $70 with additional prints of the same scan for only $40! Price is for up to a 3″ tall figure (Larger sizes available at an additional cost) plus tax and shipping.

🌟Updated Vendors/Exhibitors/Clubs List

We're excited to announce our fantastic lineup of vendors/exhibitors and clubs has grown even more! With everyone that will be in attendance you will be able to see new products/services showcased, see operating G Gauge layouts/displays and buy large scale trains/accessories from G to 7.5" gauge ride on trains. There's going to be something for everyone at the show!

Did we forget to mention you'll be able to see 7.5" Gauge trains in operation too? That's RIGHT, thanks to ACCU-TIE it's going to happen! They'll be setting up a track at the EXPO because there's no better way to appreciate the size of 7.5" Gauge than by seeing it in action!

Below is the Vendors/Exhibitors/Clubs list as of 4/19/25. To check for updates to this list always be sure to check our website HERE.

4 Track RR
ACCU-TIE
Allen Nickels
B&B Hobby Supplies
Barry McNew
Beacon Hill Trains
Big Train Operators Club
Bill Kovacs
Brian James
Central Ohio Area Live Steamers “COALS”
Canfield Train and Toy
Columbus Garden Railway Society (Operating G Gauge Layout)
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Operating G Gauge Layout)
Dakman Productions
Despatch Railroad Products
Ed Halo
G Scale Junction
Gene’s Integrated Engine and Sound
Hopper Topper Challenge
K and R Electronics
Kadee Quality Products
Lakeshore Garden Railway Club (Operating G Gauge Layout)
Lake Shore Live Steamers
Large Scale Live
Lerro Productions
Live Steam Alliance/Tom Bee Trucks
Mahoning Valley Railroad Heritage Association
Making Trains Fun
Melovetrains.com
Michael Setzer Hobbies
Mohawk Design
Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers “NEOLS”
Ohio Operation Lifesaver
Railway Garden Plants
RAYZ TRAINS
Reindeer Pass Railroad
Shrunk 3D
Split Jaw Products
Stephen A. Daum
Straight and Narrow Railway
The P&WV Hi-Line
Susquehanna Valley Garden Railway Society (Operating G Gauge Garden Railroad Layout With Landscaping & Live Plants)
The Train Department
Turk Russell SVGRS
Warren’s Trains
West Virginia Railroad

Last Call For Vendors/Exhibitors! (Available Space Is Just About Gone)

We've only got a couple spots left and they could be gone in the blink of an eye! Register now before it's too late!

Click below to go to our website for more info and to register to be a vendor or exhibitor.

Modeling Contest Registration

The modeling contest entry deadline is almost here! Be sure to register before the April 25th deadline!

The contest will be composed of 3 categories: Custom Locomotives, Rolling Stock and Structures. All are welcome to enter and multiple entries are permitted. This presents the opportunity for you, the modeler to show your best work, current project or anything that you are proud of. Judging will be performed by attendees at the show. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category.

You may register by clicking on the button below but remember, you must register each of your entries by April 25, 2025 (2 weeks prior to the expo) on our website.

Please note this is not a serious contest and is just for fun.

🐘White Elephant Registration

Do you have one or two items (Items must fit the scope of the Expo) you would like to sell but can't justify signing up to be a vendor with a whole table? Well, if you fall into this category we have you covered! The show will feature a "White Elephant Table" sponsored and run by 4 Track RR so there's nothing for you to tend to. To have your items placed on the White Elephant table will only cost you 15% of the sale price that you set. The best part of this deal is you owe nothing if your item doesn't sell. Full details can be found at the registration link below.

🍽️Food and Refreshments

Don't forget! You wont be going hungry at the Expo! You'll be able to enjoy a variety of delicious food options available on-site to keep you energized throughout the event!

The current food and refreshment menu includes:

Main Courses:

Hot Dogs

Chili Dogs (Cheese Optional)

Bowl of Chili

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Biscuits and Gravy

Sausage or Ham and Cheese Biscuit

Side Dishes:

Chips - Assorted Variety

Popcorn

Homemade Potato Salad

Coleslaw

Deserts:

Scones

Cookies

Brownies

Drinks:

Coffee

Tea

Water

Coke

Diet Coke

Pepsi

Diet Pepsi

Mountain Dew

A&W Root Beer

7-Up

General Expo Info

What is it?

The Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo is a two day event for G gauge to 7.5" Gauge trains, accessories and more!

You can expect to see:

G Gauge all the way up to 7.5″ gauge ride on trains and accessories for sale

Exhibitor and club display setups (All G scale or larger train related)

Clinics (including clinics for kids) to improve your skills

Hourly door prize drawings

Modeling Contest

Concessions

and MORE!

Event Details

📅 Show Dates:

Friday May 9 & Saturday May 10 2025

🕒 Show Times:

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Both Days 

📍 Location:

Metroplex Expo Center 1620 Motor Inn Dr, Girard, OH 44420

Our Sponsors

For further expo info/updates, area hotels to stay at or to ask additional questions please visit our website!

The Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo, it's going to be GREAT seeing you there!