Attending The Expo

Location

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

Should You Buy Standard Admission or Upgrade to the Gold Pass?

We thought you’d never ask! Just kidding because it’s a GREAT question!

If you’re deciding between buying standard tickets to attend the Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo or buying Gold Passes here’s the info to help you make that choice.

The Expo delivers two full days of excitement—vendors, layouts, demonstrations, shopping, and nonstop activity—all in one convenient, high‑impact event. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the best of large‑scale railroading without taking extra days off or committing to a full 4 days of activities.

Here’s why the Expo might be the right fit for you:

-A concentrated, high‑energy weekend filled with trains, displays, and hands‑on fun.
-Tons of vendors and exhibitors offering products, parts, accessories, and inspiration.
-Operating layouts and demonstrations that showcase creativity and craftsmanship.
-A great option for families, casual visitors, and shoppers who want to explore the hobby at their own pace.
-Lower time commitment—attend for one day or both, depending on your schedule.
-Affordable admission options without the need to purchase a Gold Pass.

If you’re looking for a dynamic, vendor‑rich, visually exciting experience—and you want it all packed into two days—the Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo is the perfect choice.

The Gold Pass stretches over four days which includes the Expo and EVERYTHING that comes with it. You will get added social events and private layout tours making for an immersive experience.

Here’s why the Gold Pass might be right for you. The short version (but please, read on!) : the Gold Pass gives you so much more.

When you purchase a Gold Pass, you get admission to both days of the Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo which includes:

-Vendor/Exhibitor Hall
-Operating Club Layouts
-clinics
-workshops
-presentations
-Modeling Contest

Additionally as part of the Gold Pass you will get access to:

-Private layout tours across the region, offering inspiration and behind‑the‑scenes access.
-Social events and evening activities that bring everyone together.
-A welcoming, community‑focused atmosphere where friendships form and ideas flow.

If you’re looking for the complete experience—the learning, the camaraderie, the hands‑on fun, and the Expo all wrapped into one—then the Gold Pass is the clear choice. It’s the best way to make the most of your week and immerse yourself in the hobby you love.

Date & Time

Expo Only

Friday May 14th & Saturday May 15th 2027
10:00 am to 4:00 pm Both Days
(Tickets Bought Online Grant Entry At 9:30 AM)

Expo Gold Pass

Thursday May 13th to Sunday May 16th (Entry To The Expo At 9:30 AM Included)

Admission & Registration

Expo Admission


Adults

$15 Friday/Saturday
$10 Saturday Only
Kids 12 & Under Free

Free Parking

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

Purchase Tickets Online For Exclusive Benefits:

Advance Entry
Early Entry
Increased Chances to Win Door Prizes
Show Shirt Discount

Expo Gold Pass

 
Ages 18 & Older $55
Ages 6 to 17 $25
Please note: You must register by March 31, 2027

Gold Pass Benefits:

Advance Entry
Early Entry
Increased Chances to Win Door Prizes
Show Shirt Discount

Plus:

Evening ice cream social, self-guided layout tours, visit to a 7.5″ gauge railroad and of course the Friday banquet.

Full Gold Pass Schedule coming soon!

Buy Your Tickets

Vendors, Exhibitors & Clubs

For more info on registering to be a vendor, exhibitor or club click HERE.

list of Vendors, Exhibitors and Clubs attending this years Expo Coming Soon!

Area Hotels (All Within A Half Mile Of The Expo Center)

To see the below hotels on Google Maps please click HERE.

Towneplace Suites Youngstown North
1610 Motor Inn Dr., Girard, Ohio, USA, 44420
234-339-4090

SPECIAL EXPO RATE COMING SOON!
Hampton Inn Youngstown-North
4400 Belmont Avenue
Youngstown, Ohio, 44505
330-759-9555

SPECIAL EXPO RATE!
Comfort Suites Youngstown North
201 Perni Lane
Youngstown, OH, 44505
330-403-5968

Special Expo Rate $118 Per Night
Free Hot Breakfast Included!
Click HERE To Book.

Baymont by Wyndham Youngstown
4055 Belmont Avenue,
Youngstown, Ohio 44505
330-623-6087

Super 8 by Wyndham Youngstown/Girard
4250 Belmont Ave
Youngstown, Ohio 44505
330-623-7029

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Youngstown / Girard Ohio
1615 East Liberty Street
Girard, Ohio 44420
330-531-8478

Motel 6 Youngstown, OH
4249 belmont avenue
Youngstown, OH, 44505
330-845-4092

Area Campgrounds (All Within Eight Mile Of The Expo Center)

To see the below campgrounds on Google Maps please click HERE.

Chestnut Ridge Campground
6486 Chestnut Ridge Rd Hubbard, Ohio 44425
330-534-2352

Hubbard’s Haven Campground
1436 Brookfield Rd
Hubbard OH 44425
330-448-4858

Major Airports (All About Sixty to Seventy Miles Away)

Akron-Canton Airport
5400 Lauby Road NW
North Canton, OH 44720

Cleveland Hopkins Airport
5300 Riverside Dr
Cleveland, OH 44135

Pittsburgh International Airport 
1000 Airport Blvd
Moon Twp, PA 15108

Train Stations Near By (Amtrak)

Alliance, OH (ALC) 37.5 mi.

820 East Main Street
Alliance, OH 44601
Platform only (no shelter)

200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
Cleveland, OH 44114
Station Building (with waiting room)

Pittsburgh, PA (PGH)73.4 mi.
Union Station

1100 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Station Building (with waiting room)

 

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