Final report from 11.03.2026: FASZINATION MODELLBAHN 2026 – Meeting place for the model railway scene!
FASZINATION MODELLBAHN 2026 in Mannheim has once again proven that it is a highlight of the model railway scene. From 6 to 8 March 2026, around 12,000 model railway enthusiasts and families visited the Maimarkthalle to discover the diverse world of miniature railways. With a unique blend of innovation, tradition and creativity, the fair was an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.
New products and impressive model railway layouts
As an international trade fair for model railways and accessories, FASZINATION MODELLBAHN presented the latest developments for 2026. Visitors were treated to a wide range of new models, technologies, electronics, software and equipment – for every gauge and era, both analogue and digital. Particularly impressive were the 22 model railway displays from clubs and associations from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Each display was a masterpiece with lovingly crafted details that invited visitors to marvel and discover.
Diversity of exhibitors at Faszination Modellbahn 2026
With over 120 exhibitors, six private layouts and many other clubs and associations such as the BDEF, MOBA, IG Mikromodellbau and stationary steam model building, the fair offered a wide range of products: from classic tinplate models to high-tech solutions. Each layout was a masterpiece and bore the unique signature of its builder. Visitors of all ages could discover little stories and nice details everywhere, inviting them to marvel, ask questions and even try things out for themselves.
Highlights of the fair
“In 2026, the FASZINATION MODELLBAHN exhibition once again demonstrated the diversity of the model railway scene. Numerous exhibitors presented their latest models, new products and accessories. The impressive layouts created by clubs and private builders, as well as the direct interaction with visitors, make the fair a special meeting place for model railway fans every year. The hands-on activities and the informative model railway forum were once again very well received by visitors,” summarises Sascha Bürkel, project manager at Messe Sinsheim.
Industry leader Märklin presented numerous new products at this year’s FASZINATION MODELLBAHN. Visitors were able to experience models from various gauges – including LGB, H0, Z and N – at the fair.
Roco/Fleischmann was also represented at the fair in Mannheim for the second time and used the event to present current highlights and initial developments for this year’s new products. Among other things, the first samples of the Czech T 466 locomotive, a new freight car and N gauge models, including a class 120 and the first models of the Railjet 2, were on display.
Viessmann Modelltechnik also presented various products and innovations. Particular emphasis was placed on the positive atmosphere at the trade fair and the direct exchange with visitors. The company presented its current solutions and announced that it would be returning to the trade fair in future with new developments, including K-Motion.
Practical model railway forum delighted visitors
The model railway forum at FASZINATION MODELLBAHN Mannheim provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange. Experts presented the latest technology trends and innovations from Märklin, Viessmann & Co. in practical presentations. Film clips from ‘Eisenbahn-Romantik’ complemented the programme and fascinated visitors. Numerous model railway fans took the opportunity to expand their knowledge and exchange ideas with experts.
Another special event was the autograph session with Hagen von Ortloff, the initiator of the well-known TV series ‘Eisenbahn Romantik’ (Railway Romance). Numerous visitors were delighted to meet the railway expert in person and chat with him.
Six private model railway layouts were a highlight of the exhibition
Six private model railway teams competed with their imaginatively created railway layouts. They are true artists, and visitors take great pleasure in discovering the many finer points of the layouts on display and chatting with the proud owners about the details.
This year, MIBA and Messe Sinsheim GmbH congratulate Bernd and Ilona Rüger with their private layout Steinberg on winning first place in this year’s MIBA Private Layout Competition. Second place went to Leo Bettonviel with ‘Morenci Mining District’ and third place to Ansgar Meyring with ‘Ümmeling’.
We would also like to thank the other participants, Jürgen Heinritz, Hanns Hirblinger and Jörg Baumann.
Delicate steam models in action
The builders of stationary steam models combine craftsmanship with great creativity. Gears, linkages and the finest mechanical components mesh precisely with one another and set the models reliably in motion. On a platform measuring around seventy metres in length, exhibitors presented numerous impressive constructions – detailed, precision-engineered steam models that never failed to amaze technology enthusiasts.
Hands-on activities and events for the whole family
In addition to the numerous exhibitions, a wide range of hands-on activities created a lively atmosphere at FASZINATION MODELLBAHN. Presentations, play areas for children and families, and craft activities organised by exhibitors invited visitors to actively experience the hobby of model railways. The positive mood was also reflected in the feedback on the trade fair’s social media channels: ‘I enjoyed the trade fair again. We saw some great ideas and had good conversations with some of the layout exhibitors.’ Thank you very much for this feedback!
Outlook for upcoming events
There is great anticipation: The next FASZINATION MODELLBAHN will take place again at the Maimarkthalle Mannheim from 12 to 14 March 2027.
For more information, visit www.faszination-modellbahn.com.
In addition, Faszination Modellbau invites all model building enthusiasts to Friedrichshafen from 30 October to 1 November 2026 for the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen and, once again this year, the Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung.
For more information, visit www.faszination-modellbau.de.
Fascinating fair images are available for use free of charge for reporting on the fascination of model railways at: www.faszination-modellbahn.com/presse.
We look forward to receiving your reports and copies/links to them.
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Contact: Messe Sinsheim GmbH
E-Mail: presse@messe-sinsheim.de
Telephone: +49 7025 9206-100