Press Release dated September 18, 2026: The Mega Event of the Year
24th FASZINATION MODELLBAU Friedrichshafen with Echtdampf-Hallentreffen and Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung (IMA), 30 October to 1 November 2026
The most important event on the European model-making scene is just around the corner: from 30 October to 1 November 2026, the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Centre will be transformed into the world’s leading hobby centre, covering over 70,000 m². For three days, the trio of exhibitions – FASZINATION MODELLBAU, the Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung and the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen – will bring together all sectors under one roof – from the romantic charm of steam-powered railways and gigantic truck obstacle courses to thrilling water-based action and spectacular air shows at Lake Constance Airport.
Fascination on rails: Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung
Every two years, Friedrichshafen becomes the central meeting place for model railway enthusiasts from all over Europe: the Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung (IMA) opens its doors in Halls A1 and A2. Across the extensive exhibition area, hand-picked display layouts from several countries can be seen in operation. The spectrum ranges from the tiny Z gauge to impressive garden railways: trains run on real steam along historic Reichsbahn routes, and the Swiss Glacier Express winds its way through alpine panoramas. A particular highlight is the German premiere of the French module group ‘SceNic’: around a dozen modellers are travelling beyond their national borders for the first time and linking almost 30 individual modules to form a Gauge N route over 40 metres long, stretching across France’s diverse regions.
At many of the displays, both children and adults can trigger scenes and lighting effects themselves using interactive buttons. As well as simply looking, the focus is on direct interaction – whether it’s talking shop with the model-makers or meeting well-known figures from the modelling scene such as Hagen von Ortloff (‘Eisenbahn-Romantik’).
The layouts are accompanied by the industry’s leading brands, which are showcasing their latest locomotive and carriage models, state-of-the-art digital technology and the latest accessories. The big names in model making are all here – including Märklin (with Trix and LGB), Roco/Fleischmann, PIKO, BRAWA, Hornby, Tillig, Faller, Noch and Viessmann.
Exhibitor Martin Enzenhöfer is also building a spectacular bridge between railways and construction in Hall A2: on site, the Friedrichshafen-based builder is attempting to set a record with a spiral tower over eight metres high made of interlocking bricks, on whose 56 levels two trains are set to climb upwards simultaneously. The tower is flanked by other architectural extremes – including a monumental fortified city made from almost 100,000 bricks, the final modules of which will be completed live before the audience’s eyes.
Hop on and come along to the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen
At the same time, Halls B2 and B3 will be transformed into the world’s largest indoor gathering for steam-powered models. More than 200 international participants and clubs will be travelling to the event with their one-of-a-kind, home-built models – ranging from delicate stationary steam engines and historic locomobiles to heavy passenger and freight locomotives.
At the heart of the exhibition is the world’s largest combined 5-inch and 7¼-inch gauge railway layout, with a total length of over four kilometres. Between the marshalling yard, the turntable and the loading station, there is a bustle of traffic running to a regular timetable: there is a hissing sound, the smell of coal fires and lubricating oil, whilst pistons and flywheels operate in a steady rhythm. The layout is directly accessible to visitors – and anyone wishing to experience the steam action first-hand can simply board the trains and take a spin on the open carriages through the two exhibition halls. Even away from the tracks, there is historic machinery in action: road steam rollers and tractors chug their way through the aisles, whilst at the workbenches, experienced engineers offer insights into boiler construction, fittings and precision engineering.
Stars of the Year, indoor action and expert insight
Under the open sky, the pilots invited by the trade journal FMT will present a top-class air show at the ‘Stars of the Year’ event at Lake Constance Airport – including record-holding champion Gernot Bruckmann with his Yak 54 XXL (scale 1:1.6), the Flippers Aerobatic Team with their jet formation flying, and Luca Baumann performing freestyle aerobatics.
Right in the West Foyer, the FMT indoor action gets underway in a very confined space: Among the absolute highlights are Joachim Rauser’s Curtiss P40 Warhawk, which weighs just 800 grams despite a wingspan of 2.10 metres and boasts a retractable undercarriage that rotates through 90 degrees, as well as a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in a ‘Fatty’ comic-book style. Erwann Mariette surprises the crowd with a flying bass guitar and a twin-engine OV10 Bronco, whilst Markus Zolitsch sets off show effects with confetti and brake parachutes, and the Blocher family demonstrate scale-model helicopters printed on a 3D printer.
Hall A3 is the heart of model aircraft building: the central model aircraft exhibition showcases masterful home-built models from all categories, whilst right to it, the Model Building Forum offers in-depth specialist knowledge free of charge: in practical short talks, experts provide information on construction methods, the use of 3D printing in model aircraft building, and the current regulatory framework for aviation.
The world of plastic and cardboard model-making
In Hall A5, we are captivated by the meticulously detailed model displays: the Plastikmodellbau-Club Bodensee, together with partner clubs and individual exhibitors from the border triangle region, brings together the community centred on intricate model kits and dioramas.
The focus in 2026 will be on two special themed exhibitions: firstly, ‘100 Years of Lufthansa’ looks back on a century of aviation history and the classic aircraft bearing the crane logo. Secondly, the special exhibition ‘Our Bundeswehr’ highlights the German armed forces’ fleet of vehicles and aircraft, as well as their humanitarian aid missions. For science fiction fans, model-maker Alex Kosyra is bringing elaborately illuminated spaceships to Lake Constance.
The experts on site demonstrate that model-making relies above all on expertise and craftsmanship: at the workbenches, Stefan Vater (“Spire-Painting”) gives live demonstrations of techniques for realistically ageing and weathering vehicles, whilst specialist talks in the Model-Making Forum explore the use of 3D printing to refine model kits. Right next door, the IG Kartonmodellbau Südwest demonstrates how printed sheets of paper can be transformed into astonishingly sturdy and highly detailed ships, lighthouses and architectural landmarks – including free advice on cutting and gluing techniques. The programme is rounded off by the traditional craft sessions for young people and children.
Cast off in Hall A5: model shipbuilding in action
The hub for all naval and model ship enthusiasts is Hall A5, together with the adjacent exhibition lake in front of the West Foyer. The central focal point is the 400 m² indoor water basin: here, cargo ships, tugs and historic steamships manoeuvre with great precision, whilst sailing yachts sail their laps. Simulated sea rescue operations, speedy jet-ski runs and the traditional ‘duck-pushing’ with the sturdy ‘Ramborator’ push boats add to the excitement. Those looking for even more speed can head outside to the Messesee to watch high-powered racing boats creating huge fountains of spray.
A regular meeting point for technical discussions is the stand run by the magazine ModellWerft: there, the authors present their latest building projects and answer any questions about hull construction or technical matters. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved: after a brief introduction, young aspiring captains can take the helm themselves at the tank and earn their helmsman’s certificate. Alongside this, the VTH trade fair scavenger hunt, featuring tricky puzzle stations, invites visitors on a journey of discovery through the halls; entry cards are available at the entrances and at the VTH stand.
Heavy machinery in truck and military model-making
In Hall A4 and the adjacent areas, torque, chain drives and the finest functional mechanics take centre stage. At the heart of it all is the large truck circuit (1:16 and 1:14.5): what appears to the public as a smoothly running miniature world of everyday life – comprising building sites, haulage companies and road networks – is a logistical masterpiece. Every year, the Interessengemeinschaft Truckmodellbau Freudenstadt, a Truck Model Building Association, completely redesigns the terrain. A 40-tonne lorry rolls in with pallets and substructures, before around 80 cubic metres of topsoil, tonnes of gravel and natural stones are shaped into a drivable landscape by dozens of helpers.
Up to 100 guest drivers a day excavate, tip and transport goods around the course. Leading manufacturers such as ScaleART, Tamiya-Carson, Fumotec and thicon will be showcasing their top-of-the-range models and hydraulic components in action. Right next door, tanks and wheeled vehicles tackle the toughest obstacles on the military site, whilst the ‘Friends of Model Snowcats’ prepare a snow-covered landscape. A visual highlight is the traditional night-time driving event on Friday and Saturday of the fair from 5.00 pm: with the hall lights dimmed, countless work lights, rotating beacons and show trucks set the scene.
High speed on the tarmac and soaring giants
RC car racing in Hall B1 promises maximum racing speed: at the long-established German Open RC Car Masters, top drivers compete for the fastest times across nine classes – from the thunderous nitro-powered cars (the premier VG8 and VG10 classes) to electric speedsters with impressive sprinting power, right through to spectacular RC bikes capable of extreme lean angles.
Visitors heading for the East Foyer will encounter two fascinating contrasts: on the floor, the Devils Drift Crew are manoeuvring their racing cars in a permanent drift around the bends in a very confined space. Directly above, the action moves into the third dimension: at the Open International Competition F7B, remote-controlled model airships are competing in silent races.
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