Press release from 14.07.2025: Autumn is going to be hot!
FASZINATION MODELLBAU Friedrichshafen with Echtdampf-Hallentreffen & LEGO fan exhibition from 31 October to 2 November 2025
In just a few months, the Lake Constance region will once again be transformed into the international centre of the model building scene. From 31 October to 2 November 2025, FASZINATION MODELLBAU Friedrichshafen will present itself as the industry’s leading event – accompanied by the traditional Echtdampf-Hallentreffen and the popular LEGO fan exhibition.
Everything the heart desires
For three days, innovation, creativity and passion for model making will characterise the exhibition grounds at Lake Constance – an autumn highlight that will delight trade visitors, fans and families alike. With the best experiences from model aircraft, ship and truck building, with RC cars, steam engines, railways and the fascinating world of the LEGO fan exhibition. This event covers the entire spectrum and really appeals to everyone.
There is simply everything for all generations at this mega trade fair. For three days, visitors to the border triangle on Lake Constance experience intensive shows and presentations of new products, but can also get involved in the many hands-on activities and events.
In Front of the alps: Airshow FMT-Stars-des-Jahres
A unique selling point of a special kind: model flying demonstrations on the grounds of an international commercial airport! The best pilots of the year demonstrate their skills in front of the majestic mountain silhouette of Lake Constance Airport Friedrichshafen. World champions, European champions and national title holders will demonstrate where the limits of what is possible today can be pushed. Their spectacular flight demonstrations cover a huge range: from highly dynamic jet models and large scale models to 3D heli action and gliding competition disciplines.
There will also be manufacturer displays, where we will be able to see the new products for the 2026 season for the first time. The programme will be complemented by the FMT Adler demonstrations with the products of the year awarded by the trade magazine FMT. The flying programme spans all three days of the trade fair from Friday to Sunday.
FMT-Indoor-Action: Show highlights in the foyer
While the champions of the year fly their displays over the airport grounds outside, the FMT indoor action becomes a visitor magnet: The 30×30 metre flying field in the West Foyer becomes the stage for a fascinating spectrum: feather-light hangar models weighing one to two grams share the airspace with gigantic Depron models and impeller jets flying their manoeuvres in the tightest of spaces.
At these indoor demonstrations, however, not only individual models that have been created in hundreds of hours of work fly, but also series models that are available for everyone to buy: indoor models that make indoor flying affordable and also accessible to newcomers are shown at the manufacturer show blocks.
Full throttle with RC cars and drone racing
Crazy fast RC cars on a scale of 1:8 and 1:10 race around the circuit in Hall B1. And it’s not just about spectacular demonstrations – at the German Open RC-Car Masters, every centimetre will be fought for when the scene’s elite meet for a rendezvous. Special highlights and new releases will be presented during the race breaks, including 1:5 scale models, dragsters, RC bikes, sidecar bikes and monster trucks. Jumps will also be used.
At the same time, Hall A6 will be filled with a characteristic high-frequency buzz: the race copters will navigate through the pylon course like whizzing projectiles, while the podium places will be contested at the FPV Drone Championship final. An experience that captivates all the senses.
Maritime worlds on 400 square metres of water
After all the action, the azure blue indoor water pool in Hall A5 and the nearby trade fair lake will help us to calm down again: RC sailing boats glide majestically and elegantly over the surface of the water, creating moments of contemplation.
But the scenery changes abruptly when speedboats break the silence with thundering engines and spectacular water fountains. Dramatic highlights are provided by the sea rescue exercises, in which even burning model ships are extinguished. A special tradition lives on again this year: budding ship modellers can sail for their coveted captain’s licence in the children’s race.
Small powerhouses on the truck course
The gigantic truck landscape in Hall A4 leaves nothing to be desired: Tractors, cranes, tracked vehicles and hydraulically powered construction machinery populate the extensive terrain. RC off-road vehicles master challenging passages through rock formations and over bridge constructions, with the cable winch also being used. At the same time, snow groomers battle their way through artificial powder snow and create immaculate piste magic.
Impressive shunting manoeuvres are demonstrated by the true-to-scale RC trucks with their monumental, multi-axle heavy transport trailers. Excavators move masses of earth, levelling vehicles create level surfaces, while military vehicles conquer the terrain with special effects. Pure spectacle!
Plastic modelling at its finest
The crème de la crème of the plastic modelling scene will be gathering in Friedrichshafen again this year. Clubs and individual exhibitors from the border triangle will join forces to create an unrivalled exhibition. In particular, the traditional junior modelling event, in which experienced club members promote young talent, has established itself as the centrepiece of the event.
The special show ‘70 years of plastic modelling’ by Norbert Ruhland from the Stuttgart Modelling Interest Group forms the historical foundation. At the same time, ‘Dioramas – The World in Miniature’ will transport visitors to realistic and fantastic miniature worlds, flanked by live workshops on landscaping techniques. The Mercedes-Benz special show celebrates several anniversaries of the star brand, as well as the exhibition ‘Aviation on a scale of 1:144’ and the special shows ‘Science Fiction’ and ‘Made in Japan’.
Nostalgia on rails: Echtdampf-Hallentreffen
Hissing steam, the rhythmic pounding of pistons and characteristic smoke fill two entire exhibition halls – a globally unique rail network over four kilometres long makes the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen a superlative experience. What makes it so special: These miniature railway jewels are not just exhibits. Visitors can actually climb aboard and ride through the extensive course. It is an equally fascinating spectacle when the exhibitors’ road steam engines make their rounds with their characteristic snorting sound.
Model railway layouts: dream landscapes in miniature
Through lovingly designed dioramas, over authentically recreated historical bridges, past legendary railway stations and through spectacular Alpine passes – in Halls A1 and A2, model railway layouts of all gauges unfold into true dream landscapes. At the same time, the leading industry representatives will be presenting their latest locomotives, innovative track systems and the most sophisticated detailing equipment.
Adults and children alike will go into raptures, while numerous hands-on stations invite them to discover their own creativity and take their first steps in this fascinating hobby. Specialist advice and intensive dialogue with experts round off the offer.
LEGO worlds: Creativity at its best
The legendary cult bricks will once again conquer Friedrichshafen in 2025 and transform the entire Hall A7 into a colourful parallel universe. Famous landmarks, complete city districts, authentic streets and atmospheric scenery are created exclusively from the iconic bricks. The LEGO fan exhibition reveals a unique world that impresses with its precision and meticulous attention to detail. And visitors don’t just enjoy it passively, but can become master builders themselves at numerous creative hands-on stations and let their imagination run wild.
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