Final report from 14.03.2025: FASZINATION MODELLBAHN 2025 – A highlight of the model railway scene!
FASZINATION MODELLBAHN 2025 in Mannheim once again proved that it is a highlight of the model railway scene. From 7 to 9 March 2025, around 14,000 enthusiastic model railway enthusiasts and families flocked to the Maimarkthalle to experience the fascinating world of miniature trains. With a unique blend of innovation, tradition and creativity, the fair was an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.
Innovative trends and impressive showcases
As an international trade fair for model railways and accessories, FASZINATION MODELLBAHN presented the latest developments for the year 2025. Visitors were able to enjoy a variety of new models, technologies, electronics, software and equipment – for every gauge and era, both analogue and digital. The 21 model railway displays from clubs and associations from Germany, the Netherlands and Poland were particularly impressive. Each layout was a masterpiece with loving details that invited visitors to marvel and discover.
Diversity of exhibitors at Faszination Modellbahn 2025
With over 120 exhibitors as well as 8 private layouts and many other associations such as the BDEF, IG Mikromodellbau and stationary steam modelling, the fair offered a wide range of products: from classic tinplate models to high-tech solutions. Each model was a masterpiece and bore the unique signature of its builder. Visitors of all ages were able to discover little stories and nice details everywhere, inviting them to marvel, ask questions and even try things out.
Highlights of the fair
“Faszination Modellbahn was once again a very nice and informal trade fair with well-known exhibitors, many great model railway layouts and also unique model railways in the private layout competition! Filigree steam models, the model railway forum and the hands-on activities round off the attractive offerings at Faszination Modellbahn Mannheim,” summarises Sascha Bürkel, Project Manager at Messe Sinsheim.
A special highlight was the exclusive trade fair model from Herpa: a Mercedes Sprinter with the FASZINATION MODELLBAHN branding and an AI-created steam locomotive.
The industry leader Märklin once again caused a sensation! A modern electric locomotive in an unusual design – modelled on the original in great detail. Its special appearance honours a well-known anniversary: The elephant is 50 years old, and The Mouse congratulates it with a unique design. But that is not the only new feature: Märklin is presenting a completely new design for the first time – the US geared steam locomotive of the Shay type. This unusual model has already been extremely well received. The company from Göppingen had a total of 254 new items on display – including 134 from Märklin, 50 from Trix, 44 from Minitrix and 26 from LGB.
Informative model railway forum inspires visitors
The model railway forum at Faszination MODELLBAHN Mannheim provided a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge. Experts presented the latest technology trends and innovations from Märklin, Viessmann & Co. in practical presentations. Film contributions from ‘Railway Romance’ complemented the programme and fascinated the visitors. Numerous model railway fans took the opportunity to expand their knowledge and exchange ideas with experts.
Eight private installations were a highlight of the fair
A highlight this year was once again the unique private model railway layouts at the MIBA Private Layout Competition!
Eight private model railway teams competed with their imaginatively created railway layouts. They are real artists and it is a great pleasure for visitors to discover the many finesses of the layouts on display and to chat about the details with the proud layout owners.
This year, Martin Knaden, on behalf of MIBA, was able to congratulate Christian Danziger with his private layout VEB Rügenkreide Werk 1 on winning first place in this year’s MIBA private layout competition. Ronalf Kramer took 2nd place with ‘Wales’ and Wolfgang Stößer 3rd place with “A beautiful day by the sea.
We would also like to thank the other participants Heinz-Ulrich Grumpe, Heiko Wendler, Andre Fay, Otto Gisch and Willi von Simonsdorf for their very nice model railway layouts!
Filigree steam models in action
The builders of the stationary steam models are not only excellent mechanics, they are also very inventive. One wheel fits precisely into another to keep them moving reliably. On a seventy-metre-long platform area, there were once again many fine mechanical works of art to marvel at in the form of beautiful filigree steam models.
For young and old
The numerous offers, presentations, play areas for children and families as well as handicraft and hands-on offers from the exhibitors put the model railway community at FASZINATION MODELLBAHN in high spirits! The positive feedback from visitors on the trade fair’s social media accounts confirmed this: “I’ll be back next year. It was wonderful”. Many thanks for your feedback!
Outlook on upcoming events
The anticipation is great: The next FASZINATION MODELLBAHN will take place again in the Maimarkthalle Mannheim from 6 to 8 March 2026.
Information at www.faszination-modellbahn.com
In addition, FASZINATION MODELLBAU invites all model building fans to Friedrichshafen from 31 October to 2 November 2025 with Echtdampf-Hallentreffen and this year again with the LEGO fan exhibition.
Information at www.faszination-modellbahn.com
You can find fascinating fair photos for use free of charge for reporting on Faszination Modellbahn at: www.faszination-modellbahn.com/presse.
We look forward to receiving your reports and voucher copies/links.
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Contact: Messe Sinsheim GmbH
Tel: +49 7025 9206-100