Discover, learn, build: model railways up close at INTERMODELLBAU 2026

International display layouts, strong brands, and direct inspiration 

From Z scale to G scale. From historic steam locomotives to modern high-speed trains. From true-to-scale replicas to fantasy worlds. Every year at INTERMODELLBAU, it is Halls 4 and 7 that particularly captivate model railway enthusiasts. Here, they find not only a wide range of top exhibitors from the world of railway modeling, but also a great variety of display layouts presented by clubs and private creators from Germany and abroad. With craftsmanship, technical expertise, and a tangible passion for detail, they create layouts that inspire, surprise, and light up visitors’ eyes. From April 16 to 19, it’s that time again. Here’s a small preview.

Dortmund, 24 February 2026 – This is where model railway fans find concentrated inspiration: INTERMODELLBAU brings together impressive international display layouts in numerous gauges with a comprehensive range of products and solutions for your own model railway. Visitors can not only draw inspiration from highly detailed layouts but also take the next step on site and turn new ideas into reality. Around the display layouts, renowned manufacturers, innovative small-series suppliers, and promising trade fair newcomers present everything a model railway enthusiast could wish for – from high-quality models and matching accessories to specialized tools.

Confirmed exhibitors already include Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, Gebr. Faller GmbH, Modelleisenbahn GmbH, Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH, Wolfgang Lemke GmbH, Brawa Artur Braun Modellspielwarenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, and ZIMO Elektronik GmbH. Noch GmbH & Co. KG, BEMO Modelleisenbahn GmbH & Co. KG, Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH, Hornby Deutschland GmbH, KATO Europe from Denmark, PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, and TILLIG Modellbahnen GmbH have also secured their stand spaces. New exhibitors include companies such as Askalina LR Service Group GmbH from Switzerland, Modeltex from Belgium, fohrmann-WERKZEUGE GmbH, Hack Brücken, Sommerfeldt Oberleitungen und Stromabnehmer GmbH, Roggemann 3D Solutions, LVD Trains, Miniland UA LLC, and Peter Heller.

As Europe’s largest umbrella organization for railway and model railway enthusiasts, the National Association of German Railway Friends (Bundesverband Deutscher Eisenbahn-Freunde e.V., BDEF) will once again be represented with a large stand area in Hall 7. There is plenty to see here not only for experienced model railway hobbyists, but also for young visitors. At the JuniorCollegeEuropa, children and teenagers are introduced to the world of model railways through independent building and play at logically structured stations. Under the guidance of experienced students from the Maria-Ward-Gymnasium in Günzburg, they create their own small diorama and learn everything necessary for the creative design of their own layout. Afterwards, everyone can take their diorama home free of charge – thanks to the support of the manufacturers Auhagen, Busch, Faller, Noch, and Viessmann from the IGEMA manufacturers’ association, as well as the companies Greenkeeper and Piko. This year, the initiative is once again complemented by “Gleis 5”, another hands-on activity organized by the IGEMA manufacturers’ association. Of course, the BDEF will also bring several display layouts to INTERMODELLBAU, impressively demonstrating the diversity of model railways.

Display layouts reflect the diversity of the model railway world
In addition, many other clubs from Germany and across Europe will travel to Dortmund to present their display layouts – each with its own signature style, its own story, and a very special level of detail. Three selected layouts provide a first glimpse. Last year, N-Club International already appeared at INTERMODELLBAU. The club is dedicated to increasing awareness of N scale. This year, the members are receiving support from Italy. Together with Amici Scala N, they are presenting a layout made up of country-specific modules. The imaginary journey by model train begins in Italy and passes through numerous highly detailed scenes: from the precise recreation of Pavia station to the depiction of a church in Milan. Suddenly, the landscape changes, and the journey continues through southern Germany and past English cottages.

From the Netherlands, Edoras Model Railroad is bringing two 0-gauge display layouts. And things get fairy-tale-like… The first diorama is titled “Er was eens” (“Once upon a time”). The second layout is called “Dwarf Summit” and is designed in US gold rush style. On the 0n30 layout, exclusively 3D-designed and 3D-printed trains operate, named after the dwarves from the book “The Hobbit” by Tolkien. Both layouts will celebrate their German premiere.

The Spur II-Pur group of the Spur II Interest Group is bringing a segmented layout in 1:22.5 scale. The three layout sections – featuring a standard-gauge part (Spur II) and a larger meter-gauge section (Spur IIm) – are characterized above all by track systems built as close to scale as possible.

Secure your tickets now
Anyone who doesn’t want to miss the opportunity for so much inspiration can already secure tickets for INTERMODELLBAU – with a small price advantage compared to purchasing on site. The online shop is already open and can be found on the trade fair website. Regular updates on exhibitors, the program, and trade fair highlights are also available via the fair’s Instagram and Facebook channels, the website, or the newsletter.