INTERMODELLBAU continues on its growth trajectory, visitors and exhibitors delighted

Four days jam-packed with innovation, premières, and a shared passion for model making.

For four days – from 16 to 19 April – the Dortmund Exhibition Centre staged the INTERMODELLBAU, offering a forum for all model-making enthusiasts. Families, beginners and professionals – there was something for everyone at the world’s largest exhibition for model making and model sports. Stunning demonstrations, gripping shows, informative seminars and workshops, and a sea of familiar faces created a unique atmosphere in all six exhibition halls.

Dortmund, 21 April 2026 – The INTERMODELLBAU continues to grow, reaffirming its role as the industry’s leading forum with an extended exhibition area and a good 400 exhibitors from around the world. “The continued growth of the INTERMODELLBAU not only underscores the significance of this exhibition for the industry, it also shows that the industry is thriving, appealing, and forward-looking. Exhibitors target the INTERMODELLBAU to showcase their latest products and innovations to a keen audience of model-making enthusiasts, thereby serving as a powerful driver for the further development of this captivating hobby. This show allows them to reach out to dyed-in-the-wool model-making enthusiasts, and newcomers alike and, most importantly, the next generation,” explained Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue.

Ulrich Brobeil, Managing Director of the German Toy Maker Association (DVSI), presented the DVSI Model Making & Model Railways Index, the new industry climate survey, for the first time at the INTERMODELLBAU. He also intends to present the findings exclusively at next year’s exhibition. “The INTERMODELLBAU has once again demonstrated that it is one of the leading forums for model making, model sports, and model railways with wide appeal to the general public. The enthusiastic response from families, fans, and children is heartening and encouraging in a world that, whilst increasingly marked by crises, is also characterised by the desire to enjoy a little peace in an ideal world on a small scale. This also holds a message for the industry in terms of economic policy. And, of course, the trade fair once again served as a forum for interaction and dialogue, allowing exhibitors to draw inspiration and spark new ideas. With its Model Making & Model Railways INDEX, the DVSI presented meaningful data on developments in the industry and retail sectors for the first time. The findings clearly indicate that this hobby is still firmly anchored in our culture. The DVSI is delighted to be back on-board with its exclusive INDEX again in 2027.”

Visitors and exhibitors both well-satisfied
The general mood among the exhibitors was consistently upbeat. In an independent survey, more than 90% of exhibiting companies confirmed their interest in showcasing their capabilities at the INTERMODELLBAU again in 2027. This bears out the sector’s deep satisfaction with the show as a key forum for networking, showcasing products, and forging business links.
The visitor survey also yielded overwhelmingly positive results, with around 90% of visitors stating an intention to return to the INTERMODELLBAU next year. Seasoned model makers, newcomers and returning enthusiasts, children, teenagers, and families – the multifarious, eclectic nature of the model-making community was fully reflected. Guests from abroad were also in attendance, accounting for around 10% of the visitor demographic.

Trade associations represented at the exhibitions were similarly enthusiastic. Alongside international companies presenting their wares, these stakeholders are instrumental in cultivating the varied and dynamic atmosphere and, in particular, the multi-faceted programme line-up of the INTERMODELLBAU every year. Voicing the collective sentiment, Dieter Matysik, Senior President of nauticus e.V., expressed his great satisfaction: “For me, the INTERMODELLBAU is just one big family reunion every year. In two ways, in fact: For four days, the model-making community gathers here in Dortmund to demonstrate just how closely-knit it is – regardless of which particular hobby they pursue as individuals. And the fair is also a family gathering in the truest sense of the word, because it makes everyone’s eyes light up – grandparents and parents just as much as the children. This hobby brings all ages together, and that’s clearly evident, not just here by the water basin, but also in all the halls.”

As Maximilian Sailer, Deputy Chairman of the National Association of German Railway Friends (BDEF), summed up: “We are absolutely delighted with the BDEF’s presence at the fair. What pleases me most of all is that we got some great feedback from our many dedicated members who showcased their display layouts at the INTERMODELLBAU. They told us that visitors to the show expressed a good deal of appreciation for their work. Our Junior College was very well received once again. It was great to see how many children took their first steps in model-making here – and with so much enthusiasm! Thanks to the great support of pupils from the Maria Ward Grammar School, the children were able to create their own little dioramas with guidance from their peers.”

Première at the INTERMODELLBAU
In addition to the many established attractions, the INTERMODELLBAU also introduced some fresh ideas this year. A new competition organised by the German Model Aviation Association (DMFV) and its youth organisation JUMP! involving a specially developed Skycart model, focused on offering a fun, fair, and accessible introduction to RC aeromodelling. Creative aerobatic manoeuvres and thrilling dogfights made this début a real highlight in the exhibition’s aviation area. The championship thrilled participants and spectators alike, as Marcel Möcking, the association’s head of exhibition and event management, emphasised: “With the Skycart Masters, we introduced a new feature to the programme line-up in the aviation area this year, and it was simply brilliant. Our young pilots had a great time on the course and were totally captivated. So were the audiences. All in all, the DMFV programme was favourably received, be it the air displays, where the stands were pretty much consistently packed, or our craft and 3D printing activities. I figure we managed to generate a lot of interest in this hobby – especially in youngsters – and we’re naturally delighted about that.”

Treasure trove for model railroaders
Once again, many clubs, associations and railway modellers who brought their scenic layouts to Dortmund demonstrated their undying passion for their hobby in Halls 4 and 7, with more than 30 on display, including a good number of German premières. They attracted a great deal of interest and, in some cases, large crowds of visitors who were captivated by their impressive attention to detail. The exhibitors also came up with some real crowd pullers. On the first day of the fair, the Märklin stand was packed for the unveiling of several exclusive new products like the Wacken locomotive, the Landilok, and the ‘Fair Locomotive’, which serves as a mobile billboard parading the major model railway exhibitions held for the community every year, including the INTERMODELLBAU.

Great opportunities for the next generation
This year, once again, the INTERMODELLBAU spotlighted the entire multifaceted world of model making. Presenting model railways, aircraft and ships, or cardboard, remote-controlled, plastic and working models – the fair allows, and actively encourages, a look beyond conventional boundaries. With its broad appeal, the INTERMODELLBAU succeeds in bringing together experienced modellers and ‘families on-a-day-out’ in just one place, offering inspiration and expert advice for the pros, and numerous hands-on opportunities to empower the next generation – from the popular mini-trucker’s licence and model-making captain’s licence to the popular remote-controlled car circuits.

Monika Geistmann, Chairperson of the Minicar Club Dortmund e.V., emphasises just how important it is to get young talent involved, saying, “The drivers have once again put on some fantastic races around our track this year. Spectators were highly appreciative, and lots of people with a genuine interest in model making and model racing were present. I was especially pleased to see lots of children and adolescents not just watching, but actively taking part as drivers. Developing young talent is vital, and that’s why we place great emphasis on the younger drivers and showing them our appreciation. Everyone got to take some goodies home with them, whether they won or not. We want to show them – and their parents – just how much we value their involvement.”

New highlights enthral visitors
Innovative highlights were also a feature of other areas of this year’s show. Two new attractions proved very popular with visitors of all ages. The newly redesigned section dedicated to fairground model making had its own space in Hall 8 for the first time and quickly became a real headliner. The Tabletop Area in Hall 7 also proved to be exceedingly popular. With a host of demo games and interactive hands-on activities, it delighted both newcomers and experienced players alike.

Save the Date in 2027
Young and old alike are eagerly anticipating the INTERMODELLBAU 2027. Running from 22 to 25 April 2027, the model-making world will be gathering once again in Dortmund – so followers should be sure to keep their schedules clear.

The latest updates on the INTERMODELLBAU are posted on the exhibition’s social media channels, Instagram, Facebook, the exhibition website, and circulated in a newsletter.