Wide worlds, small scales – INTERMODELLBAU 2026 showcases model-making diversity

Technology, creativity, and adventure featured together from 16 to 19 April.

A Cessna circles the sky whilst an ATV overcomes tough terrain. Not far away, an archipelago steamboat sails over a smooth sea. A Porsche races around the turns of a race track, while glittering fairground lights vie for attention. Where can you see all these spectacular scenarios in just one place? In the fascinating miniature world at the INTERMODELLBAU 2026 – the world’s largest exhibition showcasing model making and model sports, starting Thursday (16 April).

Dortmund, 10 April 2026 – For four days, the Dortmund Exhibition Centre will once again be hosting the international model-making scene, with some 400 exhibitors including industry leaders, innovative small-batch manufacturers, and several newcomers, showcasing their offerings around six halls. The INTERMODELLBAU continues on its growth trajectory with an increasing number of exhibitors and additional exhibition space. A good 20% of the exhibitors will be making their way to the ‘Ruhrgebiet’ metropolitan region from outside the country.

But INTERMODELLBAU is so much more than just a conventional product show. It’s an adventure playground, a source of inspiration, and a forum for dialogue and interaction. Experts, newcomers, and families all come together here as equals to discover new lines of interest and exchange ideas across various fields. And it’s this opportunity to chart new territory that makes the trade fair so appealing.

Model railways take centre stage
The INTERMODELLBAU focuses sharply on model railways, and this section will be even more diverse in 2026. Leading manufacturers will be showcasing their new products, innovations, and accessories in Halls 4 and 7. Some of those staging their offerings are Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH, Gebr. FALLER GmbH, NOCH GmbH & Co. KG, Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH, Wolfgang Lemke GmbH, Hornby Deutschland GmbH, KATO Europe A/S, PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, Modelleisenbahn GmbH, and Bachmann Europe. Exciting companies such as KM1 Modellbau e.K., Hack Brücken, WIKING Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG, Roggemann 3D Solutions, Jeco AB, and LVD Trains are on show for the first time or are returning to the event.

Märklin, in particular, is causing quite a stir. Following the huge crowds drawn by last year’s unveiling of the AC/DC Rock ’n Roll Train and the CIWL Edelweiss Train, the company is upping its game once more this year. Märklin is again using the first day of the trade fair to exclusively unveil two new products. Managing Director Wolfrad Bächle will even be attending in person. So model railway enthusiasts should make a special note of April 16 at 3 pm. At the same time, Märklin fans will have the chance of seeing and trying out over 200 new products that the manufacturer revealed in January.

And yet model railway enthusiasts don’t just draw inspiration for their next project from the manufacturers and retailers. These offerings are neatly complemented by more than 30 elaborately designed display layouts from across Europe. Clubs and model-builders from countries as far afield as the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Greece, and Italy will be presenting highly detailed miniature worlds – including several German premieres. Whether large-scale layouts or creative dioramas in unusual settings, the wide variety of ideas seems limitless. N-Club International, with the Amici Scala N, De Bimmlbahner, MSC Spijkspoor, Edoras Model Railroad, Reviermodule e.V., the Spur II Pur group of IG Spur II, the Model Railroaders of Denmark, the KüsteNbahner, Yiannis Hazapis, and NSN Nijmegen, and many others, will all be bringing their showpieces along.

Aeromodelling and drones – High-flying action
There’s also plenty going on in the skies at the INTERMODELLBAU. One of the highlights is the new “INTERMODELLBAU Skycart Masters” competition organised by the German Model Aviation Association (DMFV). The specially developed fun-packed “Skycart” model is specifically aimed at beginners and youngsters – the championship takes place over the weekend. In the aviation area in Hall 3, up-and-coming and experienced pilots from the DMFV and its youth organisation JUMP! will also be flying spectacular demonstrations every hour throughout the fair. Hands-on activities are also up for grabs on offer at the drone soccer event, where the Modellflugjugend Ostalb team is inviting visitors aged ten and over to try out this fast-moving team sport themselves, assisted by promising talents.

Companies such as freakware GmbH, Proglide, Spectrum Group, RC Modelle Gerlach, Torro GmbH, Modellbaukabelversand, ZieHa, Setro Elektronik, Stürmer Maschinen GmbH, and Munstair will also be presenting their latest products and innovations, as well as the materials and tools used in the aeromodelling process.

Ship Ahoy at the INTERMODELLBAU
Two of the main elements, air and water, will meet on the horizon in Hall 3. In addition to the aviation area, the 520-square-metre water basin will once again be the hotspot venue hosting numerous demonstrations. Model ship builders from Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Scotland, and the Netherlands will be showing just how diverse the maritime world is in miniature – from offshore wind farms to the Titanic, archipelago steamboats, and even SAR vessels. Kids can also try their hand here – and earn their model ship captain’s licence. Companies such as aero-naut, Miniwerft, and Klaus Krick Modelltechnik will be exhibiting their models and accessories in this setting.

Things are set to get fast and furious in Halls 5 and 6
Everything on four wheels is on show at the INTERMODELLBAU in Halls 5 and 6. Intricately designed race tracks and obstacle courses provide for plenty of action – both for drivers and spectators. On the race track of the German Minicar Club (DMC) and the Minicar Club Dortmund, professional drivers will be going head-to-head in a wide range of vehicle categories. Cheering allowed! The programme line-up is also complemented by a children’s off-road test track where younger visitors can pit their skills in 1:16 scale short-course buggies. Other highlights include the off-road course run by SHERPA Trophy, the race track from Kyosho Europe, and, of course, Carrera Revell’s iconic circuit. Other big-name exhibitors such as Tamiya-Carson, Hartweg RC, s-idee, and Modellbau & Lokschuppen Berlinski are presenting a range of vehicles and gadgets for anyone looking to make a purchase on the spot.

Visitors can expect true-to-life scenarios in the functional modelling section. The Mini Truck Club Recklinghausen, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the fair, is setting up a large driving area with elaborate track layouts, just as an example. Around 50 guest drivers are expected over the course of the exhibition. Indeed, the construction site obstacle course organised by the R.C. Truck-Car-Club Dortmund and the snow groomer obstacle course run by IG Alpintechnik are also sure to leave visitors wide-eyed, as well. Exhibitors, including RC Hobby Trucks, ScaleART, Veroma Modellbau GmbH, servonaut, Kraftwerk, Pistenking, and Lampert Werktechnik, will also be demonstrating just how detailed and technically sophisticated the latest working models can be. The models from NZG Nürnberger Zinkdruckguss-Modelle GmbH or Leagues GmbH – Diecast Masters are impressive enough even without major functionalities.

Large and small in direct comparison
Model making will also be tangible in its truest sense at the fair, with several exhibitors giving dazzling demonstrations of the interplay between original and miniature. The PS.SPEICHER, Europe’s largest transport museum experience, is presenting the legendary BMW Isetta, both in full size and as a highly detailed model. Tamiya-Carson is showcasing the Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo – an iconic Group 5 racing car from the German Racing Championships – in an equally fascinating direct comparison. This comparison clearly illustrates what model making is all about – attention to detail, technical accuracy, and a passion for reviving history on a small scale. Not to forget the Dortmund Plastic Model Club (PMC), whose members have built a 1:48 scale model of a Saturn V rocket measuring an impressive 2.50 metres.

Then there’s Hall 8, where entire fairground worlds in miniature are certain to delight visitors of all ages. A whole section dedicated to fairground model making in Hall 8 is the place to be for those who appreciate colourful, nostalgic displays. Several model makers – including Christoph’s Modellkirmes, Andreas Dumler Kirmesmodellbau, the IG Kirmesmodelle, Werner Nowotny, and Ralph’s Showmodels – will be exhibiting their vibrant miniature fairground worlds. Visitors can find the right kit for their own projects at Stephan’s Kirmeswelt and Kirmesmodelle Raue.

Futuristic scenarios in Hall 8
As if that’s still not enough, Hall 8 is set to take on a futuristic vibe, enticing tech enthusiasts with robot battles organised by the German Roboteers Association, or a visit to the Droidbuilders Germany stand. Visitors will be bumping into some of their members around the exhibition halls when they’re out and about with their meticulously detailed R2-D2 droids.

By the way, visitors are just as welcome to take selfies with the astromech droid from the Star Wars universe as you are with another special guest at the fair: on Saturday, EMMA, Borussia Dortmund’s mascot, will also be making an appearance at the model-making event. She’ll be buzzing around the halls from 11 am to 11.45 am and is looking forward to taking some fun photos with visitors.

New topic zone – Tabletop
A new topic awaits visitors to the INTERMODELLBAU in Hall 7. Die Würfelgötter, one of Germany’s largest tabletop gaming clubs, will be joining forces with Freebooter Miniatures, JB Spielwaren, and De Tinnen Roos to demonstrate the vast array of miniatures and gaming systems – with demo games for beginners and experienced players alike, and the chance for visitors to assemble and paint miniatures on the spot. To complement this, Hacker Model Production Inc. is unveiling their modular paint storage system “one.” at the show. Throughout the trade fair, artists will be painting live at the stand and using the storage system as an integral part of the process.

The INTERMODELLBAU – A connecting experience
The Intermodellbau 2026 showcases the multi-faceted and vibrant world of model making. It brings generations and different sectors together on a shared stage, and creates space for interaction, creativity, and collective experience. Seeking inspiration for your own hobby? Looking for a chance to meet up with the community, or an exciting day out for the whole family? The INTERMODELLBAU is definitely the place to be.

Information for visitors
Those who would like to prepare for the visit to INTERMODELLBAU, will find plenty of useful tools on the website. Anyone can get off to a flying start by purchasing a ticket in advance from the online shop, where there’s even a small discount. Visitors can also browse the exhibitor directory for the INTERMODELLBAU and the programme line-up. You can also get the big picture in the trade fair app. For visitors arriving by car, the Messe-Express will also be running from the car parks this year. From Thursday to Saturday between 8.45 am and 6.30 pm, and on Sunday from 8.45 am to 5.30 pm, the shuttle will be stopping at car parks C, D, F, and E to take visitors to and from the stop at the Westfalenhalle.