14 October 2026

Press Release dated October 14, 2026: All set for the mega-event of the year!

FASZINATION MODELLBAU Friedrichshafen with Echtdampf-Hallentreffen & Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung (IMA), 30 October to 1 November 2026

The wait is almost over: from 30 October to 1 November 2026, Messe Friedrichshafen will open its doors for a leading event on the European model-making calendar. Across more than 70,000 m², this outstanding trio of events brings together the 24th FASZINATION MODELLBAU, the long-established Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung (IMA) and the popular Echtdampf-Hallentreffen. Three days packed with experiences await in the Lake Constance region, where three countries meet – from spectacular air displays and the romance of steam railways to enormous driving courses and plenty of hands-on fun.

The fascination of railways: Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung

Every two years, Friedrichshafen becomes a gathering place for railway enthusiasts from across Europe. In Halls A1 and A2, the IMA will present a carefully selected range of working model railway layouts from several European countries. They span everything from delicate Z scale to imposing garden railways, and from historic Reichsbahn routes with live steam to the Swiss Glacier Express against an Alpine backdrop. A particular highlight is the German debut of the French modular group “SceNic”: almost 30 individual modules combine to create an N-scale journey more than 40 metres long through some of France’s most beautiful landscapes.

Well-known figures from the model railway community, including Hagen von Ortloff (“Eisenbahn-Romantik”), will be available for conversations and autographs. Leading manufacturers will also present their latest products, among them Märklin (with Trix and LGB), Roco/Fleischmann, PIKO, BRAWA, Hornby, Tillig, Faller, Noch and Viessmann. The Modellbahn-Forum in Hall A2 will be a central meeting point for expertise and discussion. Throughout the event, experts will cover the latest products, market trends and technical developments. Films featuring fascinating railway journeys around the world will complete the programme of talks.

Local model-maker Martin Enzenhöfer will also be turning heads in Hall A2 with a spectacular record attempt: two trains are set to climb in sync up a spiral tower built from interlocking bricks, standing more than eight metres high and comprising 56 levels. Alongside it will be a monumental fortified city made from almost 100,000 bricks, with its final modules completed live at the event.

Climb aboard: Echtdampf-Hallentreffen

Halls B2 and B3 will offer an experience for all the senses. More than 200 model-makers from around the world will bring their expertly crafted, one-of-a-kind steam models. At the heart of it all is the world’s largest combined 5-inch and 7¼-inch gauge track layout, with more than four kilometres of track. Trains will run frequently between the marshalling yard, turntable and loading station.

Visitors can do more than smell the coal fires and lubricating oil: they can experience the adventure first-hand. Simply climb aboard an open carriage on one of the passenger or goods trains for a ride through the exhibition halls. Puffing steamrollers, historic portable steam engines and open workbenches showcasing precision engineering complete the steam experience.

Flying action at Bodensee-Airport and indoors

There is nowhere else in the world quite like Friedrichshafen for model flying directly on the apron of an international airport. At the long-established “FMT-Stars des Jahres”, top pilots will demonstrate their skills against an impressive mountain backdrop. The line-up includes record-breaking champion Gernot Bruckmann with his gigantic 1:1.6-scale Yak 54 XXL, the Flippers Aerobatic Team with breathtaking formation jet flying, and Luca Baumann with high-speed freestyle aerobatics.

Meanwhile, “FMT-Indoor-Action” will turn Foyer West into an indoor flying arena. Joachim Rauser’s Curtiss P40 Warhawk, which weighs just 800 grams despite its 2.10-metre wingspan, will fly alongside a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in a cheeky “Fatty” cartoon style. Other sights include Erwann Mariette’s flying bass guitar, a twin-engine Rockwell OV10 Bronco, spectacular displays by Markus Zolitsch featuring confetti and braking parachutes, and detailed RC helicopters straight from the 3D printer.

Giant truck courses and live evening shows

Torque, precision hydraulics and sheer power take over Hall A4. Each year, Interessengemeinschaft Truckmodellbau Freudenstadt builds a completely new miniature landscape for the occasion. Up to 100 guest drivers a day will put their powerful machines to work digging, loading and manoeuvring. Leading manufacturers such as ScaleART, Tamiya-Carson, Fumotec and thicon will demonstrate the latest models and technology, while “Freunde der Modellpistenraupen” prepare a snowy winter landscape.

A must-see for fans is the night driving on Friday and Saturday from 17:00. As the hall lights dim, countless work lights, beacons and illuminated show trucks transform the space into a sea of light. Hall B1, meanwhile, will deliver world-class motorsport thrills: at the long-established German Open RC-Car Masters, top drivers will compete for trophies in nine racing classes, from roaring nitro-powered cars and high-speed electric racers to remote-controlled motorcycles leaning into the bends.

In Foyer Ost, fast-paced drifting meets near-silent elegance. On the ground, the “Devils Drift Crew” will guide their vehicles sideways around the cones with millimetre precision. Above them, remote-controlled model airships will glide through the air in almost silent, majestic turns at the Open International Competition F7B.

Model shipbuilding on a giant water basin and the Exhibition Lake

In Hall A5, a vast 400 m² pool invites visitors to explore the world of model boats. Freighters, tugboats and historic steamships will cruise across the water, while sailing yachts glide silently past. Simulated sea-rescue operations, speedy jet skis and the popular “Entenschubsen” with sturdy Ramborator push boats will add to the action.

For those who prefer even more speed, high-powered racing boats on the Messesee (Exhibition Lake) outside Foyer West will throw plumes of spray metres into the air. At the ModellWerft magazine stand, experienced experts will answer questions about hull construction, propulsion systems and modern model-boat technology.

Precision in miniature: plastic and card modelling

Hall A5 will also open up the fascinating world of static scale models. Plastik-Modellbau-Club Bodensee and its partner clubs will display expertly crafted dioramas and miniature worlds. Two major special exhibitions take centre stage in 2026: “100 Jahre Lufthansa”, featuring milestones from the crane-branded airline’s fleet, and “Unsere Bundeswehr”, with models of military vehicles and aircraft as well as displays on the armed forces’ humanitarian missions. Science-fiction fans can look forward to Alex Kosyra’s intricately illuminated spacecraft.

Get involved: hands-on activities for everyone

Watching in amazement is only half the fun. Across the halls, the event becomes a huge hands-on workshop for all ages. Railway enthusiasts can paint wagons and play with interlocking-brick railway cars at PIKO, explore large play areas for the youngest train drivers at Märklin, or create their own layout diorama with guidance at BDEF Junior-College Europa and take it home free of charge. Those who want to delve deeper into model railway electronics can solder “MoLLi”, the world’s smallest alternator, at MobaLedLib. The “VTH-Schnitzeljagd” will challenge visitors to explore the halls, with attractive prizes to be won.

There are plenty of opportunities to take the controls, too. Visitors can have a go at the Traxxas Try-me-Track in Hall A3, the Carrera and Revell activity area with its AI-assisted hybrid track in Hall A5, or the “Race of Champions” in Hall B1. Children and young people can earn their first RC driving licence on the children’s tractor course in Hall A4 or operate 1:64-scale miniature construction vehicles at TA Modellbau. In Foyer Ost, the Devils Drift Crew will invite visitors to steer remote-controlled drift cars through the bends themselves.

Visitors can take to the skies with balsa-wood gliders they have built themselves at DMFV and MFSD, try professional flight simulators or tackle the fast-paced “Droneballs” drone course. Hall A5 offers just as much activity on the water: at the Neckarpiraten’s “Werft für Kids”, young captains can build their own sailing boats and test them on the pool with wind machines. At IG Schiffsmodellbau, visitors can steer remote-controlled boats to earn the coveted helmsman’s or captain’s certificate. The PMC Bodensee’s “Workshop to go”, featuring miniature dioramas to take home, interlocking-brick activities with Jamara and practical demonstrations by card modellers round off the creative programme.

Getting here and parking

The FASZINATION MODELLBAU exhibition grounds are close to Friedrichshafen Airport and easy to reach by all modes of transport. Details are available at:

https://www.faszination-modellbau.de/en/arrival-parking-hall-plans/

Buy tickets online now

To avoid queuing at the venue, visitors are advised to buy their tickets online:

https://ticketshop.schall-messen.de/en/shop/tickets-for-the-fascination-model-building-2026/

Adress

Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH
Neue Messe 1
88046 Friedrichshafen

Opening hours (30 October to 1 November 2026)

Friday and Saturday: 09:00–18:00
Sunday: 09:00–17:00

Further information, royalty-free images and logos

https://www.faszination-modellbau.de/en/press/

https://www.ima-friedrichshafen.de/en/press/

Connect with our huge community