Get your conductor hats and air whistles ready, the Montreal Model Train Exposition rolls into town on Sept. 27 and 28.

The event allows train aficionados of all ages to explore their hobby and raises funds for Sun Youth.

“Kids have a great time at the show playing with the trains,” says Ivan Dow, the event organizer. “We have a lot of trains on the floor up to adult heights, enabling children to touch and be creative, making their own train world.”

Some of the models that will be showcased at the Expo are nearly 100 years old. “Strangely, they run better than some of the new stuff,” Dow says. In addition to these older models, popular and newer ones, like Thomas the Tank and the Hogwarts Express, will also be on display. Children can build their own tracks and play with the trains as well as race them on uniquely shaped tracks.

“There will be plenty to look at, touch and buy, with people selling and buying new and used toy trains,” Dow says.

This year’s biggest attraction will be a large-scale G-gauge layout with a nine-metre high mountain, making its first appearance at the Expo.

“Most of the train clubs around Montreal will have displays of what their clubs have to offer, enabling people, who are so inclined, to join them,” Dow says. “Clubs are popular for people without room for a model railroad (at home), or in need of advice, and sharing a common love of trains.”

The Montreal Model Train Exposition takes place Sept. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sun Youth Centre located at 4251 St. Urbain. Free parking will be available at the Home Depot located at 100 Beaubien W., with free shuttle service to the show. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children.

For more informtaion, visit montrealmodeltrainexposition.com