TrainfestServes the Community

Trainfest^®, the largest operating model railroad show in the country, is sponsored by its non-profit parent organization, the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc. of National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). Together, they give back to the community through education programs and outreach to families.

Each year, the following Southeastern Wisconsin groups benefit:

Ronald McDonald House - 30 free tickets go to families staying at Ronald McDonald House, allowing them to attend Trainfest in November. At Christmas, WISE Division members set up a winter train layout in the Ronald McDonald House lobby. Radio control throttles help kids operate the trains from their wheelchairs.  

Make-a-Wish Foundation - 30 free tickets are given to young people and their families.

Boy Scouts of America - The WISE Division hosts a merit badge clinic to assist scouts in earning their merit badges. At these clinics, scouts learn the techniques of model railroading and expand their knowledge. In addition, the WISE Division gives two tickets to each scout in these clinics, so they can attend Trainfest with their parents.

Waukesha County 4-H - Kids 16 and under build their own modules through the 4-H program. The portable modules fit together to create one large layout. This group also donates model railroad equipment to injured servicemen overseas so they have equipment to work on while they recover.
    
WISE Guys and Gals Group - The WISE Division sponsors a layout designed, built and operated by young people ages 16 and younger.

Plus:
Members of the WISE Division of the NMRA conduct the following educational efforts so kids and families can learn more about model railroading:

Trainfest Educational Demonstrations -  Clinics held at Trainfest give kids and parents "hands-on" experience making trees, coloring scenery, hand-laying track, constructing turnouts and building railroad oriented structures.  

Public Model Railroad Meets - 7 free meets are sponsored by the WISE Division at various locations and are open to the public. January is devoted to showing kids and their parents how to set up new Christmas train sets. The meets consist of clinics on model railroading, a popular vote model contest, a swap meet and home layout tours. 

For media request, contact Therese Novotny at 414-217-1233.