The COVID-19 crisis have devastated many businesses, forcing many to close their doors for ever. Unfortunately Train Show Inc. is one of those businesses. It simply could not survive over 12 months with almost zero revenue. Randy Bachmann, the owner of Train Show Inc. has embarked on a new career in the transportation industry.
David Swanson has formed a new corporation to assume operation of train shows nationwide. David has an extensive experience in the train show business. In the early 1970s he was one of the founders of the Great Midwest Train Show, which started in the Fireman’s hall in Bensenville, IL. He was the founder of the Great American Train Show in the 1980s. In the early 2000s he purchased Greenberg Shows and founded the World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour. By 2010 he had sold the various shows and focused on his other business ventures. He has 50 years of experience in the train show business and has personally managed over 1000 train shows. David is a devoted train enthusiast and is active as a volunteer executive director of the nonprofit World’s Greatest Hobby program.
He has made the investment in this new organization to ensure the various train show brands continue to serve the hobby as a vital event and community. Joining him in this new organization will be Bill Grove, former General Manager of Great Train Shows, and Frank Hicks, former General Manager of Greenberg Shows. Bill brings over 30 years of experience in the train show business while Frank brings over 20 years experience in train show management. Dillon Goble, a former employee of Train Show Inc. will also be joining the organization’s management.
The new parent corporation for the shows will be the Great American Train Shows Inc. This name was selected to honor the legacy that dates back to the first Great Midwest Train Show in 1971. The name is meant to honor the other founders of the show who are no longer with us: Bob Brush, and Bob Olsen.
The shows will continue as before with the same brands:
Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show will resume operation on July 24th
The Great Midwest Train Show will resume operation on August 8th
Great Train Shows will resume operation on August 14th
World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour Shows will resume in January of 2022
The TrainShow.com website will remain the primary website for all the shows
Once we have resumed shows we are looking to improve both the exhibitor and attendee experience. We will be looking to expand operations to many metropolitan areas that have not had a national train show for many years.
The 4 goals of the new organization are:
1. Improve the content of the shows to improve the attendee experience
2. Increase the attendance of the shows with improved advertising
3. Execute shows in a manner that results in outstanding customer satisfaction
4. Ensure the business model of the shows is responsive and sustainable. For additional information contact info@gats.email
Great American Train Shows is the nation’s only coast-to-coast train show company. Our train shows are designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. All scales are welcome as are books, videos, and railroadiana. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the best train shows in America.
Selling at the train show is easy and affordable. There are no hidden fees: just send in a check for the cost of the table or pay online with your credit card and you’re paid up. We’ll provide the table, chairs, and of course the expo center and crowd. You need only bring a table cover and your trains.
Any questions? We’re here to help. Our staff has over 80 years of combined experience running model train shows and we work hard to make sure that your experience selling at our shows is a positive one. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 224.500.4159 or email info@gats.email
How to sign up: The easiest and quickest way is to sign up online at www.TrainShow.com. You can also fill out the application page in this document, sign it, and mail or scan-and-e-mail it to us. You’ll receive a confirmation email or letter within a few days and you’ll receive the show information packet about 2-3 weeks prior to the show.