Messe Sinsheim

[Hans Reints]

Mega-Event Echtdampf-Hallentreffen Approaching Quickly

Sinsheim. Traditionally, model steam engine fans really get their money’s worth at the beginning of the year at the Sinsheim Exhibition Centre, and experience thousands of model steam engines: stationary on pedestals, in action on railways, on the water and in the trade fair halls. Roughly 100 commercial exhibitors and more than 400 private participants from 9 countries will offer exhibition and product offerings known for their good quality covering all aspects of the fascinating topic of steam engine model building

Just a few weeks ago, Messe Sinsheim directed the action at the 5th Cologne Echtdampf-Treffen, and at the same time inspired visitors with steam engine models at “Model Railways” in hall 10.2 of the Cologne Exhibition Centre. 161 hobby and commercial exhibitors demonstrated their models, let of steam for four days to their hearts desire and offered impressive product offerings for all aspects of steam engine model building including everything from the smallest screw to complete steam engine models. Exhibitors and participants from Germany, England, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Hungary were on hand. The Dampfbahn Leverkusen club and the British 7¼ Gauge Society offered an international presentation at a communal booth. The German Dampfboot-Verein (steamboat club) adorned its booth in Cologne with the steamships “Beryl of Avon” and “Sunrise”, the latter of which is still under construction. LGB-Freunde Rhein-Sieg exhibited their beautifully arranged logging railway layout. Messe Sinsheim held a raffle for the visitors. The grand prize – a visit to the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen in Sinsheim from the 9th through the 11th of January, 2009, including overnight accommodation at Hotel Sinsheim for two persons – was awarded to a visitor from Essen, Germany. A total of more than 70,000 visitors were counted at the model railway exhibition including “Mein Steckenpferd” (my hobbyhorse) and the 5th Echtdampf-Hallentreffen.

The next, and the world’s largest, indoor mega-event for steam engine model building is just around the corner. At the beginning of the year from the 9th through the 11th of January, 2009, the Sinsheim Exhibition Centre will open its doors for the world famous Echtdampf-Hallentreffen. Private participants and guest drivers will come from Germany, Croatia, Italy, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Switzerland, Japan, Austria and the Netherlands, in order to indulge in their fascinating hobby for three days, and to inspire spectators with thousands of impressive model steam engines. Roughly 100 commercial exhibitors from Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, France, Japan, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Hungary will present product offerings which are unparalleled anywhere in the world.
The impressive 5" layout will provide special appeal because more travel distance has been provided for guest drivers thanks to additional track. Bustling activity will prevail in hall 1 and at the light narrow-gauge railway in hall 4, as well as along side the tracks during loading and unloading of the freight cars. The scenery will be framed by buildings created with great loving care in 1 to 6 scale. A show featuring 1 to 10 scale wood burning locomotives will be a highlight amongst the special shows.

For the Last Time in Sinsheim

The 13th Echtdampf-Hallentreffen form the 9th through the 11th of January, 2009, will be the last time this event is held at the Sinsheim Exhibition Centre. As of 2010, the world’s largest indoor model steam engine meet will take place at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre. Messe Sinsheim will retain its role as promoter of the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen, and will take advantage of ideal conditions and ample space for the world’s largest indoor track layout, for the largest number of steam powered engines to be found anywhere under a single roof, and for lots of new interested visitor groups for a smooth continuation of Echtdampf-Hallentreffen in the year 2010 at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre.