the International Model Railway Exhibition (IMA) in Keulen 2016

[Hans Reints]

"Hello Europe!" - Europe's largest model railway event, the International Model Railway Exhibition (IMA), lives up to its name in 2016
Model railway enthusiasts will discover countless temptations from 17th-20th November 2016 at their traditional venue in Cologne: It's IMA time! The organisation team of the International Model Railway Exhibition 2016 looks forward together with over 200 exhibitors to the rendezvous of the lively community, this year with an ambitious goal to accumulate European model railway layouts. As the most important event location for the European model railway industry and biennial meeting place of the international model railway scene, the IMA will again set trends in 2016. First-class model railway and accessory suppliers from all over the world - established market leaders as well as specialised small series manufacturers - present their immense repertoire: model railway technology in all gauges, drive technology, tracks of all kinds, rolling stock, intelligent model railway software, materials and utensils for landscape modelling, as well as a varied selection of accessories and fun gimmicks. The leading fair for the model railway industry is a hub of ideas, entertainment and shopping possibilities, attracting model railway enthusiasts from home and abroad with its extensive exhibition programme at the Cologne trade fair centre. A major attraction are the many creatively designed model layouts in all gauges presented by private owners as well as international model railway clubs and societies. And this year the organizers are approaching the model railway community with a very special goal: to present model railway layouts from as many of the European countries as possible! So that visitors will be able to partake in a borderless train journey and enjoy the freedom of Europe right there in in Cologne.
Breath-taking waterfalls and fjords in Norway, magnificent viaducts in Switzerland, fragrant lavender fields in the Provence, elegant Changing the Guard ceremonies in Great Britain: On a journey by train across Europe there is so much to see. Europe's landscapes offer boundless inspiration for passionate railway modellers - and their fantastic railway layouts. So the makers of the IMA, the Messe Sinsheim team, have been inspired to add a new dimension to the show in order to highlight the "best hobby in the world" and to set a new trend on the tracks: Their aim is to bring together model railway layouts from all over Europe to create a unique display for spectators at Europe's largest model railway event in November. How about a miniature replica of the Norwegian Dovre Railway, or the West Highland Line that links the western highland region of Scotland? The international model railway community is called on to participate! The search is on for model railway layouts in all gauges from all over Europe. Interested clubs, societies or private modellers have the chance to apply to be part of the show, to present their attractive true-to-detail layout at the 33rd International Model Railway Exhibition in Cologne. All the necessary information for application can be found at www.modellbahn-koeln.de.Dexterity, logical thinking and a good sense of size proportion: these and other talents are characteristic for a creative, successful railway modeller. Digitisation, individualisation and constant new networking opportunities have transformed the hobby of railway modelling into a complex and challenging pastime that makes it so fascinating for young railway buffs. Projects aimed specifically at the promotion of young modellers - such as "Junior College Europe" run by the Federal Association of German Rail Friends (BDEF) - introduce railway modelling to young talents at the IMA and leave room to explore the many creative and technical possibilities of the hobby. Market leaders such as Märklin, Auhagen, Busch, Faller, Noch and Viessmann underline their desire to nurture the next modelling generation and will be providing a 200 square metre play area for youngsters to actively get involved with model trains.
The Model Railway Forum at the IMA is a popular meeting place for the international modelling community. In the workshops, professional presentations and interesting lectures with transmission to a large screen, the audience can delve deeply into the world of railway modelling. The Model Railway Forum conveys complex information on new products and the exhibitors' sophisticated innovations. The expert presenters and lecturers will be happy to answer your questions and queries. Videos about inspiring train journeys all around the globe complement the Forum programme, which is all included in the exhibition admission price.

A visit to the Cologne Indoor Live Steam Meeting is a nostalgic steam-powered experience. Steam boats, steam-driven road vehicles and of course majestic historical steam trains take visitors on a fascinating time journey into the world of steam engines. Knowledgeable exhibitors give insight into the art of steam model engineering, presenting the chuffing and hissing vehicles in action to an engrossed audience and offering advice and support in all matters of steam modelling.  
Of course the mega highlight LEGO Fan World is part of the show again in 2016: The LEGO display consists of millions of coloured bricks! LEGO fans from Germany and neighbouring European countries are currently preparing, building and perfecting their fantastic models to have them ready for presentation at LEGO Fan World in November. Visitors will be able to travel through worlds of fantasy but can also marvel at the real wonders of the world on a miniature scale. Their constructors will be happy to explain special building techniques and tips to spectators. Workshops on popular LEGO topics round off the show.
Those who want to try their own hand at creating something spectacular from the colourful little bricks will love the simultaneous LEGO Kids Fest, a gigantic LEGO event full of fun and interactive, creative and instructive activities. On a 6,000 square metre large play and activity area, budding engineers and architects of all ages can let their creative imagination become reality with the help of some 5 million LEGO bricks.


One ticket for all events!
The International Model Railway Exhibition, the Cologne Live Steam Meeting (Thursday to Sunday), Lego Fan World and the Lego Kids Fest (Friday to Sunday) can all be visited with just one single affordable ticket!  www.modellbahn-koeln.de and www.facebook.com/InternationaleModellbahnAusstellung.

Dates of the fair:   17th - 20th November 2016
Venue   :      Koelnmesse
            Messeplatz 1
            50679 Koln
            Germany

Opening hours:      Thursday, 17.11.2016 -
            Saturday, 19.11.2016
            9 am - 6 pm
            Sunday, 20.11.2016
            9 am - 5 pm

Admission prices: "International Model Railway Exhibition", "Cologne Live Steam Meeting"
from Thurs. 17.11. to Sun. 20.11.2016 + "LEGO Fanwelt" and "LEGO Kids Fest"
from Fri. 18.11. to Sun. 20.11.2016 can be visited with just one admission ticket.

Admission prices
on site:         One-day ticket adult 13.00 €
            One-day ticket reduced 10.00 €
            (Children aged 8 - 17 years, pupils, students,
            pensioners and other entitled persons with ID)

            Family ticket: 30.00 €
            (2 adults and 2 own children aged 4 - 17 years)

            Child ticket (4 - 7 years): 5.00 €
            Children up to 3 years free of charge.

            Happy Hour ticket: 8.00 € (valid from 3 pm)

[Jan-Peter]

Yep, staat in de planning. Nu maar hopen dat de HLV's zich rustig houden. Kan ik er een paar dagen tussen uit.

Jan-Peter