Milwaukee Schedule
Welcome to Milwaukee, WI for 2026
The National N Scale Convention®
June 23 to June 27, 2026
Come join the 32nd National N Scale Convention
presented by the N Scale Enthusiast (NSE).
This year's convention will be held at the
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221
Attendees will be entitled to the following special convention hotel rate.
Standard room rate will be $150.00 Single or double.
Note: These rates do not include applicable tax.
Parking will be free.
Go to our convention hotel web page for our special reservation rates.
Remember we have limited number of rooms blocked at this convention rate.
Rate is available until the block is filled or until June 1, 2026.
MILWAUKEE CONTION SCHEDULE
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Please gather in the Hotel lobby upper level for bus tours.
Each Bus Captain will have a list of all the folks that have signed up for that day's tour. No tickets are necessary for the Tuesday tour.
EXTRA FARE #1
Tuesday June 23, 2026
JH Case Trator Factoure and the Kenosha Lakefront Trolley – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
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Today we’re excited to offer two tours—one to Racine and one to Kenosha, Wisconsin. To give as many participants as possible the opportunity to attend, we’ll use our popular round-robin format, complete with a lunch stop at the Case tractor factory.
In Kenosha, we have arranged a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lakefront Trolley maintenance facility, where you’ll get a firsthand look at what it takes to keep these historic trolleys running.
The Kenosha Lakefront Trolley—officially known as the Electric Streetcar—offers scenic rides along a 2-mile loop through downtown Kenosha. The route connects the Metra station with local attractions such as the Civil War Museum, Public Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Harbor Park, and the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.
EXTRA FARE #2
All Day Layout Tour – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Because there are so many outstanding layouts in the Milwaukee area, it’s not possible to fit them all into a single morning and afternoon tour. Instead, we’re offering an all-day layout tour featuring four home layouts and two club layouts.
The tour will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch stop at Pizza Ranch, where you may purchase your own lunch.
Arrival Day - Official start of the convention
Wednesday, June 24,2026
Home Layouts
Wednesday Home Layout Tours #1 Morning
Wednesday Home Layout Tours #2 Afternoon
8:00 am to 11:30 & 12:30 to 4:30 pm
The afternoon tour will get you back by 4:30 so you can pick up your registration packets and check-in your auction items. The Bus Captains will have lists of those registered for the layout tours.
8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Milwaukee Beer and Pretzel Tour
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Welcome to Milwaukee and our Pretzel and Beer Tour! Milwaukee is famous for many things, including its pretzels and breweries. To give you a true taste of what the city has to offer, we’ve scheduled a tour that will take you to one of the largest pretzel factories in the state and two breweries known for their outstanding craft beers. During the Lakefront portion of the tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy your own lunch.
It’s the perfect way to sample the flavors and fun that make Milwaukee special!
Registration - 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
ARRIVAL DAY
Check-in opens today—stop by to pick up your convention registration packet and get ready for an exciting start! We’re once again hosting the popular N Scale Vehicles Contest, run by Carter Fritschle, with convenient onsite voting.
The Reinhart team will be distributing all pre-ordered convention shirts. Be sure to order early to guarantee the style and size you want.
You’ll also get your first look at this year’s raffle prizes—don’t wait to see Alex and secure your tickets early. Meanwhile, Fred and his team will have the new convention special runs available during registration. These are limited quantities, so make sure to check them out as soon as you arrive.
AUCTION Check-in - 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Auction check-in runs concurrently with registration activities today, for the annual Live Auction that will be held Thursday evening. Each Primary Registrant at the convention may enter two items in the auction Wednesday during Convention registration.
Model Contest Check-in – 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Check on the convention web site for this year's categories and viewing. You will be able to download the rules and contest entry forms.
First place plaques will be given out at the banquet based on popular vote.
Good luck to all.
Presenting the Milwaukee Road Depot kit - 5:30PM
Russ Kauffman from N scale Architect
The Menomonee Falls Depot was originally built in 1890 by the Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls and Western Railway Company. In 1900, the line became part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, later known simply as the Milwaukee Road.
At its peak, the depot handled four passenger and freight trains daily, with sugar beets and limestone among its most important commodities.
The depot closed in 1971 and was acquired by the Menomonee Falls Historical Society in 1973. It was subsequently moved to its current location, where it was restored and now serves as a centerpiece of the town’s Old Falls Village Historical Park and Museum.
The Online Modelers Meetup – 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Many of us participate in online groups to discuss our N scale hobby. This is your chance to put a face to the screen name you’ve been chatting with.
Welcome Reception - 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Join us at the N Scale Enthusiast Reception for Dessert, Coffee and renewal of old friendships. Since the 2012 Convention, we have used this gathering to hold a NSE member's meeting. This is your chance to meet your hosts for the week and ask questions.
Thursday, JUNE 25, 2026 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
We’re offering two terrific tours today—and choosing just one won’t be easy!
One option is a visit to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a premier railway destination featuring an outstanding collection of historic locomotives and railcars, along with engaging exhibits and train rides.
As part of the experience, you’ll dine like a real rail rider with a classic hobo (box) lunch provided by the museum—an authentic and memorable touch to a great day of railroading fun.
The second tour takes you behind the scenes at Walthers Manufacturing, where you’ll meet the staff and discover how their products are designed, produced, and shipped to hobbyists like you. You’ll also have time to explore their hobby store and see the latest releases. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask the Walthers team about current projects and get a glimpse of what they might be producing in the future.
Next, we’ll head to the East Troy Museum, where you can admire beautifully restored trolleys and enjoy a scenic seven-mile ride. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a local park, provided by Cousins, a beloved local chain—making this a perfect combination of history, fun, and great food!
LIVE Auction – 6:30 pm
Take a first look at the incredible auction items from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM—plenty of time to plan your bids!
Then the excitement kicks off at 6:30 PM with the live auction. Bring your auction paddle, your sense of humor, and your competitive spirit—this is your chance to grab some of the coolest items around!
Model Contest Viewing – 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Don’t miss your last chance to view this year’s contest!
Stop by to see the incredible models on display and get inspired. Best of luck to all participants—may the best model win!
Friday, June 27, 2024
Setup 7:00 – 9:00 am
SWAP-A-RAMA 9:00 am – Noon
Public Show Noon – 4:00 pm
This is your opportunity to see and buy the very best in N Scale. With over 120 tables filled with items from our members and dealers, there will be plenty to explore. This is also where manufacturers showcase their latest products, giving you a firsthand look at what’s new.
It’s the perfect time to ask those questions you’ve been wanting to ask and check out all the N Scale offerings before the tables open to the public at noon.
Home Layouts
Friday Home Layout Tours #3 Morning
Friday Home Layout Tours #4 Afternoon
8:00 am to 11:30 & 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Hotel Layouts – 9:00 am and 4:00 pm
This year we have Dan Laekee of the the Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers group coordinating many groups from all over the state to provide the best in operating layouts. This hotel provides a great opportunity this year with additional ballrooms outside the main ballroom which will allow more layouts. Information on the registration procedures for the layouts is available on the convention website.
For layout information. Hotel Layouts – Dan Larkee
Friday Night - Both dinners require boarding the buses at 5:00 p.m., as the train and boat both depart at 6:00 p.m.
Looking for something to do on a Friday night in Milwaukee? We have the answer! We’re offering two dinner rides—the first on a train and the second on a boat.
Sorry, we couldn’t think of anything to do with planes… or snakes! 😄
During our last visit to Milwaukee, we weren’t able to fit everyone aboard the train, so we’re once again offering a second dinner option.
Dinner Cruise – Edelweiss II
The Edelweiss II is a European-style vessel featuring a single, low-profile deck that easily cruises beneath the bridges of the Milwaukee River and out into Lake Michigan.
If you’re a fan of prime rib, this is the dinner for you. The menu features a Prime Rib Carving Station, served with horseradish au jus and dinner rolls.
Dinner Train – East Troy Electric Railroad
Not a sailor but still a rail fan? Join us aboard the East Troy Dinner Train. You’ve toured the museum—now it’s time to ride in one of two dining passenger cars and enjoy a memorable meal on the rails.
This year, we’re offering two menu selections to choose from. Bon appétit!
Seating is arranged at tables for two and four, with a maximum of 50 guests per dinner car.
Please note: our elegant dinner train experiences are geared for adults only.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Manufacturer's Breakfast – 7:30 am – 9:30 am
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oday it’s up early for the N Scale Manufacturer’s breakfast buffet, hosted by our friends at Scale Trains. Be there for all the latest product announcements and development news from the leaders in N Scale Model Railroading
Public Show -9:30 am – 4:00 pm
The public show will continue with a second day of opportunities.
Clinics - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Our clinic schedule will feature some of the most talented N-Scalers sharing their experience and skills across a wide range of interests. Whenever possible, these clinics can include hands-on activities. Contact Tim Nixon tnixon@infionline.net
Convention Banquet – 6:30 pm Doors open, program begins at 7:00 pm
Join us in the Ballroom for the highlight of all the convention events – the banquet. Wonderful food, great fun, Awards to our members, model contest awards and the ever-popular raffle. A Special Micro-Trains Line gift car is offered to those who are paid attendees for the banquet.
