Giant Model Railway Exhibition Opens at VDNKh in Moscow

International Railway Model Exhibition Opens at VDNKh

A massive miniature railway featuring more than 150 digital-control modules, working signals, and scale locomotives operating on accelerated model time opens on November 1 at the Museum of the Special Purpose Garage. The exhibition, titled “Railway Model,” occupies Pavilion No. 63 at VDNKh for a two-week run.

Scale Network and Record Nomination

The central display is a functioning railway layout spanning more than 300 square meters in 1:87 scale. Freight trains and high-speed passenger services will run on strict schedules across the network, activating crossing signals and illuminating miniature town buildings along the route. Organizers plan to submit the expansive layout for inclusion in the Registry of Records of Russia.

National Modeler Contributions and Simulator Access

Modelers from St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Rostov-on-Don, and other cities contributed handcrafted pieces built from historical blueprints and photographs. Visitors can observe the rolling stock in motion and test an operating simulator to experience driving a locomotive firsthand.

Historical Board Games and 175-Year Milestone

A dedicated “Locomotive Game Room” features ten tables with more than 100 tabletop games, including historical editions such as the 1857 “Travel along the Nicholas Railway” and the 1876 “Travel across Russia.” The showcase marks the 175th anniversary of the 1851 launch of the 644-kilometer St. Petersburg-Moscow railway, which opened as the world’s longest double-track line. Prior to arriving in Moscow, the exhibition toured St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VDNKh Railway Exhibition

How long will the Railway Model exhibition remain open at VDNKh?

The exhibition runs for two weeks starting November 1 at Pavilion No. 63 in the Museum of the Special Purpose Garage.

What are the dimensions of the main railway layout?

The central operating layout covers an area of more than 300 square meters and consists of over 150 digital modules built in 1:87 scale.

What historical anniversary does the exhibition commemorate?

The showcase marks the 175th anniversary of the opening of the 644-kilometer railway connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow, which began operations in 1851.