Press release from 24.10.2024: Event of Superlatives
FASZINATION MODELLBAU Friedrichshafen with Echtdampf-Hallentreffen & Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung (IMA)
Only a few days to go until the highlight of the year: From 1 to 3 November 2024, the entire world of model aircraft, car, truck and ship building, model railways and steam engines, plastic and cardboard model making will meet in Friedrichshafen on an incredible 70,000 m². This event is the largest of its kind! Visitors can expect a highly exciting programme for three days in the border triangle on Lake Constance.
Airshow spectacle at the airfield!
This is only possible at Faszination Modellbau: against the impressive backdrop of Lake Constance Airport Friedrichshafen, the best pilots in the scene present their skills at the ‘FMT Stars of the Year’. All model flying classes are represented: from turbine jets and true-to-the-original large models to 3D heli aerobatics and gliding competition disciplines. Top-class participants guarantee a spectacular programme: the superstar of the scene, Gernot Bruckmann – currently the most successful pilot, who has also won numerous titles this year – will definitely be there to show us world-class motor and glider aerobatics. Kai Koppenburg, the current world speed record holder, has also confirmed his attendance: that means model flying at over 400 km/h in Friedrichshafen! The Red Bull Aerobatic Team will also be at the start again and will be presenting their new MB-339 in a formation of three for the first time. The popular manufacturer demonstrations will also be back, showing the latest products for the coming season live in the sky. The spectacular airshow programme will run throughout the trade fair from Friday to Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm.
But it’s not just outside that the air is on fire: at the ‘FMT Indoor Action’ – an indoor air show on a 30×30 m area in the western entrance area – we will experience an incredible range of indoor flying models: from delicate 1.5 g lightweights to our own constructions with a wingspan of over two metres. The show highlights will once again include crowd favourites Jim Knopf and Luke the Engine Driver, the Millennium Falcon, aero musicals, 4D aerobatics demonstrations, ultra-light 700 helicopters and several French super-scale models made of paper-covered balsa wood.
No. 1 worldwide: Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung
The Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung (IMA) is the largest model railway event in the world and takes place every two years in Friedrichshafen. 2024 is the year again! The most beautiful model railway layouts will be presented in the huge Hall A1 plus Hall A2 – lovingly designed dioramas, historic bridges, famous railway stations and breathtaking Alpine passes. Visitors can marvel at model railways in all gauges and discover the latest locomotives, track systems and detailed accessories, presented by more than 200 exhibitors, including the industry’s leading manufacturers: Märklin/LGB/Trix, Roco/Fleischmann, BRAWA, PIKO, Hornby, Tillig, BEMO, Faller, Herpa, Noch, Viessmann/kibri/Vollmer and, for the first time, Bachmann/Liliput and KATO Europe.
The giant exhibition will delight both children and adults. At many interactive stations, they can live out their creative side, immerse themselves in the world of model railways and exchange ideas with friends, experts and other model railway enthusiasts. The IMA also offers numerous suggestions and valuable tips for your own hobby.
World’s largest gathering of steam-powered models
The Echtdampf-Hallentreffen is the world’s largest event for steam-powered models of railways, road vehicles, ships and stationary equipment. The exhibition area will be further expanded in 2024: Hundreds of exhibits in 5 and 7 ¼ inches will be presented in Halls B2 and B3. They hiss and steam – their rhythmic sound captivates visitors. The event will also be represented in Hall A2 with stationary steam models and an impressive modular layout in gauge I and IIm.
The centrepiece of this cult event is the world’s largest 5-inch and 7.25-inch track layout with a length of more than 4 km, which is even completely accessible. The miniature railways at the indoor real steam event are not just there to be marvelled at: visitors have the opportunity to take a seat themselves and enjoy a ride around the track! There is also plenty to experience away from the rails, when the road steam engines of the international exhibitors puff past the spectators.
Everything that drives: Trucks, buggies, snow groomers and RC cars
Even bigger than in previous years: On the huge 760 square metre course in Hall A4 of Faszination Modellbau, the model trucks in 1:16 scale and even 1:8 scale on a separate course will be shown to their full advantage. Around 300 drivers will bring their detailed treasures to Friedrichshafen and present them on the true-to-original tracks. The tractors, trailers, snow groomers and construction and special vehicles on display here are the crème de la crème of commercial vehicle modelling. When the off-road vehicles manoeuvre over bridges, scree and through water obstacles on the truck trial course, the boundaries between reality and fiction become blurred.
This year, the RC Friends of the Bavarian Forest have set up an RC car basher course on the East open-air site between Hall A6 and Hall B4: It’s all about jumps and hot drifts with monster trucks and buggies! Fancy even more racing action? Then head for Hall B1, where the German Open RC Car Masters will take place. Here, top drivers compete against each other in nine different 1:8 and 1:10 scale RC car racing classes to secure a place on the podium. Even during the race breaks, there is hardly a breather here: between the exciting races, spectators can look forward to impressive shows with innovations and special highlights, including 1:5 scale large models, dragsters, RC motorbikes, sidecar bikes and monster trucks.
Dreaming: ship modelling in the giant water basin
The impressive 400 m² water basin in Hall A5 invites you to pause and dream. Here we can watch at close quarters as huge container freighters and fully functional working ships glide leisurely past us. But exciting action also awaits the spectators: from regattas with sailing boats to jet ski races and sea rescue exercises. And another tip: outside the entrance to Foyer West, speedboats thunder across the water at high speed on the Messesee. Be sure to watch!
Another highlight in Hall A5 is the traditional duck pushing competition, in which teams try to get the ducks into the opponent’s goal with their Ramborator push boats. A visit to Faszination Modellbau means not only watching, but also taking part: Young model ship builders have the opportunity to acquire the coveted helmsman’s licence: After an introduction to steering and manoeuvring a model ship, the certificate is ceremoniously presented. It is a memorable experience.
Practical knowledge at the model making and model railway forum
More knowledge means more skills and therefore more enjoyment of the hobby. That’s why there will be a knowledge pool on all three days of the fair that visitors can tap into quickly, easily and free of charge: Come, sit down, listen to the expert speakers – and know more! Exciting presentations await us in the Model Construction Forum in Hall A3: for example, on designing, constructing and building model aircraft, the legal situation of various flying sites, 3D printing in model construction or the new digital flight book.
In the Model Railway Forum in Hall A2, we will learn – among other things – all about electricity, signals and safety in digital operation, as well as modern lighting technology on model railway layouts. There will also be a presentation on building your own garden railway model using a 3D printer. And Viessmann, kibri and Vollmer will be presenting their new products exclusively at the Model Railway Forum. Films about fascinating railway journeys around the world round off the forum’s programme.
Lots of hands-on activities for all age groups
There is not only a lot to see at the Faszination Modellbau, the Echtdampf-Hallentreffen and the Internationale Modellbahn-Ausstellung. Children, young people and adults can also actively participate in the events: For example, at the large Märklin and PIKO play areas, the Traxxas RC car track or the model glider building event organised by the Model Flying Association of Germany and the German Model Flying Association. There will also be a children’s tractor course, the popular ‘Shipyard for Kids’ organised by the Neckarpiraten, the Carrera RC car course and the traditional children’s and youth craft activities organised by the Plastik-Modellbau-Club Bodensee.
The complete overview of the extensive hands-on programme can be found at:
www.faszination-modellbau.de/en/specials/hands-on-activities/
Completely unproblematic: travelling and parking
The Faszination Modellbau exhibition centre is located in the immediate vicinity of Friedrichshafen Airport and is easily accessible by all means of transport. Detailed information is available at:
www.faszination-modellbau.de/en/arrival-parking-hall-plans/
Order tickets online now
To avoid waiting times on site, we recommend buying tickets online:
www.ticketshop.schall-messen.de/shop
Address
Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH
Neue Messe 1
88046 Friedrichshafen
Opening hours (1 to 3 November 2024)
Friday-Saturday 9:00 – 18:00
Sunday 9:00 – 17:00
Thank you for your reports and announcements.
Further information, royalty-free images and logos
https://www.faszination-modellbau.de/presse
https://www.ima-friedrichshafen.de/presse
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