The 2026 International Railfair model railroad show returns to Cal Expo on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15, featuring 11 different operating layouts in Z, N, HO, S and G scales, vendors and several special new attractions. Photo courtesy of International Railfair

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The 2026 International Railfair model railroad show returns to Cal Expo on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15, featuring 11 different operating layouts, vendors and special new attractions.

“International Railfair is especially proud to have Patricia Lollis, one of the country's first woman railroad engineers on Saturday, Nov. 14, promoting her recently published memoir, ‘Woman Driver, First Woman Locomotive Engineer on the Sante Fe Valley Division,’” said Tom Campbell, event spokesperson for the International Railfair.

In 1974, Lollis was hired as an engineer trainee by the Santa Fe Railroad — one of the very first women ever to hold that position in the United States.

In 2015, through several railroad Facebook groups, Lollis reconnected with many of the people she had worked alongside on the old Santa Fe Valley Division located in Richmond, California and met other women railroaders from across the country.

“Her book is a collection of short stories with color photographs, written to preserve her memories of the unique people, conditions, and situations she encountered, and to chronicle what railroading in the U.S. was like the 1970s and 1980s,” Campbell said.

Lollis will be signing hard and soft cover copies of her new book available for purchase at the West Coast Railroaders Group full-size motorcar display at the International Railfair on Saturday only.

Members of the West Coast Railroaders Group will showcase examples of full-size motorcar maintenance vehicles which that railroad crews across the nation once used to travel miles of railroad track for inspection and service. Photo courtesy of International Railfair

“These motorcars are the actual motorized maintenance vehicles that railroad crews once used to travel along tracks – smaller and more accessible than a locomotive, and a genuinely different look at railroad history than most model train shows offer,” Campbell said. “These vehicles are something the public rarely gets to see close-up.”

Set against the backdrop of the 1970s and 1980s, Lollis’ compelling memoir takes readers inside the world of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway at a time when cabooses still brought up the rear of every freight train, switch engines worked around the clock and station agents wrote up train orders in a trade that was built on grit, skill and tradition.

“That era is sadly long gone,” Lollis said in a phone interview. Railroad consolidation, staffing cuts and more automation have now largely reduced the role of the engineer in recent years, she said.

Lollis fondly remembers the unforgettable railroaders and colorful characters she worked alongside while revealing what it was like to enter a profession that once had been closed to women.

She encourages International Railfair guests to stop by her table to learn more about her remarkable professional journey.

“The IRF show is a locally run not-for-profit train show run by members of the Sacramento Modular Railroaders, the Sacramento chapter of the European Train Enthusiasts, Roseville Roundhouse Model Railroad Association and the Sierra Division of the Pacific Coast Region of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) for over 40 years,” said Campbell.

“Buildings C and D at Cal Expo on 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento will feature 28,000 square feet of model railroad layouts, vendor tables and full-size railroad equipment,” Campbell said.

The popular annual event is a decidedly relaxed, inexpensive November weekend activity ideal for seasoned model railroad enthusiasts, yet perfect for families with train-obsessed kids, and for adults who are simply curious about reconnecting with a childhood hobby from their past.

 Lollis will be signing hard and soft cover copies of her new book "Woman Driver, First Woman Locomotive Engineer on the Sante Fe Valley Division” which will be available for purchase at the West Coast Railroaders Group full-size motorcar display at the International Railfair on Saturday only

“The two-day show is called ‘International Railfair’ because one of our participating sponsor clubs, European Train Enthusiasts (ETE) specializes in building and operating European model railroads,” Campbell said.

The annual model railroad show covers four popular scales: Z, N, HO and G. For anyone new to the hobby, those letters correspond to the size of the equipment – Z is the smallest (roughly 1:220 scale), N is slightly larger, HO is the most common scale among hobbyists worldwide and G scale is large enough to run in a garden.

Each of the fully operating layouts on display offer a close up look into a realistic, highly detailed world in miniature.

Vendor tables full of equipment, parts, kits and collectibles are well worth a look – even if you’re not buying.

 Patricia Lollis seen at the cab controls of a Santa Fe locomotive remembers the unforgettable railroaders and colorful characters she worked alongside while revealing what it was like to enter a profession that once had been closed to women. Photo courtesy of Patricia Lollis

“We display operating model railroads to the public and educate the public about model railroading, railroad history and prototypical railroad operations,” Campbell said.

One of the most popular family-friendly returning features of the International Railfair is an actual operating children’s model train layout where children can run their own train and qualify as a Junior Engineer. Coloring tables with free souvenir International Railfair-themed crayon sets are also set up throughout the weekend while supplies last.

“We want to share the best family hobby in the world with you and your family,” Campbell said.

The 2026 International Railfair will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, in Buildings C and D at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento.

Advance tickets can be purchased at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/63710069/international-railfair-sacramento-cal-expo-events

Ticket prices at the gate on Saturday, Nov. 14 are $15, and $12 on Sunday, but can be purchased for a reduced price with a processing fee if bought online in advance.

Advance online tickets are $12 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. Children ages 12 and under are free.

Active and retired military receive $2 off ticket price with ID at the gate (only). Parking on the Cal Expo fairgrounds is $10, payable by cash or card. The venue’s clear bag policy and unaccompanied minors’ policy also apply; visit calexpo.com for more information.