Temple Train Show History

In 1984, the City of Temple inaugurated the “Texas Train Festival” which was intended to mark the importance that railroads and railroading had played in the history of Temple. A citywide festival of many events was chosen to promote Temple tourism. One of the festival events was a model train show held at Temple’s Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center.

The city chose Temple resident Bernard R. (Buddy) Burk to head up the train show committee. Buddy had the arduous task of bringing together modular layout clubs, vendors, clinics, railroad films, advertising and publicity. All went well and smooth with the first festival being declared a great success.

Due to hard work of those responsible for the success and popularity of the early shows, the Temple Model Train Show has been successfully held the third weekend of September every year since the first festival.

For those who travel the train show circuit, coming to the Temple show is like a treat or vacation. The spaciousness and cleanliness of the Frank W.Mayborn Civic & Convention center gives a good show feeling. It’s location from the interstate is quick and easy to find. Take exit 303 from I-35 and you are right there with plenty of free parking.

There are many easily accessible motels and great places to eat all over Temple. The show is considered by many of those who attend to be one of the best.