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St. Louis

Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet

July 19th - July 20th, 2024

The largest annual RPM event in the US.

A model railroader's dream

Two full days of high-quality models, displays, clinics, hands-on learning centers, prototype layouts, and more in the modern, professional Gateway Convention Center.

Bring your models

Your models are the heart of St. Louis RPM. Thousands of models brought by modelers like you will be on display! Bring your finished or unfinished models of all scales, gauges, and sizes from all eras.

Learn new skills

Teach, learn, and collaborate with fellow modelers from around the nation. We feature clinic presentations by nationally-recognized historians and modelers.

St. Louis RPM

Mark your calendar and prepare for a spectacular modeling event!
Scroll down to learn more about the upcoming 2024 event.

17th

annual event

38,000+

square feet

5,000+

models

200+

vendor tables

20+

historical societies

17th

annual event
Educational Clinics
Educational Clinics

We offer a minimum of 18 clinics over the two-day meet consisting of a 50 minute presentation given by nationally known modelers, historians and industry experts. Presentations usually feature detailed explanations of techniques, processes as well as advanced tools and technologies including weathering, prototype railroad information, scenery and structures.

Quality Vendors
Quality Vendors

St. Louis RPM includes an exciting array of hand-picked scale model vendors. No swap-meet stuff! Our vendors travel from all over the U.S. to bring you the finest quality detail parts, decals, resin kits, prototype photos, laser kits and brass models. To see the great list of vendors that attended the latest STL RPM and their products, click the button below.

Historical Societies
Historical Societies

Our event includes the largest annual gathering of railroad societies in the US! 20 or more societies, representing railroads from around the US, will be on hand with books, maps, reference material, models, and more to aid your research and modeling efforts. The railroad historical society meeting is usually held on Friday evening.

Learning Stations
Learning Stations

St. Louis RPM offers as many as six locations in the main hall where you can learn advanced modeling techniques from some of the industry's best companies. Learn how to weather your freight cars, build track and switches, install sound systems in locomotives, and other advanced processes in a one-on-one atmosphere with a hands-on approach to modeling.

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This is a modelers' event!

We strive to bring you a high quality modeling event, in a professional atmosphere, where modelers may meet, discuss, purchase, and learn to make the most high quality models regardless of scale. Attendees bring a combined total of 5,000+ models every year.

Bring your models of all scales, gauges, and sizes from all eras. Locomotives, structures, freight cars, dioramas, and vehicles are all welcome.

There are no contests. Models are not judged or graded, but are displayed in a well-lit, free-flowing area where exchange between modelers is encouraged.

Those bringing models are encouraged to download and fill out the various model forms and print them off. It saves time and looks great!

See the photo gallery for previous years models.

This year's theme is...

One for the Ages

The Art of Aging Your Models to Your Era

Our 2024 Theme focuses on helping you learn to weather your models to match your era through a variety of mediums and by different masters in the hobby. A good portion of our clinics will be given on the topics of using oil paints, pan pastels, airbrushing, and dry brushing with acrylic paints by modelers who have been doing these techniques for years. Many of these modelers have written articles, books, and produced videos on these topics and will teach you their tips and techniques. Clinicians will be announced on our schedule page as we get closer to the event.

Modular Layouts & Layout Tours

Build better by example

Several modular layouts make an appearance each year in the Gateway Center. Additionally, multiple home layouts are open for tours on the Friday evening of the meet, selected each year to minimize repetition and drive times. Many of the layouts featured in past years have been published in national magazines and are well respected locally. Information regarding this year's lineup will be provided at the event.

Social Events

Meet your hobby heroes

In cooperation with our host hotel, the Double Tree, RPM guests can join in the camaraderie of other attendees on Friday evening at the lounge in the large lobby of the hotel. Beverages can be purchased there, and a lovely array of appetizers is provided, compliments of the Double Tree. Known as the "RPM Round Up," this social event is held every year on Friday night about the time the layout tours end, the Gateway Center closes, and most attendees have returned from dinner engagements.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis RPM 2023

A glimpse into the past

Still not convinced? Check out Ken Patterson's review of STL RPM 2023, courtesy of the Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

July 19th - July 20th, 2024

Mark your calendar

Join hundreds of fellow modelers from around the nation at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL on July 19th and July 20th for the time of your life!

Want More Info?

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Event held at the Gateway Convention Center
Co-sponsored by the National Model Railroad Association

© 2025 STL RPM. All rights reserved.