CEDARBURG, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The 30th Annual Model Railroad Show is showcasing trains of all sizes, sparking a passion in the next generation.

“We just like trains you know, they’re being they are big, they are heavy, they are loud,” said Steve Smiley, with the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club.

The show set up shop at the Ozaukee Expo Center on Sunday, bringing in train enthusiasts of all ages.

“It’s been getting bigger and bigger every year," said James Bartelt, with the METRO Model Railroad Club. "I mean, we started off with a small hall in Port Washington, where we had basically just two small layouts and about 10 tables. We’ve now grown into this facility where we’ve got nine layouts and displays as well as 122 tables, so it’s grown bigger and bigger.”

With model trains of all shapes and sizes, railroad clubs from across Southeast Wisconsin came together to put on a show.

“My favorite part of the day is seeing all the happy faces on the kids and the people and just getting to talk to people about model trains,” said Bartelt.

From collector's items to scavenger hunts and several operating model railroads, there was something for the whole family.

“We’ve never really been to a major train show and it’s so kid friendly and obviously very popular, so we are having a blast,” said attendee Rachel Spaulding-Finiak.

As more than a thousand people made their way through, longtime rail-buffs agree the best part is inspiring the next generation.

"We love being out with the kids," said Smiley. "Having the kids come by and they can play with the train, put their hands on it and we like the people who buy it to keep the collection going and keep the hobby going, because it’s an old hobby and we need new young blood coming in."