Great American Train Show
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Model train exhibitions |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | David K. Swanson |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Fate | Ceased operations |
| Headquarters | Wheaton, Illinois , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | David K. Swanson (founder), Elmo Geoghegan (owner from 2001) |
| Products | Model railroad exhibitions and shows |
The Great American Train Show held the distinction of being the foremost traveling model train exhibition throughout the United States for twenty years. Established in 1985, it reached a peak during the 1990s by hosting as many as 90 events annually across 40 states, before halting operations in 2006.
Corporate history
Originating from a monthly train show in Wheaton, Illinois, initiated by David K. Swanson, GATS expanded its reach from the Chicago region westward by the mid-1980s and further extended to the eastern seaboard by the mid-1990s.
Initially operating as a branch of NIART, GATS Limited evolved into a parent organization overseeing subsidiaries such as:
- Great Midwest Train Show
- Great Western Train Show
- Great American Travel Service
- GA Technology Services
- Computer Renaissance (franchise)
- Computer Central
In 2001, ownership transferred from Swanson to Elmo Geoghegan, a former manager within the company who redirected emphasis toward computer-related exhibitions—a move that ultimately contributed to financial challenges. The enterprise was rebranded as Great Western & Atlantic Train Show in 2004 and ceased operations in April 2006.
Operations
GATS concentrated on consumer-focused model railroading exhibitions that featured numerous vendors supplying model railroad products alongside multiple operational model train displays. These two-day events attracted audiences ranging from 1,500 up to 10,000 attendees. The company handled all aspects of event management including venue contracts, exhibitor coordination, floor layout design, on-site logistics, marketing efforts, and public relations to enhance both visitor turnout and vendor visibility.
Successor Train Shows
Following the sale of GATS, Swanson acquired Greenberg Shows, a former rival primarily active on the east coast. This acquisition was merged into his newly formed enterprise, Great Train Expo, which was launched after GATS ended. Additionally, he established the World's Greatest Hobby on Tour, a significant trade and consumer event within the model railroad industry.
References
- Huckaby, George. Interview with Dave Swanson. Trolleyville Times, June 2006.
- Huckaby, George. Rest in Peace - Great Western & Atlantic Train Show. Trolleyville Times, May 2006.
- Great Train Expo. What we know about GATS Limited/Hobbies Unlimited, April 24, 2006.
- Huckaby, George. GATS Sold! Trolleyville Times, November 2001.