Model Train At 'World's Largest Model Train Show' Deemed Racist

MILWAUKEE, WI — A model railroad club has apologized this week after one of its 100 displays at Trainfest depicted two white State Troopers pointing guns at three African Americans.

The questionable model railroad setup drew attention at Trainfest, which was held Nov. 10-11 at State Fair Park in Milwaukee. Trainfest is dubbed as America's largest operating model railroad show with venue space equivalent to four football fields.

According to a CBS 58 report, the model display depicted two white Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers pointing a gun at three African-American men, who were positioned sitting down. The three African-Americans were posed unarmed and one was apparently drinking.

CBS 58 interviewed several Trainfest attendees, some of which were appalled at the display, calling it "insensitive," "racist" and "disrespectful." Another differed saying, “it’s a display, and if they don’t like it, go to the next.”

Trainfest officials said the display was unintentional and apologized for the display as it appeared this year.

"We are deeply appalled on learning of the Lionel Railroad Club's choice to include absolutely inappropriate social commentary in their layout display," the model railroad club stated after learning of one of this year's displays. "Trainfest prides itself in being a family-friendly event and has never encountered a need in 46 years of staging the event to review the content of the layouts for social or political commentary. That policy will change and we will be implementing stronger reviews of the layouts on display to ensure this never happens again."

Image Via Pixabay Public Domain Images