As spring approaches, we are excited to announce another fantastic Alpe Dunav Jadran 2026 exhibition taking place this May at Family Mall. Organizer iz again Klub željezničkih modelara Zagreb. This well-known international event brings together railway enthusiasts, collectors, exhibitors, and families for a weekend dedicated to the fascinating world of model trains and railways.
El Peso will proudly be part of the exhibition once again, continuing our tradition of participation since the very beginning. Being involved in Alpe Dunav Jadran has always been a special experience for us, and we are delighted to continue supporting and contributing to this wonderful gathering of hobbyists and friends.
We are looking forward to another memorable weekend filled with great company, inspiring displays, passionate discussions, and, of course, plenty of trains. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or simply curious to explore the world of railways, we warmly invite you to join us and share in the excitement. See you in May at Family Mall!
This year’s layout is going to be a special one for us.
We decided to go big — almost everything we currently have will be on display. Yes, that means nearly all of our modules will be assembled into one continuous setup. And if everything goes according to plan (and we manage to finish it in time!), there might even be one brand-new module making its premiere appearance.
After a bit of planning we agreed on a continuous layout design with loops at both ends and staging positioned right in the middle. We wanted something that would allow trains to run smoothly and continuously throughout the day, without constant handling or interruptions. Continuous running is always more enjoyable for visitors (and honestly, for us too). There’s something relaxing about watching a long freight or passenger train make its way through the landscape again and again.
To make the whole setup more dynamic and visually attractive, we shaped the layout into a large letter S. This gives the entire display a more natural flow and makes it easier for visitors to see trains from different angles. Instead of a straight, predictable line, the curves create movement and perspective — and let’s be honest, trains just look better in curves.
The middle section of the “S” will serve as our staging area. That means it’s the operational heart of the layout — where trains can be swapped, prepared, or briefly hidden from view before re-appearing on the main line. By placing staging in the center, we keep operations practical while still maintaining a clean and engaging look for the audience. Everything stays within sight, everything stays connected, and everything keeps moving.
For us, exhibitions like this aren’t just about showing models. They’re about creating a living, moving miniature world. It’s about sound, motion, tiny details, long trains crossing bridges, switching operations, and those little moments when someone stops, smiles, and says, “Wow.”
Being part of Alpe Dunav Jadran has been a tradition for El Peso from the very beginning, and every year we try to bring something a little better, a little smoother, and a little more impressive. This year’s S-shaped mega-layout might just be our most complete presentation yet. Check out how it was few years ago when it all started.
So if you’re planning to visit, make sure to spend some time following the full line from one loop to the other. Watch what disappears into staging — and see what comes back out. And maybe keep an eye out for that possible new module.
We can’t wait to set everything up, reconnect with friends, meet visitors, and run a lot of trains all weekend long. See you in May!