The World of Small Railways is a specialized, biennial model
railway exhibition held in the Aula of the Frauenwörth Abbey on
Fraueninsel (Chiemsee), Germany. Organized by Wolfgang Besenhart
and the company N-tram, the event is positioned as an exclusive
showcase for high-end miniature engineering rather than a
mass-market retail fair. It serves as a focal point for
international model building artists and small-series manufacturers
to present technically advanced dioramas and modular layouts, with
a primary emphasis on N scale (1:160) and various narrow-gauge
scales.
The exhibition is characterized by its "Masterclass" approach,
where participation is generally limited to exhibitors who
demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in prototypical accuracy and
landscape realism. From a manufacturer's perspective, the event is
a significant venue for demonstrating the practical application of
precision components, such as digital control systems (DCC),
fine-scale trackwork, and realistic aging or weathering techniques.
Notable industry participants frequently utilize the platform to
showcase professional-grade scenery products and modular systems in
a live, operational environment.