Dayton Modelrama has been an active and growing RC Swap meet for over 20 years. Like many swap meets, we started out on a small scale with swap meets held at a local school, church, and a union hall. As the event continued to grow, we rented 14,000 sq feet at the old Montgomery County Fairgrounds. That was the spark that kicked the show into another gear.

Three years ago, Montgomery County sold the old fairgrounds and built its replacement just west of Dayton. This new facility included a 26,000 sq foot building that we filled with 275 tables the first two years. In 2021, the demand for tables increased so we added a second 16,000 sq foot building giving us a total of 42,000 sq. feet. In this new configuration, we booked a record breaking 350 tables and increased the show hours from one day to two. What was one of the main drivers for our growth, strong marketing. In 2021 we purchased a ½ page ad in AMA Aviation Magazine, AMA clubs within a 200 mi radius of Dayton were contacted, we utilized social media and most important we stay in touch with past attendees, including sellers and patrons.

2021 was our first year for aggressively marketing to vendors and manufacturers. We’ll continue to reach out to these vendors to grow the list.

The 2023 show will continue to be Friday and Saturday, however based on vendor feedback, we’re increasing the hours of the show. In 2023, Friday hours will begin at 9:00 and run to 2:00. On Saturday, 9:00 to 1:00 and don’t forget our GIANT auction it starts at 1:00. Some say the auction is worth the price of admission.

As a patron, you’ll find everything related to RC for a beginner, intermediate, or experience hobbyist. All interests are represented, RC airplanes (including control line), helicopters, drones, cars, boats, radios, building / field equipment – this includes new and used merchandise.

Last year we had sellers and patrons from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, the list goes on. Find out why some attendees comment, “This is the best swap meet they attend”. You’ll find a lot of buying and selling going on at Dayton ModelRama, come check us out!