County fair

A good question .  At train shows you are there with your merchandise and then the doors are locked.  I guess at a fair it could be picked up and put in a shopping bag.

I think I would display it inside a plexiglass case that would be cumbersome to move and/or get the train out.

Perhaps a bigger risk.

County fairs are packed full with little kids who are excited and out of control.  Understandably, they want to grab and touch everything.   One 5 year old with too much sugar in his system could ruin your model, permanently!

Keep it in a plastic case, and stand there next to it for the entire time of the fair is about your only protection.  Bring a heavy wool blanket to lay overtop of your table and case when you need to go eat or take a break.

(Imagine how folks at gun shows who are displaying on their table a 100 year old, $10,000 antique firearm must feel!)

Mannyrock

Kinda depends on the display. We don't have a lot of entries in plexiglass cases but some stuff (delicates usually) are. I would say find out how it will be displayed!

When I sell at train shows I have a Plexiglas front to my display that prevents touching items inside from the front and top.  The 5 tier rack behind it protects the back.  This protects the Thomas stuff from younger people and protects the sensitive postwar items from adults.

I found the adults are more of a problem than the children.