TVRM MODEL TRAIN LAYOUT OPEN TODAY | 10-3 PM
TVRM’s mission—to “collect for preservation, operation … and display railroad artifacts in an authentic setting to educate the public” —guides every exhibit, from 150-ton steam engines to the finely detailed HO-scale empire tucked beneath Southern Railway Historical Association’s front brick building.
From 10 AM–3 PM today, you can step into that lower-level gallery and watch miniature freights wind through Appalachian foothills while passenger varnish glides past tiny depots. Each scene is researched from period photographs, so every trestle and depot tells a historical story in three dimensions. Volunteer modelers even weather boxcars with prototype road numbers to sharpen the educational edge.
Why kids (and kids-at-heart) love it
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Motion & sound. Digitally controlled locomotives chuff, whistle, and obey real-world signaling—perfect for STEM-minded visitors.
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Scale you can study. At eye level, you’ll notice hand-laid rail, working switch stands, and flickering kerosene lanterns that mirror full-size equipment upstairs.
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Interactive stations. Push-button vignettes trigger a sawmill, an operating coal tipple, and era-appropriate street lighting.
FAQs
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Does it cost extra? No. Free to the public.
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How long should I budget? Most guests linger 20–30 minutes, but railfans often stay an hour to photograph hidden scenes.
For more details or advance tickets, visit tvrail.com/visit or call 423-894-8028.