MINIATURE MARVELS IN MOTION: EXPLORE TVRM’S MODEL RAILROADERS EXHIBIT THIS FOUNDER’S DAY

🚂 A Weekend of Miniature Wonders Begins at TVRM

This Founder’s Day weekend, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites families, rail fans, and curious minds of all ages to step into a world of miniature locomotives and maximum creativity.

Tucked inside TVRM’s exhibit building is the Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders’ intricate and multi-line layout, a must-see attraction during the festivities. With decades of craftsmanship poured into every scene, these model railroads aren’t just toys—they’re a celebration of engineering, history, and imagination.

🏙️ A Living Miniature World

From bustling towns to mountain tunnels, this HO-scale display offers a lifelike representation of what railroading looked like across Southern rail lines. You’ll spot tiny signals blinking, rail yards buzzing, and even steam engines rolling through rural countryside settings. Every detail is meticulously hand-placed by dedicated volunteers.

The layout reflects elements of railway heritage in Tennessee, including depots inspired by actual Southern Railway architecture and rolling stock modeled after real TVRM locomotives.

📅 When and Where to See It

• 📍 Exhibit Building Open Both Days of Founder’s Day
• 🕒 Model Railroaders Exhibit Open Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• 🎟️ Admission included with any ride or grounds pass

Located adjacent to the boarding platform, the Exhibit Building is an easy stop between rides on the Missionary Ridge Local or your next visit to the Homefront Tea Room.

🔧 Live Demonstrations and Behind-the-Scenes Access

What makes this experience special is that visitors don’t just watch trains—they also see how they run.

Throughout the day on Saturday, members of the Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders will be conducting:

• Live train ops sessions

• Model construction demos

• Q&A on how to get started with your own layout

Whether you’re a casual observer or a hardcore hobbyist, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of model railroading.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Built for Families

Model trains are a cross-generational hit. For kids, it’s pure magic. For adults, it’s a nostalgic trip through time. And for everyone, it’s interactive learning—perfect for a family-friendly experience in Chattanooga.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I visit the model train layout without taking a train ride?

A: Yes! The Model Railroaders’ open house is free for everyone.

Q2: How long should we plan to spend at the exhibit?

A: Most visitors spend 20-45 minutes, but many stay longer to watch multiple train cycles or talk to club members.

Q3: Is it wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, the exhibit space is fully accessible and has climate control for comfort.

🔍 Final Thought

The model train layout is a vibrant, creative tribute to the passion that fuels railroading, big and small. Come see the past, present, and future of rail history on display—scaled down, but never toned down.