National Model Railroad Convention Steams Into Summerville For Special Luncheon In Dowdy Park

The 2026 National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) Convention and National Train Show is being held in Chattanooga for the first time in its 90-year history. The convention will attract over 1,000 convention attendees from around the world, plus another 15K+ for the train show.

As part of the convention, there will be a chartered a steam excursion with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum on Thursday, July 30th. Special permission was granted from the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway to operate the trip during the week to Summerville with around 450 riders. These special passengers will be observing the Summerville Railroad Turntable and be treated to a special catered luncheon in Dowdy Park.

​​​​​Road Closures

The steam engine, pulling 12 passenger cars is anticipated to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30-1:00 p.m. and depart around 2:45 p.m. During this time the portion of the railroad crossings on East Washington Street and East First Avenue will be closed to traffic.