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.
