TVMRi reveals new dates and extended hours for their 2024 open houses!

The Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders, Inc. is excited to invite the public for free open house events on Saturday June 8th, Saturday July 13th, and Saturday August 10^th.  And now due to the layout’s overwhelming popularity our hours have expanded to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No reservations are necessary! These dates and more will be available throughout the year, allowing the public to explore this impressively immersive experience while learning about the railroad modeling hobby.

"This is good, clean fun!" TVMRi President Nick Giordano said, "People love to come in and see it- it's exciting for adults and kids. Our long-term goal is to have an open house twice a month."

The TVMRi is a non-profit model railroad group located on the lower level of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's office building. Their main goal is to promote their love of railroading to the public by showcasing an authentically scaled, scenically staged, 42x40 foot operationally modeled layout.

The current layout partially simulates the Rathole 2nd Division of the CNO&TP (Cincinnati, New

Orleans, and Texas Pacific), known for its steep grades, 27 tunnels, and numerous curves. The model railroad is HO scale and is a digital control operation that runs 1,110 feet of track covering 18 scale miles.

The layout continuously improves and grows, and seeing everything in one visit is impossible. A challenging scavenger hunt is available to help attendees explore so they might appreciate the fine details included in the model.

"We like the open houses because you can come in and just look and don't have to join, but we have had quite a few people join because they come in and look and are like, wow!" said Giordano. "We're always open to hobbyists, new or experienced. "

**EXTRA**

The 2026 MNRA convention is coming to Chattanooga.

The members of the Southeastern Region of the NMRA are excited to announce that Chattanooga will be hosting the National Model Railroaders Association 2026 National Convention and Train Show. The convention and train show will run from July 27 – August 2 2026 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in downtown Chattanooga, TN.

If you’ve ever thought about model railroading, or know someone who has, this will be the place to be. Multiple layouts, displays, how-to clinics, sale items, and all out fun for everyone in attendance.

There will be many opportunities for train lovers all over the Chattanooga area during the convention. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will be offering multiple train excursions to various locations: Special dinner trains, Double headed steam excursions to Summerville, GA, the Hiwassee River Rail Loop, and The Missionary Ridge Local just to name a few. Many other Railway Historical Societies and clubs will be in attendance.

So, mark your calendars and join in the fun! You can read more and watch for updated event information and schedules at TVMRi.org.