“Another year, another convention in the books,” or so many convention veterans would say, for whom this year’s National Model Railroad Association’s (NMRA) convention would not be their first rodeo. For this Digital Editor, though, all the happenings in and around Chattanooga, Tenn., would mark my second go-around, having already experienced my first convention last year in Novi, Mich.There were certainly similarities with last year’s convention. My primary tasks included video and social media coverage alongside Model Railroader Editor Eric White, each day following a non-stop itinerary, which kept us busy from dawn to dusk. Yet this year presented new wrinkles during my time at the proclaimed “Scenic City Express” of the 2026 NMRA Convention, prompting five takeaways from my second go-around as an attendee.
1. The lean, green, Southern machine
NMRA President Gordon Robinson warned that some compromises were expected, given the limited local layouts to visit this year. One of these compromises was the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum generously offered multiple events and excursions for attendees to enjoy in 1:1 scale. The highlight was the July 30 all-day excursion behind Southern Ry. 2-8-2 No. 4501 to Summerville, Ga., chartered by ScaleTrains.
I was giddy when Eric informed me a couple of weeks before the convention that we were invited by ScaleTrains to ride the Summerville excursion. I love steam, I wanted to ride this particular trip for some time now, and I wanted to visit TVRM and see No. 4501 again (especially in that gorgeous passenger/excursion green, repainted in collaboration with ScaleTrains). The beautiful day was spent taking in the sights, sounds, and smells from the open vestibules; networking with fellow passengers; and getting as much coverage as possible for Trains.com video productions under both the Model Railroader and Trains Magazine banners.
2. Up from the ashes
When planning out our itinerary, the 7.5-gauge Eagle Point Railroad in Dunlap, Tenn., was on the top of Eric’s must-visit list during the convention. This was no surprise given Chuck Higdon’s extensive piece in the MR June 2026 issue. Without spoiling too much from the article, I will say this about the railroad and the people who keep it running as the Chattanooga Society of Model Engineers Inc: This place is a gem, and a massive one at that, with 38 acres of hilly woods to traverse!
The people there were most accommodating, and seemed to enjoy what they did. They’ve been through a lot, having endured a March 2025 wildfire with certain areas still in the process of being rebuilt. I would encourage anyone to not only read the article, but to also support the Eagle Point Railroad and visit their website.
3. Old and new friends
Last year’s convention had me rekindle old friendships from my time living in the Lansing area — roughly 60 miles west of Novi. I mistakenly thought I wouldn’t have the same luxury when heading down to Chattanooga. Boy, was I wrong! From people I’ve worked with on previous assignments, to pals made long before my career at Trains.com, the reunions throughout the week were constant and joyful…