A special steam excursion connected to the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention and National Train Show will make a stop in Summerville on Thursday, July 30.
The national convention is being held in Chattanooga for the first time in its 90-year history and is expected to draw more than 1,000 registered attendees from around the world. Organizers also anticipate more than 15,000 visitors for the National Train Show.
As part of the convention, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will operate a chartered steam excursion to Summerville with approximately 450 passengers aboard. Special permission was granted by the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway for the weekday trip.
The steam locomotive, pulling 12 passenger cars, is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Passengers will have an opportunity to view the Summerville Railroad Turntable and enjoy a catered luncheon in Dowdy Park.
The excursion is scheduled to depart Summerville at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Motorists should be aware that the railroad crossings on East Washington Street and East First Avenue will be closed while the train is in Summerville. Drivers should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during the closure.
