With the first NMRA national Convention to ever be held in the State of Tennessee in July 2026, we are excited to announce the Rock City Barn people’s choice modeling event.  We are encouraging new modelers and first-time scratch builders, along with modelers of all experience levels to research, plan and build their own iconic Rock City Barn.  While outside of the standard National Model Contest and AP judging that will of course be held at the 2026 Chattanooga Convention, the committee will offer positive and encouraging feedback on all entries. Prizes will be awarded that are related to the theme of the event.

Why have this unique event at the Convention?  Starting in the heights of the great depression in the mid-1930s, Clark Byers initiated an ingenious marketing campaign to promote the now famous Rock City atop Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga.  Clark continued his work painting his signs on barns for 30 years, and by his retirement he had left his work on some 900 barns in 19 States.  Only some 60 odd of the original Rock City barns remain, most of which are in Tennessee.

A highway beautification act in 1965 caused many of these iconic signs to be painted over and many of the barns have fallen into disrepair.  But to the millions of people that travel through the South during the last 80 years – the Rock City barns remain a timeless view of the rural South and a treasured symbol of Americana.

So please consider participating in this unique opportunity to celebrate this slice of American history.  There will be information to support your efforts on the 2026 Convention website with a detailed history and photos to consider.  You can research a specific barn, freelance or even use a commercial kit.  We are investigating opportunities to have decals produced in various gauges and signage types and will include information on the site as soon as we can.  A follow up article is planned for how the people’s choice event will be conducted with all the information you will need.   So, start thinking about your Rock City barn, and enjoy the modeling!  We look forward to seeing and displaying your work at the Convention!

Images courtesy Rock City Enterprises