The Southeastern Region of the National Model Railroad Association extends to you our warmest welcome to the 2026 NMRA National Convention & National Train Show, the Scenic City Express!

Chattanooga is known as the “Scenic City of the South.” It is nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River and is surrounded by the hills of Appalachia. You will find that our picturesque city has a proud railroad history that continues today with Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads having main lines crisscrossing the city. Even Glenn Miller recognized this with his 1941 hit song Chattanooga Choo Choo.

This railroad heritage and geography saw numerous decisive battles fought during the Civil War, including the infamous Great Locomotive Chase that ended in nearby Ringgold, Georgia. Attendees can sign up for a bus tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield, the nation’s oldest and largest National Military Park.

Railfans will find so many opportunities that we have clinics and maps showcasing areas for safe viewing and photography. Norfolk Southern’s second-largest shop is next to Debutts Yard which features a 60-track hump yard. CSX’s Wahatchie Yard is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga Valley. There are several unique rail facilities in the area: Archer-Daniels-Midland liquid and bulk transfer facility, Volkswagen assembly and autorack loading, and FMW Solutions offering diesel-electric locomotive repair and even total steam locomotive overhauls.

All indoor events, including the National Train Show, are on a single level of the Chattanooga Convention Center which is just an escalator ride from our host hotel, the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown. With over 100 restaurants in the downtown area catering to every taste and budget, choosing where to eat will be your biggest challenge. While many are within easy walking distance, Marriott is also a pickup and drop-off point for the free Carta electric shuttles which run to the Tennessee River and back. All Carta shuttles are wheelchair accessible.

Chattanooga boasts world-famous attractions, including Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain. Attractions close to the Convention Center include the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of Art, the Houston Glass Museum, the Medal of Honor Museum, the International Towing and Recovery Museum and the Corker Auto Museum. Attendees can also take a ride on the Southern Belle riverboat. The Tennessee Aquarium located on the riverfront is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium and has a saltwater aquarium next door.

We are certain that you will enjoy a fantastic and memorable week of model and prototype railroading at the Scenic City Express. We also think you will find so much to see and do in the Chattanooga area that you and your family will plan on coming back again.