Mountain Empire Model Railroaders

Mountain Empire Model Railroaders The Mountain Empire Model Railroaders are the volunteers behind the Johnson City Railroad Experience.
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06/20/2026

Our final video from the Summerville Special chase takes to an S curve located along the route between Trion, GA and LaFayette, GA. Even with the train out of view you, can hear the locomotive working hard as it powered up the grade with the loaded passenger cars. Soon though there is a glimpse of gold, red, and Southern Crescent green as Southern Railway #4501 comes into view guiding the train through the curves as it makes its way back to Chattanooga, TN and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Unfortunately further up the line #4501 suffered a breakdown and was then rescued by the TVRM’s Tennessee, Alabama, & Georgia Railroad, or also known as TAG, #80 to bring the train home. Despite this minor setback, the crew and staff of the museum did a great job with #4501’s debut run in the Southern green and gold. Hopefully we’ll be back to catch it again before they paint it back but for now that’s gonna wrap up on this coverage as we return back home. Video credits go to Matthias Day. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

06/19/2026

On the railroad there is no stopping for the weekend when there is so much to be done especially for the track crews. We catch up with one of the work trains heading towards the end of the line to help on the mainline extension. Southern Railway #641 leads the MOW equipment over the trestle on the way to the worksite including a crane from the Clinchfield to help with work on the bridge. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

Norfolk and Western power meets on the grade with M class #374 working on the branch while Y6B class #2194 leads a coa...
06/19/2026

Norfolk and Western power meets on the grade with M class #374 working on the branch while Y6B class #2194 leads a coal drag through the mountains.

06/18/2026

Down in the valley we catch up with a morning local making its way through the valley. Norfolk Southern #3379 was the assigned power for this consist as it made its way down the line to reach Little Roanoke and the interchange. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

06/17/2026

The clouds and rain finally give way to sunny skies as our members continue to chase Southern Railway #4501 after it departed from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. The next stop for the crew was at the Cane Creek Trestle as the train continued towards Summerville. The train easily glided across the trestle with the passenger cars following behind with a train full of excited guests on board watching the world go by. Video credits go to Matthias Day. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

06/16/2026

This week’s Tweetsie Tuesday takes us back down the line to Hampton where an ET&WNC passenger train is waiting to depart. Before the train departs LRR #6 rolls past with the MOW train returning back to Johnson City after making sure the rails ahead were clear. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

Up near the end of the line, track crews move the cranes and other equipment into position to prepare for the next part ...
06/16/2026

Up near the end of the line, track crews move the cranes and other equipment into position to prepare for the next part of the expansion including the construction of the viaduct. A couple of the head foremen meet in this Clinchfield work caboose to go over the final plan. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

06/15/2026

A new addition has made its way onto the MEMRR roster after the Big Train Show. Norfolk & Western GP18 #936 was spotted roaming rails doing break in runs after it arrived on the railroad earlier in the day. Here we catch the engine leading a local freight as it heads into the valley on its way to Little Roanoke. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

We are go for launch!🚀 🚂🧑‍🚀🛸
06/15/2026

We are go for launch!
🚀 🚂🧑‍🚀🛸

06/14/2026

To wrap up our Big Train Show coverage we make one last visit to the Sipping & Switching layout where a delivery truck has just pulled up to a local haberdashery. Southern Railway #1491 and Southern Railway #5212 are then seen doubleheading a passenger train as it pulls away from the station platform and slowly picks up speed heading out onto the mainline. Once again we want to thank all our vendors, layout groups, and all of you for making this year’s show the best we’ve had so far. We already look forward to seeing everyone next year but for now we will return to our regular museum coverage. Stay tuned for more videos and updates coming soon!!

Address

207 N Boone Street Suite 2000
Johnson City, TN
37604

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(423) 439-3382

Website

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