Mountain Empire Model Railroaders

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Mountain Empire Model Railroaders The Mountain Empire Model Railroaders are the volunteers behind the Johnson City Railroad Experience.

10/21/2026

Another busy day in coal country with the Pennsylvania Railroad coming in to bring a delivery home. Pennsylvania Railroad #4390 and Pennsylvania Railroad #4258 are seen leaving Rogersville with a line of loaded cars as the doubleheader heads down the line to reach home rails on the other side of the mountains. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

MEMRR Layout Update: another productive week in the books with both our track team and scenery team working around the l...
10/21/2026

MEMRR Layout Update: another productive week in the books with both our track team and scenery team working around the layout.

~ We’ll first follow up on the work on the upper leg. The yard tracks are now completed along with the west end ladder. These yard tracks along with the mainline have stopped short of the backbone as we wait for the final plans to connect the sections. The last bit of trackage has also been drawn out for the locomotive facilities and to run the rails up to the turntable. The switches for these have been installed and all that’s left is to fill in the gaps.

~ On the opposite end of the layout, the coal mine town of Cliffton has seen some scenery additions. First a retaining wall has been installed along the mainline to help hold back the rock and ballast and of course keep the ground from shifting. Second addition is behind the church where a graveyard has popped up where workers from the mine and locals have been laid to rest.

Lots of great work this past week with still plenty more to do so be sure to stay tuned!!

10/20/2026

With the sun peaking over the mountains outside of Blevins Crossing, ET&WNC #3 exits tunnel #5 with a freight train bound for Cranberry. The Unaka is then diverted into a siding across from the station to wait for a passenger train to pass that is coming down from Roan Mountain. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

A Pennsylvania cabin car brings up the rear of an outbound freight train leaving Rogersville. ...
10/20/2026

A Pennsylvania cabin car brings up the rear of an outbound freight train leaving Rogersville.

10/19/2026

Starting off this new week outside the yard as Southern Railway #2754 departs with a line of loaded boxcars. As the train leaves the yard limits the engineer opens up the throttle to reach track speed as it enters the community of Green Cove. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

10/18/2026

With this week coming to an end we catch up with the Southern Pacific fall foliage special coming back down the branch. Everyone on board enjoyed their time out on the rails with many looking forward to another trip in the future so there is very much a chance to see a bit more Daylight orange and red amongst the changing fall colors. Video credits go to Scott Stodola. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

10/17/2026

Pretty eventful Saturday over in Rogersville with trains coming in and out of town. While a train of empty hoppers arrives for the branch line train to take up to the mines, a Norfolk Southern freight train leaves for the interchange as it rushes past the war memorial. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

10/16/2026

Up on the branch line we catch up with an Amtrak commuter train being trialed between Rogersville and Cliffton. Amtrak #594 with B unit #154 leads the train through the town of Evelyn as it heads towards the station. Stay tuned for more updates and videos coming soon!!

Pennsylvania Railroad #1678 simmers in front of the Evelyn station waiting for inbound coal traffic to pass so it can h...
10/16/2026

Pennsylvania Railroad #1678 simmers in front of the Evelyn station waiting for inbound coal traffic to pass so it can head down to Rogersville.

10/15/2026

Down below the coal mine town, Nickel Plate Road #759 is seen charging the grade ahead with an outbound freight to take over the mountains. With a full train of tonnage including who knows how many tons of Idaho potato pulling on the drawbar, the engine crew had their work cut out for them as the mighty Berkshire snorts up the hill. Stay tuned for more updates and videos 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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