Chattanooga Society of Model Engineers

The Chattanooga Society of Model Engineers, Inc (CSME) is a recognized 501c3 organization for people primarily interested in preserving and educating others in the important part railroads contributed to the US history through examples in large scale model railroading. During visits, organized civic groups are shown how railroads work, the equipment involved in railroading and the part railroads play in the U.S. economy and history

The original club organized in 1998 as the Chattanooga Live Steamers with the intention of being involved with all aspects of live steam scale modeling, including stationary engines, boats and railroads in the Chattanooga, TN area. The railroad envisioned would be designed to accommodate public riders. A detailed account of the early history reveals a slightly different outcome.

While the club does not have its own property, it is assisting in building the Eagle Point Railroad (EPRR), a 7 ½ inch gauge (1/8th scale) railroad on private property in Dunlap TN, about 50 miles northwest of Chattanooga, TN. In exchange, the club has full use of the railroad for it’s education activities and members use.

The railroad is privately owned and the club itself is a guest of the owners, so non-member visits are very limited. It is not open to the public. We don’t allow drop-in visits, so all non-member visits must be scheduled in advance.