ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society

10/08/2026

Here’s the restoration of the old train layout that’s been in The F.A.R.M. Cafe in Downtown Boone, NC for well over 50 years.
It took Lee Davis and his buddy Dave a period of nearly 3 years to resurrect it from rotting away in the basement.
Lee says it was a true labor of love.

08/07/2026

The latest issue of the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society Newsletter is now available to read online!

This edition features coverage of our 37th Annual Convention, the return of the long-lost builder’s plate from ET&WNC Locomotive No. 28, updates from the Johnson City Railroad Experience, Doe River Gorge, Tweetsie Railroad, and the Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum. You’ll also find Society news, including the introduction of our new Vice President, Benjamin Merritt.

Whether you’re a longtime member or simply enjoy the history of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read through this issue.

Read the July 2026 newsletter here:
https://www.etwncrrhs.org/art/newsletterart/july2026newsletterweb.pdf

As always, thank you for your continued support of the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society and our mission to preserve and share the history of the “Tweetsie.”

07/15/2026

05/21/2026

A longstanding tradition; thank you to Tweetsie Railroad for providing us with admission to the park, a shop tour, a photo charter with Yukon Queen #190, and for allowing us to use the Tweetsie Palace as part of our 2026 convention.

05/20/2026

One of the highlights of the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society’s annual convention is the opportunity to learn from and connect with fellow railroad historians, photographers, modelers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for the history and legacy of the “Tweetsie.”

This past weekend’s convention featured two outstanding guest presentations from Doc Tom Grabenstein and Dean Smith, both of whom delivered engaging programs that showcased exceptional modeling, creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Their presentations were a wonderful reminder of how the ET&WNC continues to inspire preservation efforts, historical research, and model railroad creativity decades later.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to both presenters for sharing their time, talents, and knowledge with everyone who attended. Programs like these are a major part of what makes our annual convention such a special event for members and guests alike.

If you have an interest in the ET&WNC Railroad, Appalachian railroading, railroad history, or model railroading, we invite you to follow along and learn more about the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society and the events and activities we host throughout the year. 🚂

Join here: https://www.etwncrrhs.org/join-renew.html

05/20/2026

Pondering the Route ....
Dean Smith was wondering if when the Johnson City-to-Boone railroad route was planned, and if the Cranberry mines weren't a consideration, if the ETWNC would still have taken the same route. I say yes due to topography. Going along Boone Lake (not there at the time of course) looks like a shorter distance, but there are few straight valleys, at least above the current lake level. Going from Roan Mtn to Elk Park and from Newland to Linville and then to Boone took advantage of small towns and industry like the mine and the lumber industry. --- Rae

What say you?

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1632095715590761&set=pcb.1632095735590759

05/19/2026

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Carter County Commission voted Monday to approve the Carter County Tweetsie Trail expansion final master plan. Commissioners heard a presentation ahead of the vote.…

05/19/2026

Thank you to the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders and Johnson City Railroad Experience for allowing us to come visit as a part of the annual convention this past weekend.