Group Visits

The Chattanooga Society of Model Engineers, Inc. (CSME) conducts limited visits for groups at the Eagle Point Railroad in Dunlap TN, which is a private owner railroad and not open to general public access.

Organized civic groups, not usually exceeding fifty members, such as scouts, church groups or other associations and organizations may request to schedule a group visit through the club. Advanced notice, exceeding a month, is required to process a visit request so that we have enough members to make the visit a very positive experience. Often visits are now scheduled a year in advance. A group visit requires us to arrange supplemental event insurance for each visit day. You will be asked to make a donation to cover our cost to have you visit.

Note about youths: A waiver is required to be signed by each visitor. For youths coming with a group, if the parent will not be present, the waiver must be signed by their parent and sent with the accompanying adult. Groups visiting with youths need to have enough adults to maintain constant supervision over the youths during the visit. Anyone under 18 without a signed waiver will not be able to participate.

The railroad is remote, 10 miles and 20-25 minutes from Dunlap. When out riding on the railroad, you may be out 45-60 minutes. Anyone with special medical needs must bring their medications with them. The railroad is in the woods with limited handicap access. Open-toed shoes such as sandals are not appropriate. Consider bringing bug spray, hats, suntan lotion and water bottles during summer months. There is no food available at the railroad. You need to bring your own if you plan on staying over through lunch. Please ask in advance if you have concerns.

To request a visit for your group, please contact the Director of Educational Visits via email with the information about your group, its expected size and several possible dates.

NOTE: Group visits are limited and most are being scheduled a year in advance.

Scouts Merit Badge Visits

There is no charge for visiting other than covering our insurance cost; currently $50 a day for groups of 10 or more total people. If you have a large group and will be eating your lunch at the railroad, it is customary for the groups to bring a little extra food to feed the engineers and conductor staff that has donated their time to make your visit possible.