2026 NMRA National Convention – Chattanooga, TN July 27 to August 2, 2026

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Logo for the NMRA

2026 NMRA National Convention – Chattanooga, TN July 27 to August 2, 2026

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Layout Details

Seaboard Air Line – Birmingham Subdivision

Photos

Silver Comet
PXL_20210916_192214026
PXL_20220403_033337492
Silver Comet leaving Divide Tunnel (called Brushy Mountain Tunnel today).
Rockmart
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A Seaboard Air Line train crosses the Coosa River Bridge on Tom Gordon's railroad.

Layout Description

  • This layout is a loose representation of the most mountainous portion of the Seaboard Air Line from Atlanta to Birmingham in the late summer of 1954. It is designed for lots of industry switching and has a number of seriously modified kits and scratch-built structures. The track is a combination of flex track and handlaid industrial sidings. Locomotive power is provided by first generation diesels – with some ‘retired’ SAL steam on the industrial switching area in Rockmart. The layout is a new one (replacing a similar layout at a different location, last on tour in 2018), but it is fully functional. Fascia and backdrops have been installed, and scenery work is in progress. The physical plant is controlled via a C/MRI system, with propulsion via EasyDCC. Since this current rendition of the layout is less than 6 years old, the automated signal system is fully functional via JMRI.

Scale / Gauge

  • HO

Size of Layout

  • 35x35 (L shape)

Prototype

  • Seaboard Air Line

Location Modeled

  • Between Atlanta and Birmingham

Era

  • Fall 1954

Style of Track Plan

  • Point-to-Point

Length of Main Line

  • 170'

Layout Height

  • 46"

Benchwork

  • Open Grid

Roadbed Material

  • Other

Track Manufacturer

  • Peco

Turnouts

  • Peco

Minimum Main Line Radius

  • 30"

Maximum Grade

  • 0 %

Scenery Techniques

  • Plaster on cardboard web - using hydrocal and towels - sculptamold, sanded grout, joint compound for soil. Ground foam and anything else handy for texture.

% Scenery Complete

  • 35 %

Backdrop

  • Painted Masonite

Control System

  • DCC - other

Car Forwarding System

  • Other

Train Authority / Dispatching

  • CTC

Operating Group

  • Intown Atlanta Model Railroaders

Direction Comment

  • Proceed around the right side of the house, follow path to basement door. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS. Sprinkler heads are very close to the concrete curb and are easily damaged.

Wheelchair Accessible

ADA Comments

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