We are on the road again. This trip finds us traveling to Mineral Bluff, Georgia to the old Marietta and North Georgia Railway (M&NGR) Depot at 150 Railroad Avenue. The depot was built in 1887. The tracks have been owned by various railroads, including Atlantic, Knoxville, and Northern Railroad Construction Company in 1896, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) in 1902, CSX Transportation (CSX) in 1986, and Georgia Northeastern Railroad in 1987 (GNRR). The Mineral Bluff Depot last saw freight action in the 1950's. After a renovation in 2007, it is now home to the Tri-State Model Railroaders.
TSMRI was having their monthly open house so we were able to go inside the depot and get a look at their layout. The first thing I have to say about this model railroad club is how friendly everyone was. As soon as we piled out of our car we were greeted by one of the members. As we walked through the door another member said hello and began talking about the club. Walked to the layout and more members said hello.
Another member further explained how their layout seeks to represent the "Old Line" around 1952. The layout itself occupies a space about 22' x 37' that was once the freight side of the depot. It has around 200' of HO gauge track.
We spent a bit over an hour chatting with the members and looking at their fantastic layout. I actually wish they were a bit closer to home as I would probably join this group. We all felt very welcomed and enjoyed every minute of our visit. Check out their website for the calendar of when they are open. We will be back.