George L. Carter Railroad Museum, Johnson City

This is a very interesting 'hidden gem'; it is on the ETSU campus and is currently open on Saturdays only from 10-3. Google maps will get you close. There is construction in the area, but look for the flashing railroad crossing signal and head toward it. 9One room has a scale model of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina railroad complete with the communities that the narrow gauge railroad went through and passed. Look closely at the landscape to see animals and people. It's really a work of art and love. I can't imagine how many man-hours were spent making that layout. The other room has several different track layouts complete with towns tunnels bridges, etc. Impressive work! The volunteers there are very knowledgeable and willing to describe the layouts and the attention to detail in them. The museum must move later this year as the building it's in is scheduled to close and be demolished in the fall of 2023. As of January 2023 a new location has not been found. Lots of work will be required to disassemble, move, reassemble, and test the layouts.

This is an amazing little free gem right in the heart of etsu campus. You have to see it. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are unlike anything you have ever seen. Amy the toy room supervisor is super sweet!