Kennesaw, GA (December 6, 2024) — The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is thrilled to announce the return of its biggest, most popular event of the year—Trains, Trains, Trains! — on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, 2025. This highly anticipated event will feature an impressive array of model train layouts, train-themed activities and historic trains, making it a must-see for train enthusiasts of all ages.
Visitors will be able to experience an array of model train layouts in different sizes and themes, many of which feature interactive buttons for young visitors to enjoy. The event will also include a selection of railroad artifacts on display for guests to hold, touch and learn about their history and use.
For those looking to take home a souvenir, the General Emporium—the Museum’s gift shop—will double in size during the event, offering a range of train-themed items, including clothing, collectibles, toys and model trains, perfect for train enthusiasts, children and fans of history!
“Trains, Trains, Trains! has become the premier family model railroading event in the Atlanta Metropolitan area,” said Dr. Richard Banz, Executive Director of the Museum. “Groups from across several states bring their exciting miniature trains to be operated and displayed. The vast variety of trains and scales, along with the chance for visitors to operate select layouts, makes this event a must-attend for families.”
Caboose x372 Grand Opening & Boarding Experience
In conjunction with the Trains, Trains, Trains! event, the Southern Railway Caboose X372 will have its grand opening on January 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The caboose, recently renovated and ready for visitors, will be a unique addition to the event, offering the first opportunity to step inside and experience what it was like for a railroad crew during the transition era of American railroading.
The Southern Railway Caboose X372, built in 1975 and donated to the City of Kennesaw in 1991, has undergone significant renovations. These improvements include window replacement, exterior sanding and repainting and interior updates, allowing visitors to board and explore the car.
The “Board the Caboose Experience” will offer the opportunity to tour the caboose for a $5 donation to the Kennesaw Museum Foundation. Children 3 years old and younger are free. Proceeds from the donation will support the Museum’s mission.
Event Details
Museum operating hours for Trains, Trains, Trains! are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both January 25 and 26, 2025. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (ages 65+), and $5 for children (ages 3 to 17), active duty, reserves, guard and retired military personnel (with ID) and university students (with ID). Tickets are available online. Admission for Museum members is always free!
Parking for the event will be available at Swift-Cantrell Park, located at 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, with a free shuttle service to the Museum.
Sponsors for the event include Watson Injury Law, J. Lunsford CPA, North Georgia Staffing, The Piedmont Division Model Train Show, Cobb EMC, Kennesaw Museum Foundation, Kennesaw Business Association and the City of Kennesaw.
The Southern Museum is located at 2829 Cherokee Street in Downtown Kennesaw (exit 273 on Interstate 75). For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call 770-427-2117.
About the Southern Museum
As a prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations member, the Southern Museum is an inclusive institution devoted to history and education. Home of the General locomotive, made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, the Museum provides a quality experience that fosters conversation about the strategic and economic use of railroads during and after the Civil War. The Southern Museum’s educational programs reinforce classroom learning by connecting historical information with actual artifacts, while the Jolley Education Center offers numerous hands-on and interactive exhibits for children of all ages.