local
Farmer builds intricate model train, miniature town in basement
By John Carter, LeAnne Gendreau at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
(Aging Untold) — Harry Jenkins lives on a sprawling 199-acre cattle farm in Vale, North Carolina, about an hour north of Charlotte. When he isn’t tending to his cattle, he’s tending to the train station — one inside his home. Jenkins negotiated the space with his wife when they built the house in...
Key takeaway ” A hobby rooted in family history Jenkins said his father introduced him to the model train hobby in the 1940s, and he still has the first train he ever received.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville 's own model train enthusiasts may find inspiration in Harry Jenkins' intricate basement layout, but the story also raises questions about the hobby's local presence. As model trains become increasingly harder to find in mainstream retail, Nashville's specialty shops and hobby stores may see an uptick in interest from enthusiasts looking for unique and rare items. The city's own rich railroad history, with the Cumberland River bridged by trains for over a century, could also provide a fascinating backdrop for local model train displays. With Jenkins' display showcasing the possibilities of miniature town-building, Nashville's community of model train enthusiasts may be motivated to create their own elaborate layouts, potentially even incorporating local landmarks and features. As the hobby evolves, it will be interesting to see how Nashville's model train community adapts and innovates, potentially attracting new enthusiasts and preserving the tradition for future generations.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — Harry Jenkins lives on a sprawling 199-acre cattle farm in Vale, North Carolina, about an hour north of Charlotte. When he isn’t tending to his cattle, he’s tending to the train station — one inside his home. Jenkins negotiated the space with his wife when they built the house in...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Carter, LeAnne Gendreau at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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