SUMMERVILLE STEAM SPECIAL

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ride?
The Summerville Steam Special is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately 8–9 hours from departure to return. The train departs Chattanooga at 9:00 AM and returns around 6:00 PM (Eastern Time).

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included with Dining Car, Parlor, Observation, and Dome seating.
Coach seating does not include a meal by default, but optional onboard dining or boxed lunches may be available for purchase, depending on your seating selection.

Can I stay on the train during the layover in Summerville?
Yes. Guests may choose to remain onboard during the one-hour layover in Summerville or disembark to explore the town, visit local shops, or enjoy lunch.

Is this ride suitable for kids?
Yes. The Summerville Steam Special is family-friendly and enjoyed by guests of all ages. Due to the length of the ride, it is best suited for children who are comfortable with a full-day experience.

Are there mobility considerations?
Yes. The Summerville Depot does not have a platform ramp. Guests must be able to use train car stairwells to disembark. Guests with mobility concerns may choose to remain onboard during the layover.

Dining car lunch: Brisket sandwich with bourbon sauce and onion straws, coleslaw, potato salad – Dessert: Chocolate pie and other rotating seasonal options

Breakfast (1st class passengers only): French Toast, diced potatoes with green peppers & onions, sausage links, and quiche.

Schedule & Departure Times

All times below are approximate and subject to change based on operating conditions. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow for check-in and boarding.

Depart Grand Junction Depot (Chattanooga): 9:00 AM (Eastern)
Begin your full-day adventure as the Summerville Steam Special departs from our Grand Junction Depot. Guests are encouraged to check in by 8:30 AM to ensure an on-time departure.

En Route to Summerville: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Tennessee-Georgia foothills, passing historic towns such as Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette, and Trion. The route offers scenic farmland views and opportunities for memorable photos along the way.

Arrive in Summerville, Georgia: Approximately 1:05 PM
Upon arrival, the train will pause for a one-hour layover. Guests may disembark to stretch their legs, explore local shops, or enjoy lunch downtown before re-boarding.

Depart Summerville: Approximately 2:05 PM
Following servicing and turntable operations of the steam locomotive, the train departs for the return trip to Chattanooga.

Arrive Back at Grand Junction Depot: Around 6:00 PM
The train returns to Chattanooga in the early evening. Guests should expect a total excursion time of roughly nine hours from departure to return.

Check-in details

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time.

What to bring

Comfortable attire, camera, personal items for a full-day excursion.

Special requirements

Passengers must be able to use the stairwells to exit the train or stay on the train during layover.

Restrictions

This trip may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Extras

Optional onboard meal service available for purchase.

Disclaimers

Schedules and stops are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or operational needs.

For Train Enthusiasts

At Summerville, the steam locomotive is turned on the historic turntable, inspected, serviced, and refilled with water in preparation for the return trip to Chattanooga. Power for the Summerville Steam Special is most often provided by Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, with No. 630 occasionally taking the lead depending on operational needs.

Typical Crew

• Engineer
• Fireman
• G&W Pilot
• Conductor
• Trainman
• Stewards
• First-Class Attendants
• Cooks

— Steam operations & locomotive specifications —

Locomotive Details

• Coal consumption: 6–8 tons
• Water usage: 13,000–15,000 gallons

Operating Speeds

• 20 mph – Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trackage
• 15 mph – Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) trackage

Historical Context Along the Route

Historic Central of Georgia Railway timetables recorded average speeds of approximately 23 mph between Chattanooga and Rome, including station and flag stops.

One of today’s most popular photo locations, Rock Spring, was once a rural flag stop where farmers shipped poultry, eggs, and produce north to Chattanooga—some of which later supplied dining services at the Chattanooga Terminal.

Railroad Ownership & Operations

Today’s route follows the former Central of Georgia main line, departing the East Chattanooga Belt Railway at 23rd Street. The line is owned by Norfolk Southern as far as Rossville, then by the State of Georgia, and is operated by Genesee & Wyoming’s Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway.

TVRM extends sincere thanks to Norfolk Southern, Genesee & Wyoming, and the State of Georgia for their continued partnership and support in making these steam excursions possible.