News & Updates
Click here to view the archive.
June 30 , 2010
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum partners with Norfolk Southern to potentially bring historic steam trains back to the mainline on a limited basis. See the press release here - The text is copied below from Norfolk Southern Corporation's website:
NORFOLK, VA., and CHATTANOOGA, TENN. – Norfolk Southern Corporation is in negotiations with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum with regard to the operation of a limited schedule of steam locomotive event appearances and passenger excursions beginning later this year.
“21st Century Steam” would highlight milestones in rail history and provide an opportunity for audiences to learn about today’s safe and service-oriented freight railroads. The program would feature three venerable coal-powered steam locomotives:
- Southern Railway 4501: Built in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, 4501 served Southern Railway in freight service in Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana, before being sold to a short line railroad. No. 4501 was retired from revenue service in 1963 and enjoyed a second career in the excursion program operated by Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern from 1966 until 1994. This Ms (Mikado superheated) Class locomotive has 63-inch driving wheels.
- Southern Railway 630: Built in 1904 at the Richmond, Va., works of American Locomotive Company, this Consolidation-type locomotive has traveled throughout the Southeast, often in the company of 4501 and sister locomotive 722. An extensive six-year rehabilitation to Federal Railroad Administration standards is being completed at TVRM’s Soule Shops complex in Chattanooga.
- Tennessee Valley Railroad 610: Built in 1952 by Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton for the U.S. Army, 610 has been the mainstay of TVRM steam operations since 1990. It also appeared on several Norfolk Southern steam excursions from 1990 to 1993. No. 610, also a Consolidation type, was one of the last steam locomotives built in the U.S.
“This is the right time for steam to ride the Norfolk Southern rails,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “We have a fascinating history, and we have a compelling message about how today’s railroads support jobs, competition, and the economy. It is a forward-looking message that resonates with people everywhere.”
“21st Century Steam can help introduce historic and modern railroading to a broad new audience of supporters,” said TVRM President Tim Andrews. “We are pleased to be developing this relationship with Norfolk Southern for the purpose of preserving and interpreting the steam age, and of bringing today’s railroad closer to people young and old, in communities large and small.”
The launch of 21st Century Steam would coincide with key dates. 2011 will be 4501’s 100th birthday and TVRM’s 50th. The year 2012 will mark Norfolk Southern’s 30th anniversary.
21st Century Steam’s initial appearances and runs tentatively could take place in the Chattanooga area this fall, with locomotives 610 and 630. No. 4501 could join the program sometime in 2011, after rehabilitation. Exhibit dates, ticketing, and other details will be announced later.
“The sights and sounds of a steam train are powerful enough to catch the public’s attention in this busy and complex age,” said Jim Wrinn, author of Steam’s Camelot: Southern and NS Excursions in Color, and editor of Trains Magazine. “A steam train is a living piece of American history that teaches volumes about this exciting industry that has much to offer our country today. Once the door is open with the steam locomotive, you’ve got an opportunity to teach a new generation how railroading is the right transportation solution to so many challenges facing us.”
Later this year, Norfolk Southern and TVRM plan to launch a web site in support of the program. Correspondence can be addressed to 21stcenturysteam@nscorp.com.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded in 1961 in Chattanooga to create an interpretive operating museum of historic equipment and artifacts in an authentic setting. Today it operates an extensive schedule of historic and scenic trains in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, supported by its East Chattanooga locomotive and car shop complex. TVRM is the largest operating historical excursion railroad in the Southeast.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
June 21 , 2010
Tickets now on sale for the brand new, never before seen in Chattanooga "Halloween Eerie Express" featuring a train ride, visit to the "gentle thrills" fun house, and many other surprises! Family fun in October!
CLICK HERE for more info; CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
June 15 , 2010
Take a look at what's been happening at TVRM. View the Fourth Quarter 2009 newsletter above.
June 4 , 2010
The schedule has been posted for "From Rail Line to the Front Line: Remembering D-Day" by clicking here
May 19 , 2010
We just announced a special event for June 5th entitled "From Rail Line to the Front Line: Remembering D-Day" which will be held almost to the day of the 66th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy. The Southeast Veterans Museum, along with the Tri-State Military Vehicle Club, is planning a large presentation of memorabilia, exhibits, encampments, reenactors, vehicle displays, and so much more! Come out and enjoy all the special events and commemorate one of the defining moments in American history!
May 10 , 2010
We survived Day Out With Thomas! Many thanks to our nearly 15,000 visitors and 150+ volunteers and workers. We couldn't have done it without you! Plan ahead for next year as we'll be hosting the event once again in May 2011. Tickets should go on sale in November 2010.
All Aboard! Missionary Ridge Local trains are now operating SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK! Trains run with a 'full schedule' on Saturdays and Sundays with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am, 12:05pm, 1:15pm, 2:25pm & 3:35pm. Weekday trains (Monday-Friday) run with a 'limited schedule' with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am & 12:05 only. For train/schedule information click here and a monthly schedule is here ---- Come ride with us!
The "Chickamauga Turn" runs every Saturday traveling to historic Chickamauga the old fashioned way. And while you're at it, don't forget to upgrade your ticket so you can eat lunch in our 1924-era dining car Travelers Fare. To place your order click here.
AAdditionally, Hiwassee River Rail Adventure trips are now running on Saturdays out of Etowah, TN through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge. For more info on these trips, click here and to order tickets online, click here
April 7 , 2010
Day Out With Thomas tickets are selling quickly! The event featuring Thomas the Tank Engine is planned for April 23, 24, 25 and May 1 & 2, but some dates/times are already sold out! Hint: Buy tickets for Friday, April 23 using the special code "FRIDAY2" and save $2 per ticket! Or get a group of 20 or more friends together and save $4 per ticket!!!
Buy tickets by clicking HERE!
All Aboard! Missionary Ridge Local trains are now operating SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK! We've had some good crowds recently with Spring Break visitors from the Chattanooga area! Trains run with a 'full schedule' on Saturdays and Sundays with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am, 12:05pm, 1:15pm, 2:25pm & 3:35pm. Weekday trains (Monday-Friday) run with a 'limited schedule' with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am & 12:05 only. For train/schedule information click here and a monthly schedule is here ---- Come ride with us! *NOTE THAT WE'LL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY, APRIL 22 IN PREPARATION FOR DAY OUT WITH THOMAS. Also note that we'll be running an expanded schedule on ALL event days for Day Out With Thomas with MRL trains running at 9:45, 10:40, 11:55, 1:15, 2:20, 3:25 & 4:25!
The first"Chickamauga Turn" run of the year is this Saturday, April 10! Don't miss an opportunity to travel to historic Chickamauga the old fashioned way. And while you're at it, don't forget to upgrade your ticket so you can eat lunch in our 1924-era dining car Travelers Fare. To place your order click here.
AAdditionally, Hiwassee River Rail Adventure trips are now running on Saturdays out of Etowah, TN through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge. For more info on these trips, click here and to order tickets online, click here
March 30, 2010
Day Out With Thomas tickets are selling quickly! The event featuring Thomas the Tank Engine is planned for April 23, 24, 25 and May 1 & 2, but some Saturday tickets are already sold out! Hint: Buy tickets for Friday, April 23 using the special code "FRIDAY2" and save $2 per ticket! Or get a group of 20 or more friends together and save $4 per ticket!!!
Buy tickets by clicking HERE!
All Aboard! Missionary Ridge Local trains are now operating SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK! We've had some good crowds recently with Spring Break travelers from Arkansas and Mississippi! Trains run with a 'full schedule' on Saturdays and Sundays* with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am, 12:05pm, 1:15pm, 2:25pm & 3:35pm. Weekday trains** (Monday-Friday) run with a 'limited schedule' with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am & 12:05 only. For train/schedule information click here and a monthly schedule is here ---- Come ride with us! *NOTE THAT WE ARE CLOSED ON EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4. **NOTE THAT WE'LL ALSO BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY, APRIL 22 IN PREPARATION FOR DAY OUT WITH THOMAS.
Our first "Summer Camp" at TVRM is now sold out. We'd be happy to put you on a waiting list and/or send information about next year's camp when available. See information here and/or contact us by calling 423-894-8028 extension 13.
March 15, 2010
All Aboard! Missionary Ridge Local trains are now operating SIX DAYS PER WEEK! Trains run with a 'full schedule' on Saturdays and Sundays with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am, 12:05pm, 1:15pm, 2:25pm & 3:35pm. Weekday trains (Tuesday-Friday) run with a 'limited schedule' with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am & 12:05 only. The railroad is closed on Mondays until the summer season. For train/schedule information click here and a monthly schedule is here ---- Come ride with us!
March 5, 2010
There is steam in valley! Steam locomotive #610 was outshopped after winter shop work. It was fired up and tested yesterday, March 4 and used to pull a school group special. We had so many kids that a fourth car was added! Steam locomotive #610 is scheduled to pull Missionary Ridge Local trains on weekends. For train/schedule information click here and a monthly schedule is here ---- Come ride with us!
March 2, 2010
The first "Summer Camp" at TVRM is now scheduled for June 7-11...and there are only TWO more spots available! Be sure to sign up now. See information here and/or make a reservation by calling 423-894-8028 extension 13.
Missionary Ridge Local trains are now operating a 'full schedule' on Saturdays and Sundays with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am, 12:05pm, 1:15pm, 2:25pm & 3:35pm. See information here Weekday runs begin on Tuesday, March 16.
ps: It snowed in Chattanooga today! (Within a few short hours it had all melted away.)
February 15, 2010
Missionary Ridge Local trains are now operating a 'limited schedule' on Saturdays in February with departures from Grand Junction Station at 10:40am and 12:05pm. See information here
North Pole Limited tickets are NOW ON SALE! Online ordering when "live" today. Tickets are $24 per person age 2 & up. See information here and online ordering here
NEW FOR 2010 ~ Ride in "Santa's Private Car" for the first time! A special car will be added which provides an even higher level of service to a limited number of passengers. Riders in this extra-fare car will receive hot chocolate served in a keepsake mug, fresh-baked Christmas cookies, lower seating capacity, and pampered service by our attendants. The rate for this service is $48 per person. Order well in advance as we expect this new accommodation to be very popular! See information here and online ordering here
February 5, 2010
Valentine Dinner Trains ---- All original tickets sold out, so two more dates were added, so tickets are still available for Sunday, Feb 7 and Thursday, Feb 11. Don't miss out! See information here and online ordering here Tickets will be available up until train departure time. Please check with the depot agent for tickets or more information.
January 28, 2010
Valentine Dinner Train tickets are almost gone! The Feb 13 & 14 trips are totally sold out, but there are a few remaining tickets left for Feb 6 & 12. Don't miss out! See information here and online ordering here
January 12, 2010
The restoration of Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 continues. Here are a few photos taken on January 6 as the locomotive was moved out of the shop so a tender could be placed behind it for evaluation. There is much work to do but the intention is to have #630 in operation sometime during the 2010 season. Tax deductible donations will help! Please send your contributions to: TVRM, 630 Fund, 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421. All donations will be acknowledged with a receipt letter (for tax purposes) and a listing in our newsletter Smoke & Cinders.
Photos courtesy Robert Duncan. Click on photos for larger version.
January 5, 2010
Take a look at what's been happening at TVRM. View the Third Quarter newsletter above.
January 4, 2010
Happy New Year and thanks for a wonderful 2009! Our monthly calendar for 2010 has been posted here and the excursion information is available here. All Aboard for an exciting and educational 2010!
Valentine Dinner Train tickets now available! Trains will run on February 6, 12, 13 & 14. Information available here!
December 7, 2009
Due to popular demand, a new North Pole Limited date has been added! Get your tickets now before they're gone.
Since all dates of our popular North Pole Limted trip had sold out, we added one additional date with two departure times. Please select either the 5:45pm or 7:30pm trip time. We look forward to seeing you aboard the train! BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW
December 2, 2009
~ TICKETS FOR Christmas Trains ~
Tickets available for Chickamauga Christmas Special Dinner Train: CLICK HERE
Tickets available for a few North Pole Limited trains for 7:30pm on December 3, December 10, December 14, and December 17 only (all others are sold out.) CLICK HERE
November 28 , 2009
Day Out With Thomas tickets are now on sale! The event featuring Thomas the Tank Engine is planned for April 23, 24, 25 and May 1 & 2, 2010.
Buy tickets by clicking HERE!
November 18, 2009
North Pole Limited tickets are selling quickly! Saturday trips are sold out and most Friday trips are sold out! However, tickets are still available for Friday, November 20!
Plan ahead for "North Pole Limited" trips in November and December. Tickets have been on sale since early in the year and are always a hot item! Don't miss out. All Saturday tickets are sold out. All Friday tickets are sold except Nov 20. All Sunday 5:45 tickets are sold out. Therefore, the available tickets will be Sundays at 7:30, or any of the weekday trips. If the online system will not sell as many tickets as you want, that means there are a limited quantity left. Click for ordering Orders can be placed by phone also (although online is the easiest and quickest) by calling 423-894-8028 extension zero on weekdays between 10am and 4pm.
November 9, 2009
ONE MORE FALL EXCURSION THIS SATURDAY
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
For more information, please click here: Autumn Leaf Special
Call this week between 10am & 4pm to make a reservation! The number is 423-894-8028 extension zero. We'll be happy to give you more information.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
North Pole Limited tickets are selling quickly! Most Saturday trips are sold out and some Friday trips are sold out!
Plan ahead for "North Pole Limited" trips in November and December. Tickets have been on sale since early in the year and are always a hot item! Don't miss out. Order now while the selection is still good! Click for ordering
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Due to popular demand; The O. Winston Link photo exhibit has been held over through November 28th!
To kick off TVRM's newly opened gallery and first exhibit Steam, Fading into the Night, a special reception and preview was held for invited guests, sponsors, and media on Friday, August 21. Here are some photos of the event as published on chattanoogan.com
The collection of historic photographs by noted commercial and industrial photographer O. Winston Link will be open to view at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Grand Junction Station from August 22 through November 1 November 28 during regular depot hours: Fridays (closed Mondays through Thursdays) from 10am until 1pm, and weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) from 10am until 5pm. Admission is included for all daily ticket holders. If train fare has not been purchased, there is a $5 admission cost for the exhibit only.
October 28, 2009
FALL EXCURSIONS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
The first several Chickamauga Fall Special operated successfully over the last couple of weekends. Autumn colors are now beginning to show. Ticket sales have been strong for Saturdays Oct 31 plus Nov 7 & 14. Two Friday trips have been added to the schedule: Oct 30 and Nov 6. Get your tickets now before they're gone! Our office is open on weekdays from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm for ordering: 423-894-8028 extension zero.
For more information, please click here: Autumn Leaf Special
Additionally, Hiwassee River Rail Adventure trips are running daily for the next week out of Etowah, TN through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge. For more info on these trips, click here: Etowah service
October 17, 2009
MORE FALL EXCURSIONS ADDED!
The first Chickamauga Fall Special operated successfully on Oct 11 with the second due out tomorrow. Sales have been strong and three additional trips have been added to the schedule: Fridays Oct 23 & 30 and Nov 6. Get your tickets now before they're gone! Our office is open on weekdays from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm for ordering: 423-894-8028 extension zero.
For more information, please click here: Autumn Leaf Special
September 29, 2009
ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT FALL EXCURSIONS
Due to conditions caused by the 100-year flood of 2009, we have been forced to adjust our orginally planned trips to Summerville, Georgia, and will travel only as far as Chickamauga for the Autumn Leaf Specials. On the bright side however, we have reduced the price accordingly and added some special features not previously presented because of time constraints. The trips now leave later and return earlier for your convenience. We apologize to those who were anticipating a trip to Summerville, but it is just not possible at this time. Additional dates also added for Fridays, Oct 23, 30 and Nov 6! >>>Come ride with us!<<<<
For more information, please click here: Autumn Leaf Special
September 21, 2009
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to circumstances beyond our control, TVRM will not be able to offer the Halloween Eerie Express train ride as originally planned for 2009.
There are many other train rides to pick from during October including daily (except Mondays) Missionary Ridge Local trips, Saturday Autumn Leaf Special rides, and Hiwassee River Rail Adventure runs (in Etowah, TN.) Don't forget about the family-oriented North Pole Limited rides in November and December.
We apologize for any disappointment caused by this unforeseen situation.
September 16, 2009
Don't miss the final Chickamauga Turn ride of the season!
The final "Chickamauga Turn" run of the year is this Saturday, September 19! Don't miss an opportunity to travel to historic Chickamauga the old fashioned way. And while you're at it, don't forget to upgrade your ticket so you can eat lunch in our 1924-era dining car Travelers Fare. To place your order click here.
September 9, 2009
Thinking about Christmas in September?
Plan ahead for "North Pole Limited" trips in November and December. Tickets have been on sale since early in the year and are always a hot item! Don't miss out. Order now while the selection is still good! Click for ordering
August 30, 2009
Blood Assurance's "Vein Train" Pulls into our station!
August 27, 2009
NS Executive Train "Office Car Special" passes TVRM
In a fairly rare appearance in Chattanooga, Norfolk Southern's executive train passed TVRM's Grand Junction Station enroute from Chicago to Atlanta on Thursday, Aug 27 around 2:30pm. Leased GP30 #2594 saluted the train as it sped by, displaying a similar paint scheme. In the background the Missionary Ridge Local train can be seen sitting at the station platform.
August 24, 2009
The O. Winston Link photo exhibit is NOW OPEN!
To kick off TVRM's newly opened gallery and first exhibit Steam, Fading into the Night, a special reception and preview was held for invited guests, sponsors, and media on Friday, August 21. Here are some photos of the event as published on chattanoogan.com
The collection of historic photographs by noted commercial and industrial photographer O. Winston Link will be open to view at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Grand Junction Station from August 22 through November 1 during regular depot hours: Tuesdays through Fridays (closed Mondays) from 10am until 1pm, and weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) from 10am until 5pm. Admission is included for all daily ticket holders. If train fare has not been purchased, there is a $5 admission cost for the exhibit only.
August 17, 2009
O. Winston Link exhibit begins on Saturday!
Acollection of historic photographs by noted commercial and industrial photographer O. Winston Link will be shown in a newly-created display gallery at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Grand Junction Station from August 22 through November 1. The exhibit Steam, Fading into the Night includes fine-art photographs documenting the last great steam locomotives used by the Norfolk & Western Railway in Virginia during the 1950's. Link captured the sights and sounds of the powerful locomotives and the communities along the line. The majority of Link's photographs were recorded in the dark of night using a complex system with dozens of flashbulbs triggered by a custom-built electric unit connected with hundreds of feet of wire.
The exhibit at TVRM will be open to the public during regular operating hours at the Grand Junction Station located at 4119 Cromwell Road; Saturdays & Sundays 10am until 5pm, and Tuesdays through Fridays 10am until 1pm. With presentation of a Missionary Ridge Local ticket, there is no charge to view this historical exhibit. Cost for entry without a train ticket is $5 per person (can be credited toward the purchase of tickets on the same day.)
July 29, 2009
Southern 630 "drives ahead" at TVRM
For the first time since December 29, 2001, Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 hasa driving wheel underneath. On Tuesday, July 28 TVRM shop workers winched the frame over the drop pit using a shop truck under the firebox end (the lead truck, which is now roller bearing equipped, was installed some time ago) and on Wednesday, July 29 the #1 driver was lifted into place.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=292310
It has been 7 1/2 years since the locomotive had any drivers in place and it has been a long road up to this point. New driver boxes were manufactured along with other components. The wheels were cycled through TVRM's Niles machines several years ago and received new tires along with other repairs.
Yesterday was a significant milestone in the restoration process. Drivers 2,3 & 4 should be installed before the end of the week if everything goes as planned. TVRM continues to march forward on this project daily. Would you like to help? All donations toward the 630 Project are tax deductible and can be sent to TVRM, 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
