HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COLLECTION

Showcasing a Slice of Railroad History at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has always championed the vision of being more than a static showcase of railroad history – we aim to be a ‘Museum that Moves’. With a diverse range of historic pieces in our collection, we offer an immersive glimpse into the railroad’s profound influence on our nation’s development.

One such relic of the past is TVRM 610. As a 2-8-0 Consolidation-type steam locomotive, TVRM 610 was built in 1952 by the Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton Corporation for the U.S. Army. This locomotive, although not currently in service, stands as a poignant symbol of a bygone era. It marks the twilight of the steam era, being one of the last of its kind built in the United States. This period saw most railroads, following the Southern Railway’s trail, modernizing their fleet and transitioning to more cost-efficient diesel-electric locomotives. The TVRM 610 served as a valuable training tool for the U.S. Army, mirroring the steam locomotives extensively used in Eastern Europe at the time.

Another iconic piece in our collection is the Southern 6914, an E-8 model locomotive crafted by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corporation. This streamlined locomotive became a symbol of the modern passenger trains of its era. It was predominantly deployed on the Southern Crescent route, linking New Orleans and Washington, D.C. The Southern 6914 distinguishes itself by housing two sixteen-cylinder diesel engines, making it one of the most powerful locomotives. Upon its return to service, it will be among the most robust locomotives in TVRM’s collection.

TVRM remains committed to preserving and exhibiting these extraordinary pieces of our country’s railroad history. We believe that each piece has a unique story to tell, providing a moving testament to the ingenuity and evolution of rail transport over the years. Join us for a journey into the past, where every visit sparks a new discovery!