Archive: Apr 2025

Step aboard a first-class travel experience unlike any other—TVRM’s new overnight Chickamauga Turn invites you to ride, dine, and unwind in vintage rail style. For the first time ever, guests can journey aboard the classic 1877 Dome Lounge Car, stay the night in a historic mansion, and return by rail the next morning. It’s a…

Steam Queen Returns: The 2025 Summerville Steam Special Debuts in Style The steam season begins with a thundering start as Southern Railway 4501—the beloved Steam Queen—leads the first Summerville Steam Special of 2025! On this all-day excursion, passengers will journey through the scenic North Georgia countryside, relax in vintage railcars, and visit the welcoming town…

A Century on the Rails: The Enduring Journey of Dining Car 3164 Some railcars serve a decade and disappear. Others, like Southern Railway Dining Car 3164, span generations. Built in 1924 by the Pullman Company, Car 3164 embodies the craftsmanship and resilience of early 20th-century rail travel. For over a century, it has rolled through…

Dining in Elegance: The Journey of Southern Railway’s ‘Travelers Fare’ Dining Car Step aboard the past and experience a masterpiece of moving history—Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158, affectionately named “Travelers Fare.” Built by the Pullman Company in 1924, this heavyweight dining car once graced the rails of premier Southern Railway passenger trains, and now…

Steam in Motion: Southern Railway 630 Lives On Few experiences stir the soul quite like the thunderous exhale of a steam locomotive coming to life. At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), Southern Railway steam engine No. 630 isn’t just a display—it’s a roaring, rolling monument to the age of steam. On any given weekend,…

Remembering Rick Burchett: A True Champion of Railroad Preservation The railroad community has lost a remarkable figure. We are saddened to share the passing of Rick Burchett—an extraordinary advocate for preserving our railroading legacy. Rick’s passion, deep knowledge, and warm humor touched the lives of all who had the honor of working with him. More…

All Aboard for a Weekend of Adventure at TVRM Looking for a memorable weekend experience? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) offers something for everyone—from quick, engaging excursions to immersive day-long adventures through breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a family-friendly outing, TVRM’s variety of train rides…

Dining Car 3164: From Luxury to Legacy The Birth of Dining Car 3164 Dining Car 3164 rolled off the assembly line on April 24, 1925, built by the Pullman Car & Manufacturing Corporation for Southern Railway. It was a marvel of modern engineering and opulence—designed during a golden age when rail travel reigned supreme in…

All Aboard for an Unforgettable Family Day! Step into a world where railroads come to life in miniature detail! On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders Inc. (TVMRi) invites you to their April Open House—a free, family-friendly event where passion for trains and precision modeling collide. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM,…

Tonight, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum joins with institutions across the nation in honoring the birth of a revolution that shaped the world. As part of the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” initiative—an early commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary—TVRM is proud to display two lights in the upstairs window of the Grand Junction Depot, echoing the…