(VIDEO) – 🎉 FRIENDSHIP, FUN & STEAM: THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE’S 80TH ROLLS ON AT TVRM!

🎉 Friendship, Fun & Steam: Thomas the Tank Engine’s 80th Rolls On at TVRM!

The skies may be cloudy, but at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, the joy is shining through! This weekend and next, we’re celebrating Thomas the Tank Engine’s 80th Anniversary in true steam-powered style—with real train rides, play stations, balloons, and enough smiles to brighten any rainy day. 🌧️🚂💙

From toddlers to grandparents, guests are stepping aboard for a full day of fun that’s more than just a ride—it’s a memory in the making.

Steam Trains, Storytelling & Smiles

At TVRM, we’re not just honoring a beloved blue engine—we’re keeping the golden age of rail alive through interactive family experiences. While Thomas & Friends made its TV debut in 1984, its roots stretch back to The Railway Series published in 1945, inspired by classic British steam locomotives. Now, 80 years later, that same charm lives on at Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga.

This weekend’s Day Out With Thomas features:

• Rides with Thomas—a full-sized engine ready to take your family on a 25-minute rail adventure

• Balloon creations that delight kids of all ages

• Magic shows that’ll leave you amazed

• Play tables where young engineers dream up their own railway adventures

• Photo ops with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt

• Games, lawn activities, and exclusive merchandise at the Celebration Station

Even the rain joined the fun, giving guests a chance to splash into the adventure!

Ride More, Save More: Missionary Ridge Local 🚂

There’s even more to explore when you show your Thomas ticket stub at the depot:

🎟️ You’ll receive a discount on the Missionary Ridge Local, a 65-minute narrated experience through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, four bridges, and a turntable demonstration. This ride offers a deeper appreciation for railroad preservation and the engineering marvels that make it all possible.

📅 Departure Times: 10:15, 11:20, 12:20, 1:45, 2:50, 3:50

🎟️ Grab tickets now: https://bit.ly/2HRzgOD

FAQ Corner:

Q: What age group is this event best for?

A: It’s ideal for ages 2–10, but parents, grandparents, and teens have just as much fun!

Q: Can I visit the museum and skip the Thomas ride?

A: Absolutely! The depot and Celebration Station are open to guests with valid event tickets, even if they don’t board the train.

Q: Is the event accessible for strollers and mobility devices?

A: Yes, the museum grounds and train cars are family- and ADA-friendly.

Celebrate Where Steam Meets Imagination

Thomas’s 80th birthday party is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of what friendship, play, and storytelling can bring to our lives. From the charm of steam engines to the sparkle in a child’s eye during a magic show, TVRM delivers a unique, immersive experience—rain or shine.

So come join us for an unforgettable day packed with laughs, learning, and locomotive wonder. Snap a selfie with Thomas, laugh out loud at balloon animals, and enjoy the sweet sound of a steam whistle echoing through the Tennessee hills.