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STEAM QUEEN ROLLS AGAIN: RIDE BEHIND 4501 ON THE SUMMERVILLE STEAM SPECIAL

Steam Queen Rolls Again: Ride Behind 4501 on the Summerville Steam Special

The unmistakable whistle of Southern Railway 4501 echoes through Chattanooga once more as this living legend takes the lead on the Summerville Steam Special. At 114 years old, this steam icon continues to captivate rail fans and casual travelers alike—offering not just a train ride, but an unforgettable journey through time, craftsmanship, and adventure.

🔧 A Masterpiece in Motion

Built in 1911 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Southern 4501 was the first of her kind—leading a generation of Mikado-type engines that would haul freight and passengers through the American South. Today, she operates under the careful stewardship of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, where every excursion is powered by both steam and passion.

The Summerville Steam Special gives riders the rare opportunity to experience what rail travel once felt like—complete with rhythmic motion, steam plumes overhead, and the signature call of 4501’s whistle rolling through the North Georgia hills.

The Ride Experience

The full-day adventure begins at Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga, departing at 9:00 AM and winding through scenic foothills and rural communities until it reaches Summerville, Georgia. Along the way, passengers enjoy:

  • Expansive views from climate-controlled coaches

  • The sound and smell of a working steam locomotive

  • A layover in downtown Summerville with time to shop, relax, and watch 4501 be turned manually on the town’s iconic turntable

Total duration: Approx. 8.5 hours round trip

Ticket Options

Choose the experience that suits your style:

  • Premium Dome Car 1877 – Elevated, glass-enclosed viewing with onboard table service

  • Coach with Dining Car Lunch – Enjoy a hot, chef-prepared lunch served in classic rail dining style

  • Standard Coach – A budget-friendly option for families and fans of vintage travel

Pro Tip: These rides often sell out—book early to reserve preferred seating.

Reader Questions Answered

  • Is this train pulled by steam the entire way?
    • Keeping this 114-year-old engine running can present a few challenges, and at times a substitution may be necessary. We appreciate everyone’s understanding when such decisions are made.
  • Is this suitable for children or first-time riders?
    • Definitely. Many families make this their first long steam trip. The experience is smooth, educational, and punctuated with plenty of sights and stops.
  • What’s unique about the turntable stop in Summerville?
    • The turntable in Summerville allows the crew to rotate 4501 for the return trip. It’s a visual treat for guests and a rare piece of engineering still in use today.

Why It Matters

4501 isn’t just a train—it’s a living monument to the ingenuity and resilience of early 20th-century railroading. Each journey she powers reminds us of an era when steam connected cities, powered economies, and stirred imaginations.

At TVRM, this legacy isn’t preserved in glass cases—it’s alive, rolling, and ready for you to experience.

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