Behind-the-Scenes at TVRM

All Aboard for a Train Adventure at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! Are you ready for a weekend filled with train-themed excitement and fun? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is hosting a special event that promises to be an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults alike. Get your tickets ready, because Thomas the Tank Engine…

Are you ready for a weekend filled with spectacular views and historical landmarks? Pack your bags and embark on a thrilling adventure with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). This weekend, you get to choose between two signature train trips: the #CopperhillSpecial on Saturday and the #HiwasseeLoop on Sunday. Each journey is unique and offers a…

Honoring the Past: TVRM Receives Grant for Maitland Restoration The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is proud to announce it has received a generous $20,000 grant from the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust. This funding will significantly contribute to the restoration of the Pullman sleeping car Maitland, a 12-1 configuration sleeper car that once epitomized…

This Saturday, embark on a journey that promises to leave you spellbound by the breathtaking vistas and rustic charm of East Tennessee’s landscape. The Copperhill Special, an 85-mile round trip, will carry you through some of the most magnificent scenery that this region has to offer. Discover the Wonders of Hiwassee River Gorge The journey…

TVRM Gratefully Acknowledges John Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant We are deeply appreciative to have been awarded a grant of $20,000 from the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust. Notably, half of this grant, amounting to $10,000, was received in mid-2022. This generous funding is instrumental in facilitating numerous enhancements to the dining car #899, known…

Day Out With Thomas 2023: Join the Magical Train Ride! The sound of train whistles fills the air, and a blue engine peeps out from behind the horizon. Children gasp in amazement, eyes widening with the realization that it’s not just any train — it’s Thomas the Tank Engine! Yes, you read that right! The…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) was honored to participate in Dalewood Middle School’s recent career fair, showcasing the importance and intricacies of railroad museum work. Connecting the past with the present and projecting the future of railroads is vital, and we were thrilled to provide students with a glimpse into the fascinating world of…

Day Out With Thomas 2023: Chugging into Chattanooga’s Heart! The chug of a train’s engine, the shrill whistle cutting through the air, and the bright, unmistakable blue of Thomas the Tank Engine emerging from a cloud of steam – these are the sights and sounds that have captured the hearts and imaginations of children (and…

TVRM is happy to announce the addition of more dates for The Homefront Tea Room 2023 season. Join us for this popular experience and enjoy delicious tea along with traditional tea treats in a charming, historic train depot setting. Book your reservation at The Homefront Tea Room Book Now! More Opportunities to Enjoy TVRM’s Homefront Tea…

Behind the Scenes: Replacing a Locomotive’s Traction Motor As many of you know, most diesel locomotives are not going to be “direct drive” units, but are powered using a “diesel-electric” system. This system works by having the unit’s diesel motor (prime mover in railroad vernacular) turn a generator to create electricity, which is then sent…