Historic Preservation

Around the Shop: Car No. 390’s Revival Nestled in the heart of our shop, the historic Central of Georgia Railway combination (often referred to as a ‘combine’) car No. 390 has recently been stationed on track 7, awaiting some much-needed attention. This isn’t just any routine check-up. The ‘doctor’ – our team of expert restorers…

Union Depot: A Journey Through Time in Chattanooga’s Railway History Union Depot, once a bustling hub in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, stood as a testament to the city’s rich railway history. This monumental structure was served by two major railways: the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway (later part of the Louisville & Nashville)…

Historic Office Cars and Locomotives: Restoration and Inspection Updates Restoration work is an ongoing commitment at our railroad museum. We’re excited to share updates on two of our historic office cars: Southern Railway No. 21 and Baltimore & Ohio No. 98. The dedication to preserving these pieces of rail history is evident in the meticulous…

Remembering Jim Wrinn: A Pillar of the Railroad Community Yesterday marked a somber day for the railroad community as we said our goodbyes to Jim Wrinn, a beacon of support, talent, and friendship. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) deeply feels this loss. Jim wasn’t just an editor, writer, or photographer; he was an advocate…

Soule Shops Update: GP7 No. 1829 Back on Track! From the bustling grounds of Soule Shops, we bring you some behind-the-scenes news on one of our beloved locomotives, GP7 No. 1829. As with all vintage machinery, maintaining these historic trains is akin to nurturing a living piece of history. Recently, our diligent crew noticed an…

Pullman Porters: Catalysts of Change in U.S. Railways In the golden age of American passenger railway service, luxury sleeping cars spelled elegance and sophistication, with the name “Pullman” becoming almost synonymous with such opulence. As passengers luxuriated in comfort, it was the Pullman Porters, primarily African-American men, who maintained the high standards of service that…

Discover Rail Heritage This January with TVRM’s Vintage Train Rides! Step into a world of railway heritage this January weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Join us for an enriching ride on the Missionary Ridge Local, powered by one of our meticulously restored vintage diesel locomotives. Riding the Missionary Ridge Local is more…

Embrace History on Rails: The Missionary Ridge Local’s Special Three-Day Run Get ready to make the most of the upcoming three-day weekend! Weather permitting, the Missionary Ridge Local will be up and running on January 15, 16, and Monday, 17th. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a journey back in time, powered by one…

Meet the Magic Makers Behind the North Pole Limited! Every enchanted journey has its group of unsung heroes, and the North Pole Limited is no exception! Today, we offer a glimpse behind the curtains, shedding light on the hardworking TVRM team members who breathe life into this festive experience. This snapshot captures the essence of…

Embark on a Festive Adventure with the North Pole Limited! Christmas is upon us, and with its arrival comes the much-anticipated opening weekend for the North Pole Limited! This enchanting journey promises to be an unforgettable addition to your festive celebrations, and if you haven’t made it a tradition already, this year is the perfect…