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Tennessee Valley Railroad News

Historic Preservation

At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, historic preservation is not just a term; it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the railroads that shaped our nation. Dive into this category to journey through time, where meticulously restored locomotives and railcars tell tales of innovation, ambition, and the romance of the rails. From the intricate details of engineering feats to the stories of the people who worked on these iron giants, we’re dedicated to keeping history alive and ensuring that future generations can witness the magic of the past.

A Glorious Journey: From Nancy Hanks II to the North Pole Limited – The Tale of Car 390

Stepping back in time, few could predict the storied life that Car 390 would lead. Built in 1947 by American Car and Foundry, this remarkable railway carriage first served the Central of Georgia’s famed train “the Nancy Hanks II”. As of recent, it is set to grace the tracks again in its original Central of…

TVRM’s Preservation Efforts During the Pandemic

Progress During a Pandemic: Preserving Railroad History The allure of train travel from days gone by isn’t just about the locomotives and their crews. It’s also about the little details, the props that paint a vivid picture of a bygone era. From milk cans on station platforms to vintage vehicles, every piece tells a story….

The Priceless Craft of Coach Restoration

The Intricacies and Costs of Restoring a Classic Coach When we speak about restoration, often the image conjured up is that of an artist delicately refreshing a faded painting. However, in the world of transportation, restoration takes on an entirely new dimension. Restoring a classic coach isn’t just about bringing an old piece of machinery…

Remembering Grady Ragan: A TVRM Luminary

In Memory of Grady Ragan: A TVRM Legend It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Grady Ragan, a stalwart of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), on June 26, 2020. In tribute, the iconic 4501 proudly dons black flags in his honor today. Grady wasn’t just an employee; he was part…

A Historic Return: TVRM Welcomes Office Car No. 21 After 42 Years

A Historic Return: TVRM Welcomes Office Car No. 21 After 42 Years The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a place where history comes alive, where every rail car has a story to tell, and where memories of a bygone era are preserved for future generations. This week, we are thrilled to announce the return…

Historic Office Car Returns to TVRM: A Journey from St. Louis to Chattanooga

Historic Office Car Returns to TVRM: A Journey from St. Louis to Chattanooga For those planning a road trip or simply commuting along Interstates 64, 57, or 24 between the vibrant city of St. Louis and the scenic Chattanooga this weekend, it’s essential to be vigilant. The forecast suggests potential inclement weather, which might make…

2020 Photo Contest Winners & 2021 Submissions Open

We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2020 Photo Calendar contest! A heartfelt congratulations to all who participated and made the judges’ decision incredibly challenging. Your submissions were nothing short of inspiring, and we truly appreciate your effort and passion in capturing the essence of our subject matter. As we celebrate your stunning…

Soule Shops: Reviving Rail History at TVRM

Behind the Scenes at Soule Shops: Where History Gets a Revival At the heart of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) lies the Soule Shops, a bustling hub where the magic of restoration happens. It’s here that we breathe life back into historic rail equipment, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to chug…

Norfolk Southern’s Office Car Special Stops at TVRM

Grand Junction Depot: Stop for Norfolk Southern’s Office Car Special At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), we recently had the honor of hosting the Norfolk Southern Office Car Special for the fourth time. This event marked the end of a successful inspection run from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, solidifying TVRM’s position as a key player…

Thomas Returns to TVRM! Join the Fun May 11-12 & 18-19

Thomas the Tank Engine Returns to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! The big blue and white tent is up at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), and that can only mean one thing: Thomas the Tank Engine is coming back to town! Join us for an exciting Day Out With Thomas on May 11-12 and…

Hiwassee Loop Train Ride Through Tennessee’s Hiwassee River Gorge
  • Delano Trip
From $62 per person

Embark on a 4.5-hour journey through the lower Hiwassee River gorge, featuring the remarkable Hiwassee Loop. This 50-mile round trip starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m., showcasing the natural beauty and railway marvels of Tennessee.