Locomotive Restoration Updates

A Cherished Moment: A Tribute to Bob Soule and the TVRM Legacy I vividly recall that day in the spring of 2011 when the steam locomotive 630 made its first test run after a comprehensive restoration. Our Shop Foreman, George Walker, had coupled the vintage Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis wooden caboose behind the newly…

Mark your calendars and set your alarms, railroad enthusiasts and history lovers! The magnificent Steam Engine #4501 is making its triumphant return to the tracks on March 4, 2017. This iconic piece of American railroading history will once again lead the way on the Summerville Steam Special, providing a nostalgic journey from Chattanooga to Summerville…

Showcasing a Slice of Railroad History at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has always championed the vision of being more than a static showcase of railroad history – we aim to be a ‘Museum that Moves’. With a diverse range of historic pieces in our collection, we offer an immersive…

A Ride Down Memory Lane: Steam Locomotive 630 and The Legacy of TVRM It seems like yesterday that we watched steam locomotive 630 roll out for test runs in the spring of 2011. I still remember the excitement in the air, the buzz of anticipation and the pride that every TVRM employee felt on that…

The Art of Preservation: Restoring TAG #80 to Original Glory At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, history isn’t just stored — it’s revived. One of our latest endeavors, the restoration of TAG 80, is a testament to that mission. This isn’t just any locomotive; it’s the first production GP38 ever made by EMD. Understanding the…

Grady Ragan: 50 Years of Dedication to TVRM’s Historic Rail Legacy In the heart of railway history, there’s a name that echoes with dedication and craftsmanship: Grady Ragan. For over five decades, Grady has been an integral part of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), contributing significantly to the preservation and restoration of historic rail…

Historic 4501 Steams into TVRM’s Railfest this September! Attention train enthusiasts and history buffs alike! We are elated to bring you some breaking news that will surely steam up your excitement. The much-anticipated 4501 locomotive will be making its public appearance at TVRM’s Railfest on September 6 & 7! As we’re drafting this piece, our…

Breaking News! The moment railroad enthusiasts and history buffs have been waiting for is almost here. The legendary locomotive 4501 will make its public debut at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s (TVRM) Railfest on September 6 & 7, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience. 4501 will be under steam, operating at TVRM during…

Southern 4501: Locomotive Tender Restoration Update The restoration journey of Locomotive 4501, a gem in the crown of railroad history, has reached a significant milestone – its tender is nearing completion. This update signifies a leap forward in bringing this iconic steam locomotive back to its former glory, preserving a vital part of our historical…

The Renaissance of Southern Railway 4501: A Journey Through Time The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has always been a place where history comes alive, and the recent installation of a new roller bearing trailing truck underneath the firebox of the Southern Railway 4501 steam engine is a perfect example of this commitment to preserving…