Railroad History and Heritage

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…

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…

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…

Revitalizing a Legacy: Behind-the-Scenes at Soule Repair Shops with 4501’s Annual Inspection Nestled in the heart of the Soule Repair Shops, a meticulous and passionate team works tirelessly on the annual inspection of the iconic 4501. The efforts of this team bring together a blend of expertise and passion, ensuring the historic locomotive is both…

Celebrate National Museum Selfie Day with History and Creativity! Mark your calendars for January 18, as we join the global celebration of National Museum Selfie Day! It’s a day dedicated to museum enthusiasts and selfie aficionados alike. This year, we’re especially excited to showcase our resident historians, Charles and Jacob, who are hard at work…

The Art of Pullman Car Carpets: Weaving History with Every Thread From the golden age of rail travel, Pullman sleeping cars have carried more than passengers; they’ve transported us into a world of opulence and design sophistication. At the heart of this grandeur lies the Pullman car carpet, a testament to the era’s commitment to…

In the midst of the American Civil War, Chattanooga, Tennessee, became the focal point of a silent yet decisive battle—a battle for control over the supply lines that the railroads represented. Two major railroads, the Western & Atlantic Railroad (W&A) and the East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad (ET&G), converged here, forming a vital artery for…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum family is heartbroken by the passing of long time employee George Walker. He was involved in a tragic accident at the shop. At this time no other details are available.  Please keep Mary, Andrew, Aaron and Charlie in your prayers as they deal with this tragic loss. Please direct all inquiries…

A Christmas Chuckle: Santa’s Coal Surprise! Ho, ho, ho! It’s that time of the year again when stockings are hung, trees are decorated, and we all anticipate Santa’s special gifts. However, not everyone dreads the notorious coal in their stocking – especially if they have a steam locomotive to run! Take a look at this…