Railroad History and Heritage

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…

Checking off the Nice List with a Magical Train Ride! As night descends, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum train, sparkling with festive lights, stands ready for its next enchanting journey. This image captures the heartwarming spirit of the holidays and the promise of festive adventures. Searching for a unique holiday surprise everyone will cherish? Our…

The holiday season is an opportunity to come together, share joy, and appreciate each other’s company. After a pause of two years, the Chattanooga area employees of Norfolk Southern (NS) were once again able to gather at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) to celebrate their annual Christmas event. More than 400 employees and their…

Restoring the GP7 Diesel: A Gritty Undertaking! In the bustling heart of our shop, an old warrior awaited attention. The GP7 diesel number 1829, constructed in 1951, had seen better days. Its sand lines, crucial components for ensuring grip and stability, were in dire need of replacement. Over an intensive two-day period, Zach and Travis…