FOUNDERS DAY: NIGHT PHOTO SHOOT EVENT 2025

Overview

Join us for an exclusive night photography session at the East Chattanooga location! Capture stunning images of historic locomotives under the evening sky. This is a rare opportunity to photograph the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s collection after dark.

• Date & Time: 9:00 PM – 10:15 PM
• Location: East Chattanooga
• Featured Locomotives
  • U.S. Army / Air Force Locomotives 8669 and 8677 mark their 80th anniversaries in 2025. These veteran engines served overseas during WWII before returning for decades of stateside duty with both the U.S. Military and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
  • Central of Georgia RS3 No. 109 and Hartford & Slocomb RS-1 No. 913 also reach milestone birthdays this year, each celebrating 75 years in service.
  • Special Equipment Appearances:
    • Steam Locomotive 630 – Operating in authentic “in service” Southern Railway livery, complete with red number plate, Southern Hooter whistle, and silver trim.
    • Locomotive 4501 – Transformed into Central of Georgia’s “MacArthur” No. 699, appearing in 1940s condition, as if ready to help Uncle Sam win the War.
    • USAF Baldwin 7467 – Restored to its mid-20th-century Strata Blue paint scheme. During the height of the Space Race, this locomotive famously hauled TVRM’s Wind Tunnel Flyer excursion to Tullahoma’s Arnold Air Force Base in 1967. The trip introduced museum patrons to cutting-edge NASA testing projects leading up to the first moon landing in 1969. USAF 7467 also supported base work on the X-15 space plane program, Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions—including critical re-entry calculations and lunar module engine tests.

Duration

This event will last for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Requirements

• Photography Equipment: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is recommended. A tripod is essential for stability during long exposure shots.
• Safety Guidelines: Please follow the instructions of the event staff, maintain a safe distance from the tracks, and be respectful of other participants.

Parking & Check-In

• Parking: Available at the gravel lot on 2202 N. Chamberlain Avenue, adjacent to N. Chamberlain.
• Check-In: Participants will check in at the gate during arrival and can use the East Chattanooga depot area for preparation and outdoor waiting between shoots.