Tennessee Valley Railroad News

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…

Day Out With Thomas 2023: Join the Magical Train Ride! The sound of train whistles fills the air, and a blue engine peeps out from behind the horizon. Children gasp in amazement, eyes widening with the realization that it’s not just any train — it’s Thomas the Tank Engine! Yes, you read that right! The…

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…

Day Out With Thomas 2023: Chugging into Chattanooga’s Heart! The chug of a train’s engine, the shrill whistle cutting through the air, and the bright, unmistakable blue of Thomas the Tank Engine emerging from a cloud of steam – these are the sights and sounds that have captured the hearts and imaginations of children (and…

TVRM is happy to announce the addition of more dates for The Homefront Tea Room 2023 season. Join us for this popular experience and enjoy delicious tea along with traditional tea treats in a charming, historic train depot setting. Book your reservation at The Homefront Tea Room Book Now! More Opportunities to Enjoy TVRM’s Homefront Tea…

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…

Your Voice, Your Tea: Join Our Special Tea Room Event! Attention all tea aficionados! We’re thrilled to announce an exclusive event tailored just for you. Our esteemed tea room is preparing to roll out the red carpet for an afternoon dedicated to our beloved community – and that means YOU! This isn’t just another afternoon…

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…