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Tennessee Valley Railroad News

Union Depot: Preserving Chattanooga’s Railway History

Union Depot: A Journey Through Time in Chattanooga’s Railway History Union Depot, once a bustling hub in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, stood as a testament to the city’s rich railway history. This monumental structure was served by two major railways: the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway (later part of the Louisville & Nashville)…

The Importance of Preserving Rail History

Historic Office Cars and Locomotives: Restoration and Inspection Updates Restoration work is an ongoing commitment at our railroad museum. We’re excited to share updates on two of our historic office cars: Southern Railway No. 21 and Baltimore & Ohio No. 98. The dedication to preserving these pieces of rail history is evident in the meticulous…

Golden Spike 153rd Anniversary: Thomas & 4501 at TVRM

Celebrating 153 Years of the Golden Spike: Thomas and 4501 Unite at TVRM Today, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is buzzing with excitement as we commemorate the 153rd anniversary of the “Golden Spike” – a monumental event in railway history. Join us in this unique celebration where Thomas the Tank Engine and the legendary…

Thanks for Joining Thomas & Percy – Come Back Soon!

A Heartfelt Thank You from Thomas & Percy’s Wonderful Train Adventure! As the tracks begin to quiet down after two incredible weekends, we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Day Out With Thomas event. Seeing families, train enthusiasts, and Thomas fans come together to celebrate was truly…

A Magical Weekend with Thomas: Final Call for April 22, 2022

Attention all Thomas the Tank Engine fans! The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is excited to invite you to the last weekend of the unforgettable Day Out with Thomas event on April 22, 2022. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a day filled with wonder, excitement, and an array of engaging activities. Here’s a…

Steam Star 4501 & Thomas at TVRM: A Historical Ride!

Steam Star 4501: A Journey into History at TVRM with Thomas & Percy! Get ready for an extraordinary adventure at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM)! Steam Star 4501, along with the beloved characters Thomas and Percy, are set to take passengers on a thrilling and authentic ride into the past. This event is a…

Last Chance: Day Out With Thomas at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum on April 23, 2022

Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fans and families! The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is thrilled to announce the Day Out With Thomas event, and the countdown has begun. With April 23rd fast approaching, this is your last chance to grab tickets for a memorable day filled with fun, play, and adventure. Ride, Play…

In Memory of Jim Wrinn: TVRM Remembers

Remembering Jim Wrinn: A Pillar of the Railroad Community Yesterday marked a somber day for the railroad community as we said our goodbyes to Jim Wrinn, a beacon of support, talent, and friendship. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) deeply feels this loss. Jim wasn’t just an editor, writer, or photographer; he was an advocate…

Soule Shops Update: GP7 No. 1829’s Revival

Soule Shops Update: GP7 No. 1829 Back on Track! From the bustling grounds of Soule Shops, we bring you some behind-the-scenes news on one of our beloved locomotives, GP7 No. 1829. As with all vintage machinery, maintaining these historic trains is akin to nurturing a living piece of history. Recently, our diligent crew noticed an…

Pullman Porters: The Unsung Heroes of American Railways and Catalysts for Change

Pullman Porters: Catalysts of Change in U.S. Railways In the golden age of American passenger railway service, luxury sleeping cars spelled elegance and sophistication, with the name “Pullman” becoming almost synonymous with such opulence. As passengers luxuriated in comfort, it was the Pullman Porters, primarily African-American men, who maintained the high standards of service that…

From 1954 to Now: The Revival of Grand Trunk’s Dining Car 899

Revitalizing Railway History: The Restoration of Dining Car 899, “Silver Lake” Nestled within the heart of our advanced restoration and repair facility in East Chattanooga lies a magnificent emblem of history – Dining Car 899, fondly known as the “Silver Lake.” Constructed in 1954 by the renowned Pullman-Standard, this dining car was initially a proud…

Experience Vintage Railways with TVRM This Weekend!

Discover Rail Heritage This January with TVRM’s Vintage Train Rides! Step into a world of railway heritage this January weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Join us for an enriching ride on the Missionary Ridge Local, powered by one of our meticulously restored vintage diesel locomotives. Riding the Missionary Ridge Local is more…

Hiwassee Loop Train Ride Through Tennessee’s Hiwassee River Gorge
  • Delano Trip
From $62 per person

Embark on a 4.5-hour journey through the lower Hiwassee River gorge, featuring the remarkable Hiwassee Loop. This 50-mile round trip starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m., showcasing the natural beauty and railway marvels of Tennessee.