The Soule Shops at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in East Chattanooga stand as one of the best-equipped facilities of its kind across the nation.
Our Machines Include:
- A Niles wheel lathe measuring 90 inches
- A quartering machine
- A journal lathe
North America’s sole location housing the three vital machines required for the proper maintenance of steam locomotive driving wheels, all under one roof!
CURRENT PROJECTS:
RESTORE THE 98
Current ProjectThe Pullman Company built car number 98 in 1917 as a private car for the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The car contains a kitchen, crews’ quarters, dining room, three staterooms, and a lounge. It also features mahogany paneling, brass fixtures, leaded glass interior windows, and a rear, open observation platform. While the railroad updated the 98 in the 1930s to include sealed windows and climate control, it has changed very little since.
Today, the car is available to the public for charter on TVRM’s dinner trains and service to North Georgia. It is considered the museum’s most luxurious car, allowing passengers to ride in a true first-class style reminiscent of a bygone age.
The “98” turns 100 years old this year, and due to its age and use, the car is in need of a wide-ranging restoration. We encourage you to help TVRM in its efforts to complete this very important project! All donors will be invited to the recommissioning ceremony to begin the 98’s next 100 years of service.
Norfolk Southern Donates $100K to TVRM
Norfolk Southern’s Commitment to Railroad History with $100K Donation We are honored by the continued support from Norfolk Southern of our mission to preserve railroad heritage so the public can experience the Golden Age of Railroading. Pictured here are Stacy Mansfield, Norfolk Southern Director Community Affairs presenting TVRM President Tim Andrews with a check for…
December 5, 2023
Support TVRM: Keep History Rolling on Tracks
Supporting Rail Heritage: A Thank You from TVRM Your Support of TVRM Has Been Tremendous At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), we’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of your support. Your enthusiasm and generosity have been the driving forces behind our success in preserving rail history. Without You, We Couldn’t Do What We Do…
November 28, 2023
Thanksgiving Wishes from Our Family – Preserving History
Celebrating Thanksgiving: A Heartfelt Message from Our Family Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. Wishing everyone a wonderful day. As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to extend our warmest wishes to each of you. This special day is not only a time for feasting and fun but also…
November 23, 2023
PAST PROJECTS:
SOUTHERN 630 INSPECTION
Date: February 2A couple of weeks ago 630 was in the middle of the annual inspection. The first picture shows some of the boiler washout plugs awaiting reinstallation. These plugs are removed for each boiler wash and allow access points for cleaning with a high-pressure water nozzle to flush out deposits left behind from the previous weeks of service. The second picture shows a portable heater being used to raise the ambient temperature of the water in the boiler for a hydrostatic test after all plugs and valves had been inspected and reinstalled.
SOUTHERN 6914 E8 UNIT
Date: February 5A quick study of soda blasting. Stainless steel grills for the E were cleaned over the last couple of weeks by using baking soda and water blasted at high pressure. This process cleans paint and grime from the material without scratching when done correctly.