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Restorations

At the heart of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum lies a passionate commitment to the art of restoration. Every piece in the museum, from historical locomotives to classic passenger cars, undergoes meticulous rehabilitation, bringing them back to their original glory. Through our restoration efforts, we don't just preserve machinery; we breathe life into historical narratives, ensuring the tales of the Tennessee rails continue to inspire generations.

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 Project

The 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.

Rediscover History with the 4501 Steam Engine This Weekend

Rediscover History with 4501 Steam Engine This weekend, July 20 & 21, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites you to experience the iconic 4501 steam locomotive on the Missionary Ridge Local. Built in 1911, the 4501 is a testament to the phrase ‘built to last,’ offering an unforgettable ride that combines history, adventure, and family…

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July 19, 2024

Preserving the Legacy of 100-Year-Old Steam Engines

Preserving the Legacy of 100-Year-Old Steam Engines At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), our mission to preserve and celebrate the rich history of railroading is exemplified by our two iconic steam engines, each over 100 years old. These engineering marvels, dating back to the early 1900s, are more than just machines; they are living…

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June 2, 2024

The Legacy of Steam Engine 4501 at TVRM

The Legacy of Steam Engine 4501 at TVRM This June 6, 2024, marks a significant anniversary in the world of railroading. It’s been 60 years since Steam Engine 4501 was transferred to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) from the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway. This event was the beginning of a new chapter for the…

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June 1, 2024

PAST PROJECTS:

SOUTHERN 630 INSPECTION

Date: February 2

A 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 5

A 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.