Railroad History

Southern Railway Dining Car 3158: A Century of Continuous Service  Southern Railway Dining Car 3158, built by Pullman in 1924, has a storied history that continues to captivate train enthusiasts and museum patrons alike. Donated to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) by Southern Railway in 1969, this remarkable dining car is now celebrating a…

Discover the Thrills of the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad As the spring air turns warmer, the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad is gearing up to open its tracks on May 3, 2024, offering adventurers and train enthusiasts the chance to explore East Tennessee’s breathtaking landscapes. This season, two unique train journeys—the Hiwassee Loop and the Copperhill…

And that’s a wrap! It’s been great hosting one of our favorite friends – Thomas the Tank Engine. A huge thank you to all the TVRM team that pulled this event together and kept it running smoothly. And to our amazing guests – you are the best! Your ticket purchases are helping us to keep…

Experience the Magic of the Bubble Tour at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum As spring ushers in its vibrant hues and cheerful buzz, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is once again at the forefront of creating unforgettable experiences. Our recent Day out with Thomas was a spectacular success, and we’re excited to invite you back…

A Journey Through Time: Steam Engine 630’s Historic Ride on the Missionary Ridge Local If you’re a fan of railroads or history, or simply looking for an unforgettable family outing, the Missionary Ridge Local offers a remarkable experience. Today, the venerable steam engine 630, a remarkable artifact that has been chugging along for 120 years,…

Unique Dinner Train Experience at Tennessee Valley Railroad Welcome aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Dinner Train! An enchanting evening awaits you as you step onto our historic dining cars for a journey through time. Why choose the Dinner Train for a special occasion? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum combines charming ambiance with modern amenities,…

Celebrating Jim Lusk’s Legacy at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) community specifically, mourns the loss of James Buckner Lusk, a cherished local figure and a long-time friend of TVRM. Known for his dedicated service and role as a beloved Santa, James also contributed to TVRM with his unique “Turntable Talks.”…

Behind the scenes: Forklift Certification Training At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), our commitment to preserving the rich traditions of the railway system extends beyond mere exhibitions and ride experiences. This week, we underscored this commitment by conducting comprehensive forklift training for our team, a critical component of our behind-the-scenes operations that ensures both…

Explore the Hiwassee River Railroad As the season shifts into the warmth of late spring and early summer, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum proudly announces the return of its beloved train rides: the Copperhill Special and the Hiwassee Loop. These excursions not only provide a journey through stunning landscapes but also a ride through the…

Embark on a Timeless Train Journey This Weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum This weekend, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers more than just a train ride—it provides a gateway into the rich tapestry of railroading history. As we gear up for a picturesque weekend, the iconic 120-year-old steam locomotive #630 will take center…