Railroad History

Experience the Historical Journey of TVRM’s Steam Engine #4501 through North Georgia As the year draws to a close, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) offers a final opportunity to experience a journey steeped in history aboard its iconic steam engine #4501. On Sunday, November 12, 2017, this magnificent locomotive will make its last trip…

Exploring the Tracks of Time: TVRM’s Educational Field Trip Experience At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), we believe in bringing history to life. Our Missionary Ridge Local field trip excursions offer students an extraordinary journey into the world of railroads. Here, learning transcends the classroom, giving students a unique perspective on an integral part…

TVRM Joins the Elite League of Southern Highlands Attractions The Southern Highlands Attractions (SHA) is a prestigious group of travel attractions that dot the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to some of the finest tourist destinations, the group boasts of members such as the Biltmore Estate, Shenandoah Caverns, The Blowing Rock, Rock City,…

The Magic of Train Travel: How Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) Enhances Visitor Experience and Revenue In the latest issue of Smoke and Cinders, we discussed how special events serve to boost TVRM’s income, despite making up a relatively small portion of our operating schedule. Now, let’s turn our focus to the core of our…

Rediscovering the Glory: Southern Railway’s 5000 Dons New Paint As enthusiasts of railway heritage, we’re thrilled to announce a spectacular revival at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Fresh out of the paint shop, the Southern Railway’s 5000, a beacon of American railroad history, has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Purchased in 1972,…

Southern Railway’s GP38-2 No. 5000: A Journey Through Time and Technology The Southern Railway GP38-2 No. 5000, a remarkable locomotive with a storied past, stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and progress of American railroad history. Built in 1972, this diesel-electric engine heralded the start of a new era in rail transportation. The…

All Aboard for Thomas’s Last Ride of the Day in Chattanooga: A Family Adventure Awaits As the sun sets over the scenic city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a beloved figure in the world of railroads prepares for his last journey of the day. Thomas, the well-known locomotive, is set to return to Grand Junction for his…

A Cherished Moment: A Tribute to Bob Soule and the TVRM Legacy I vividly recall that day in the spring of 2011 when the steam locomotive 630 made its first test run after a comprehensive restoration. Our Shop Foreman, George Walker, had coupled the vintage Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis wooden caboose behind the newly…

Showcasing a Slice of Railroad History at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has always championed the vision of being more than a static showcase of railroad history – we aim to be a ‘Museum that Moves’. With a diverse range of historic pieces in our collection, we offer an immersive…

A Ride Down Memory Lane: Steam Locomotive 630 and The Legacy of TVRM It seems like yesterday that we watched steam locomotive 630 roll out for test runs in the spring of 2011. I still remember the excitement in the air, the buzz of anticipation and the pride that every TVRM employee felt on that…