Restoration

Today, August 11, marks 62 years since we were chartered in 1961 to preserve the golden age of the American Railroad! Over the years we’ve seen changes in the “outside world” that make us seem even more dated than we were in 1961, we’ve endured many trying times that threatened to end our existence, we’ve…

Soule Shops Completes Major Refurbishment of Grand Trunk Western Dining Car The renowned Soule Shops has successfully completed another significant refurbishment, this time focusing on the Grand Trunk Western dining car, numbered 899 and named the “Silver Lake”. The recent photos showcase the impressive upgrades made to the car, including: A custom 3-compartment sink A…

Southern Railway 832: A Vintage Coach’s Revival in 2023 The world of trains and railways is abuzz with innovations and restorations. While the spotlight often shines on the powerful locomotives, it’s essential to remember the heart and soul of the railway experience: the coaches. One such coach, the Southern Railway 832, is undergoing a significant…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is known for its impressive collection of historic locomotives and passenger cars, but the richness of our collection extends beyond these classic examples of rail transport. Among our diverse assortment of railroad artifacts, the 1941 Railway Express Agency Studebaker delivery truck holds a unique place. Fresh out of the…

Honoring the Past: TVRM Receives Grant for Maitland Restoration The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is proud to announce it has received a generous $20,000 grant from the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust. This funding will significantly contribute to the restoration of the Pullman sleeping car Maitland, a 12-1 configuration sleeper car that once epitomized…

Revitalizing a Legacy: Behind-the-Scenes at Soule Repair Shops with 4501’s Annual Inspection Nestled in the heart of the Soule Repair Shops, a meticulous and passionate team works tirelessly on the annual inspection of the iconic 4501. The efforts of this team bring together a blend of expertise and passion, ensuring the historic locomotive is both…

Restoring the GP7 Diesel: A Gritty Undertaking! In the bustling heart of our shop, an old warrior awaited attention. The GP7 diesel number 1829, constructed in 1951, had seen better days. Its sand lines, crucial components for ensuring grip and stability, were in dire need of replacement. Over an intensive two-day period, Zach and Travis…

We’re excited to unveil our most recently completed passenger car project – Coach 1480, named after Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, located in Blacksburg, Virginia. This historic gem, steeped in decades of railway history, is set to enter service today, and here’s everything you need to know about it! The Origin: A Sleeping Car’s…

Around the Shop: Car No. 390’s Revival Nestled in the heart of our shop, the historic Central of Georgia Railway combination (often referred to as a ‘combine’) car No. 390 has recently been stationed on track 7, awaiting some much-needed attention. This isn’t just any routine check-up. The ‘doctor’ – our team of expert restorers…

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…