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Tennessee Valley Railroad News

Southern Railway

Explore the illustrious history of the Southern Railway at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Discover meticulously restored locomotives and carriages that once traversed the Southern states, and learn how this iconic railway line played a crucial role in regional development and culture. Engaging exhibits and knowledgeable guides provide insights into the Southern Railway’s impact on industry, transportation, and the lives of those it served. Experience a piece of Southern heritage on a journey through railroading history.

Century Celebration: Southern Railway Dining Car 3158

Celebrating 100 Years: The Journey of Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158 A Century of Service – TVRM’s former Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158 has long held the record of being the oldest continuously operating dining car in the country, and today that record enters triple digits, as the venerable 78 foot long, 87-ton…

History & Might: The Story of Southern Railway Wreck Crane No. 903008

Journey Through Time: The Legacy of Southern Railway Wreck Crane No. 903008 In the heart of our workshop, history reverberates as we service our iconic Southern Railway wreck crane, No. 903008. A Storied History Constructed in 1917 by the renowned Bucyrus Company, this crane has seen a century’s worth of rail history. Originally believed to…

Throwback Thursday: Reliving the ’80s with Southern Railway 630 on the Missionary Ridge Local

Today for “Throwback Thursday,” Southern Railway 630 leads a TVRM Missionary Ridge Local trip out of East Chattanooga in the mid-1980s.  Though clothing styles have changed since the 80s, you can still experience the same nostalgia of historic steam and passenger equipment with the Southern 630 from 1904 leading our Missionary Ridge Local excursions this…

Founder’s Day – September 9, 2023

Come out and join us as we celebrate 62+ years of railroad preservation! Special Events throughout the day: Special Photo Exhibit in the lobby of Grand Junction Depot: “Steam in the Valley, TVRM’s Early Years” by John Coniglio On the grounds “history interpretation” will represent Military encampment and demonstrations. Also on display – a few…

A Vintage Diesel Weekend at TVRM – Ride with History!

August 19 and 20 will be a special weekend at TVRM: Vintage Diesel weekend on the Missionary Ridge Local! Saturday will feature Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway No. 80 and Sunday will feature Southern Railway No. 5000. It’s a great time to ride a train. Be sure to ask at the station about upgrading to…

“In The Movies”: The Riveting Tale of Southern Railway No. 4501

Few can boast the timeless allure and charm of a steam locomotive. But when that very locomotive shares screen space with Hollywood luminaries, the tale turns legendary. From Tracks to Reels The year was 1971. Southern Railway No. 4501, a locomotive steeped in history, transcended its traditional track boundaries. It was cast alongside James Maitland…

Throwback Thursday: Iconic Locomotive 4501 to Ride Again with Historically Sourced Tender: Discover the Story Behind the Engine

Many visitors are familiar with the museum’s flagship locomotive 4501, and although it continues in operation at TVRM much as it did in the 1930s, the tender behind it was not always behind 4501. This ‘new’ tender was sourced to carry additional coal and water, in the Southern excursion era, after it was discovered on…

Capture the Past: Exclusive Evening Photo Shoot with Vintage Locomotives on Founders Day at TVRM

As part of our September 9 Founders Day activities we are offering a special evening photo shoot with a number of our vintage equipment items. Photoshoot details: Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutesBring your best photography equipment and join us for an exclusive night photo session at our East Chattanooga location! Participants will have the…

Captivating Encounter with Norfolk Southern: Southern Railway E8 No. 6914 in Historic Meet-up

For Wednesday’s Atlanta bound NS inspection train, TVRM placed Southern Railway E8 6914, Central of Georgia combine car 390, TAG 80 and Southern Railway 50 on display at the end of the interchange track at Grand Junction.  In these two shots by Mike Ray you see the passing train and the display equipment and then…

Norfolk Southern Christmas Celebration: A Joyful Return at TVRM

The holiday season is an opportunity to come together, share joy, and appreciate each other’s company. After a pause of two years, the Chattanooga area employees of Norfolk Southern (NS) were once again able to gather at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) to celebrate their annual Christmas event. More than 400 employees and their…