Southern Railway

Tennessee Valley Railroad: Preserving Chattanooga’s Rail History With an enduring presence spanning over six decades at Chattanooga’s Terminal Station, from its early days with the Southern Railway to its iconic stint with the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s (TVRM) legacy remains deeply intertwined with the city’s rich railroading past. As times change and the…

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…

In the midst of World War II, the role of the railroad was pivotal in ways that may surprise you. Beyond transporting civilians and goods, railroads like the Southern Railway stepped onto the front lines. They sponsored Railway Operating Battalions, an initiative that was critical for the Allied forces’ success. The Southern Railway’s 727th Railway…

Stepping back in time, few could predict the storied life that Car 390 would lead. Built in 1947 by American Car and Foundry, this remarkable railway carriage first served the Central of Georgia’s famed train “the Nancy Hanks II”. As of recent, it is set to grace the tracks again in its original Central of…

Historic Office Car Returns to TVRM: A Journey from St. Louis to Chattanooga For those planning a road trip or simply commuting along Interstates 64, 57, or 24 between the vibrant city of St. Louis and the scenic Chattanooga this weekend, it’s essential to be vigilant. The forecast suggests potential inclement weather, which might make…

Doubleheading at TVRM If there’s anything more exciting than a train powered by a steam locomotive, it’s a train powered by two steam locomotives. Some of our most popular excursions include TVRM’s Summerville Steam Specials, when Southern 630 and 4501 are on the point. While these trips provide a lot of sensory stimulation, a more…

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…

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…

A Glimpse into the Past: Tunnel Boulevard’s Transformation Dive into a bygone era with a captivating black and white photograph from the mid-1950s of Tunnel Boulevard. The image, steeped in nostalgia, features the grandeur of an arched railway tunnel, a marvel of its time, surrounded by the lushness of nature’s canopy. Weathered by the elements,…