Final Inspection — The Work Behind the Steam
Behind the Scenes with Fireman Kyle Shannon Before a single whistle echoes across the hills or a wheel turns down the track, a dedicated team ensures every bolt, bearing, and brake on 114-year-old Steam Engine No. 4501 is in working order. On this day, Fireman Kyle Shannon — a seasoned member of TVRM’s mechanical team…
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August 23, 2025
Steam Whistles & Small-Town Wanders: Our Summerville Family Escape
Long before dawn’s glow kissed Chattanooga’s ridges, my family boarded the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Summerville Steam Special—nine glorious hours of clanging rods, Southern fare, and small-town charm. According to TVRM, the train departs Grand Junction Depot at 9 a.m. and returns around 6 p.m., tracing the former Central of Georgia main line across the…
Honoring Jim McClellan: A Legacy in Railroading
Honoring Jim McClellan: The Architect of Modern Railroading The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) joins the railroading community in mourning the loss of a distinguished figure, Jim McClellan, renowned for his profound impact on North America’s railroad industry. In tribute, Steam Locomotive 4501 proudly displays black flags on its smokebox, symbolizing our respect and remembrance….