ThrowbackThursday — 4501 Rises Again, Railfest Rumbles, and Steam Returns to the Mainline!
Big Wheels, Bigger Work Fall 2013 marked a turning point at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Guests strolling through East Chattanooga may have seen sparks from the Soule Shops, but few realized they were witnessing the rebirth of Southern Railway 2-8-2 Mikado #4501. By late August, crews had slid three massive driving wheel axles…
Waves of History — Amateur Radio Joins Founders Day at TVRM
Waves of History — Amateur Radio Joins Founders Day at TVRM Founders Day at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is always a celebration of stories that shaped Chattanooga’s rail heritage. This year, Saturday brings a new twist: the Chattanooga Amateur Radio Operators will be on site, broadcasting live from the Chickamauga Turn and inside…
Ride Steam Star #630 on the Missionary Ridge Local
Ride Steam Star #630 on the Missionary Ridge Local There’s something unforgettable about stepping aboard a train pulled by a steam locomotive. The hiss of steam, the chuff of the cylinders, the whistle echoing across Chattanooga—it all comes together to create an experience that feels alive. At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), you can…
Steam, Sunsets & Model Trains: Your Weekend Guide to TVRM’s Founder’s Day
TVRM Founder’s Day Weekend Guide 2025 The first full weekend of September is here, and TVRM’s Founder’s Day Celebration is ready to roll! Whether you’re a longtime railfan or a family looking for a fun weekend, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Let’s break down everything happening Saturday, September…
Miniature Marvels in Motion: Explore TVRM’s Model Railroaders Exhibit This Founder’s Day
🚂 A Weekend of Miniature Wonders Begins at TVRM This Founder’s Day weekend, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites families, rail fans, and curious minds of all ages to step into a world of miniature locomotives and maximum creativity. Tucked inside TVRM’s exhibit building is the Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders’ intricate and multi-line layout, a must-see…
When Iron Rails Kissed the River: The Day Chattanooga Changed Forever
When Iron Rails Kissed the River: The Day Chattanooga Changed Forever On December 1, 1849, a defining moment unfolded along the banks of the Tennessee River: a modest steam locomotive named the ALABAMA rolled into Chattanooga, carrying dignitaries and more than 200 invited guests. For many years, this community had thrived as a river outpost—its…