Quick Details
Step into the grandeur of yesteryears at the TVRM Founder’s Day event! Celebrate 65 years of intricate railroad preservation, where the past meets the present in a symphony of steam and stories. From vintage locomotive displays to nostalgic exhibits, this event is a must-attend for history aficionados and train enthusiasts alike. Book your tickets now and be a part of this captivating journey through time.
Celebrate 65 years of history with us. Stop by to see live reenactors, a RoadRailers presentation, local vendors, a night photoshoot, model railroaders, and a special appearance of 4501 pulling the Missionary Ridge Local (Saturday only, 9:30, 12:30, and 3:30)!
- Local vendors market from 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. .
- “RoadRailers and Triple Crown Services” Presentation by former TCS President Jim Newton at 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday, Sept. 12.
🚂 Founder’s Day 2026 – Celebrate 65 Years of Rail Heritage
Step Into History
This September, experience the sights, sounds, and stories that built TVRM. Founder’s Day 2026 marks 65 years of preservation, honoring locomotives, veterans, and the community that has kept railroading alive for generations.
🎟 Event Highlights
- 🌙 Night Photo Session featuring the 4501 and other freshly-painted vintage equipment (Additional ticket required)
- 🎖 Military reenactments & new exhibit additions
- 🚂 Model railroad layouts
- 🎨 Vendor market on the Midway, both days
📅 Missionary Ridge Local Schedule
September 11
- 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm – Night Photo Shoot
September 12
- 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm – Southern 4501 on select departures (9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm)
- 11:00 am – Homefront Tea Room
- 11:00 am, 2 pm – “RailRoaders and Triple Crown Services” Presentation by former TCS President Jim Newton
- 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm – Evening Ridge Runner
- 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Dinner Train
- 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Dinner in the Depot
September 13
- 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm – Missionary Ridge Local
- 11:00 am – Homefront Tea Room
📸 Night Photo Session Details
- When: Friday, September 11
- Time: Check-in at 8:30 PM at East Chattanooga; photo session from 9:00–10:30 PM
- Cost: $60 per ticket
All times are Eastern Time.
Book Now
🌟 Looking Ahead
This year, as TVRM celebrates its 65th anniversary, our legendary steam locomotive 4501 has returned to her iconic green and gold livery—just as she appeared when she first became the face of our museum.
This restoration highlighted an important need: a dedicated finishing facility. Weather conditions significantly impacted the timeline of the project, reinforcing the value of a protected space where preservation work can be completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
To meet this need, we have launched a fundraising campaign to support the construction of a finishing facility. This project will ensure TVRM can continue its mission of preserving passenger railroading history for generations to come.
The total cost of the finishing facility is approximately $193,000, and we are asking our supporters to help us bring this vision to life.
Every gift makes a difference. Contributors will be recognized at the following levels:
Crew Level – $50+
- Name listed on the donor recognition plaque as part of the fundraising crew
Engineer Level – $250+
- Plaque recognition
- Commemorative 4501 65th Anniversary photo print
Conductor Level – $1,000+
- Plaque recognition
- Commemorative photo print
- Two tickets aboard The Summerville Steam Special in the premium Golden Sand Coach
Chairman of the Board – $5,000+
- Plaque recognition
- Commemorative photo print
- Access to the Eden Isle Office Car #98 on one date of the Summerville Steam Special
Will you join us in making this milestone possible? Together, we can ensure that the restoration and preservation of our historic equipment continues, creating unforgettable experiences and memories for decades to come.
Thank you for being a vital part of TVRM’s story and for helping preserve the golden age of railroading for future generations. Every contribution—large or small—helps preserve the next generation of railroad history.