About Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway 80
Built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division in 1968, this locomotive was the first high-hood GP38 produced, developing 2,000 horsepower. It was built for the Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway.
The locomotive was named “The John A. Chambliss” in honor of the railroad’s vice president, and was dedicated on his 80th birthday, hence being numbered 80. After the TAG was acquired by the Southern Railway, the 80 became Southern Railway 2879, and later Norfolk Southern 2879.
The Chambliss family gathered donations from friends and relatives, which were given to TVRM. With these funds, TVRM bought the locomotive and proceeded to restore it from 2015 to 2016, addressing mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic aspects. The locomotive re-entered service in March 2017, proudly displaying its original number and paint scheme as TAG 80.
Specifications:
Locomotive: Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway 80/The John A. Chambliss
Locomotive Type: Diesel-Electric
Operators: Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway, Southern Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Model: GP38
Builder: General Motors Electro-Motive Division
Date Built: 1968
Date Restored: 2017
Locomotive Weight: 245,000 lb
Prime Mover: EMD 16-645
Fuel: Diesel
Horsepower: 2,000 hp
Status: Operational