Back Shop Boss

Office Car 98’s Historic Restoration Office Car 98, a symbol of railroading elegance and ingenuity, is nearing the end of its extensive restoration at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Soule Shops. This historic car, now 98% restored, will soon shine in its original splendor, showcasing the meticulous efforts of dedicated craftsmen. The Historical Significance of…

Celebrating the Historic Comeback of C&O 1877 When I first laid eyes on #C&O1877, it was hard to imagine that a day like today would ever arrive. Witnessing the transformation of this historic railcar has been nothing short of miraculous. The owner, filled with pride, watched as the once-forgotten car was ready for operation after…

Throwback Thursday: A Unique Restoration at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum In the world of steam locomotive restoration, there are tasks that are routine and then there are those that are truly exceptional. Today, for our Throwback Thursday feature, we’re diving deep into a remarkable restoration journey that isn’t undertaken every day: the complete renewal of…

Breathing New Life into the F7A: Inside the Restoration of TVRM 576 Last month, the workshops at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum buzzed with renewed energy as a brand new project chugged into its care – the recently acquired F7A, christened TVRM 576. This locomotive, a vestige of rail history and engineering prowess, has now embarked…

Eric Church’s ‘Creepin” Video: A Vintage Tale On occasion we are a go-to for mainly country music artists to shoot a music video using our old equipment. Eric Church shot his music video, “Creepin’”, using just locomotive 630 and the right of way. The entire time the video was being made, the music was being…

Southern Railway 832: A Vintage Coach’s Revival in 2023 The world of trains and railways is abuzz with innovations and restorations. While the spotlight often shines on the powerful locomotives, it’s essential to remember the heart and soul of the railway experience: the coaches. One such coach, the Southern Railway 832, is undergoing a significant…

Preserving Railway Heritage: TVRM Welcomes Historic Coaches There’s a certain charm to preserving the old, especially when it involves relics of rail history. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, an icon of historical preservation itself, is embarking on a massive $10,000,000 renovation. In a strategic move to optimize their space, they’ve decided to part with some…

Revitalizing History: Former Army SW8 #2000’s New Paint Job There’s a fresh coat of history on the tracks! The former Army SW8 #2000 locomotive has undergone a remarkable transformation, receiving a stunning new paint job as it prepares to serve at the facility of our latest customer. This locomotive, seasoned by years of diligent service…

The Art of Preservation: Restoring TAG #80 to Original Glory At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, history isn’t just stored — it’s revived. One of our latest endeavors, the restoration of TAG 80, is a testament to that mission. This isn’t just any locomotive; it’s the first production GP38 ever made by EMD. Understanding the…