Railway History

Around the Shop: Car No. 390’s Revival Nestled in the heart of our shop, the historic Central of Georgia Railway combination (often referred to as a ‘combine’) car No. 390 has recently been stationed on track 7, awaiting some much-needed attention. This isn’t just any routine check-up. The ‘doctor’ – our team of expert restorers…

Celebrating 153 Years of the Golden Spike: Thomas and 4501 Unite at TVRM Today, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is buzzing with excitement as we commemorate the 153rd anniversary of the “Golden Spike” – a monumental event in railway history. Join us in this unique celebration where Thomas the Tank Engine and the legendary…

Revitalizing Railway History: The Restoration of Dining Car 899, “Silver Lake” Nestled within the heart of our advanced restoration and repair facility in East Chattanooga lies a magnificent emblem of history – Dining Car 899, fondly known as the “Silver Lake.” Constructed in 1954 by the renowned Pullman-Standard, this dining car was initially a proud…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is excited to announce the acquisition of two EMD F7 locomotives, numbers 576 and 578, from the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey. This acquisition not only adds to our rich collection but also ensures the preservation of two valuable pieces of railway history. A Journey from Mississippi…

Stepping back in time, few could predict the storied life that Car 390 would lead. Built in 1947 by American Car and Foundry, this remarkable railway carriage first served the Central of Georgia’s famed train “the Nancy Hanks II”. As of recent, it is set to grace the tracks again in its original Central of…

Great news, steam train enthusiasts! This weekend promises to be a memorable one at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). It’s not just a regular weekend; it’s a great weekend of steam that you’ll remember for years to come. Steam Star #630 – The Summerville Steam Special The real star of the show will be…

Rail Camp 2017 at TVRM: Nurturing Young Minds in the World of Railroading As the warm breezes of June rolled in, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) welcomed the eager young minds of the 2017 Rail Camp season. This unique program is a testament to TVRM’s commitment to education and our dedication to preserving the…

The Art of Hosting: A Peek into the Planning of Special Events at TVRM ‘The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is renowned for its railroad journey experiences. A critical element in keeping our guests intrigued and fascinated is our special events. These special events contribute to a significant portion of our visitor traffic and our…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) recently had the honor of hosting a remarkable guest, Melvin Turner, a World War II veteran who celebrated his 100th birthday this March. Mr. Turner’s visit was not just a ride on the Missionary Ridge Local but a journey through history, commemorating both his centennial milestone and his invaluable…

A Glimpse into the Past: Tunnel Boulevard’s Transformation Dive into a bygone era with a captivating black and white photograph from the mid-1950s of Tunnel Boulevard. The image, steeped in nostalgia, features the grandeur of an arched railway tunnel, a marvel of its time, surrounded by the lushness of nature’s canopy. Weathered by the elements,…