Train Travel

Celebrating 100 Years: The Journey of Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158 A Century of Service – TVRM’s former Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158 has long held the record of being the oldest continuously operating dining car in the country, and today that record enters triple digits, as the venerable 78 foot long, 87-ton…

Classic Chattanooga Train Adventure: A Timeless Journey Aboard Diesel #1829 Introduction to Chattanooga’s Vintage Train Chattanooga, a city known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, offers a unique experience for both residents and visitors. This weekend, step back in time with a special train journey aboard the city’s oldest operating vintage diesel, #1829, built…

All Aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo! In the gentle hum of history, there’s a melody that echoes through time—a tune synonymous with the golden age of rail travel, “The Chattanooga Choo Choo.” It’s more than a song; it’s a cultural artifact that has captured the imagination of generations. Its origins, intertwined with the rhythmic clatter…

The Legacy of the Chattanooga Choo Choo The Chattanooga Choo Choo is not just a song, but a symbol of transformation, history, and cultural significance for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally a wood-burning steam locomotive that began its journey in March 1880, the Chattanooga Choo Choo connected Cincinnati and Chattanooga, marking a pivotal moment in post-Civil War…

A Memorable Year of Progress: Hiwassee District of Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in 2018 In 2018, the Hiwassee District of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) marked a significant year of achievements and progress. The year was distinguished by setting an attendance record with over 18,000 passengers, launching a new ride option for schools, introducing…

The Final Chickamauga Turn of the Season: A Journey of History and Scenery As autumn colors herald the end of the year, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum marked the last Chickamauga Turn trip of the season with a flourish. Passengers aboard were treated to a scenic voyage with a 1.5-hour layover in the historic town…

The Magic of Train Travel: How Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) Enhances Visitor Experience and Revenue In the latest issue of Smoke and Cinders, we discussed how special events serve to boost TVRM’s income, despite making up a relatively small portion of our operating schedule. Now, let’s turn our focus to the core of our…