Tennessee Valley Railroad News

Vintage Trains

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum proudly showcases an impressive collection of Vintage Trains, offering a glimpse into the railroading’s glorious past. These magnificent machines, restored to their original splendor, represent various eras of rail travel and engineering marvels of their time. From the stately steam locomotives, puffing billows of steam, to the sleek diesel engines that marked the transition to modernity, each vintage train tells a story of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and romance of the rails.

Visitors to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum can do more than just admire the Vintage Trains; they can experience them. The museum offers unique excursions aboard these historical trains, allowing passengers to feel the rumble of the engines, hear the whistle’s call, and travel through scenic landscapes just as passengers did in days gone by. Coupled with knowledgeable guides who share the history and significance of each train, the Vintage Trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum provide an unforgettable journey through time, appealing to train enthusiasts, historians, and families alike.

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Founder’s Day Train Extravaganza: A Day of Vintage Rides & Memories 🚂🎉

Saturday, September 9: Founder’s Day is here Founder’s Day is here – with as many train options as possible – running a double schedule of the Missionary Ridge Local alternating 4501 and 630, special double headed 5pm Missionary Ridge Local, Evening Ridge Runner featuring live music and beverage upgrade, nighttime photo shoot and The Homefront…

September 8, 2023

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Featured Exhibits, Historic Preservation, Railroad History And Heritage, Railway Photography, Upcoming Events At TVRM

All Aboard the Hiwassee Loop: East Tennessee’s Railway Gem

As the weekend approaches, it’s the perfect time to discover one of East Tennessee’s most breathtaking scenic journeys: the Hiwassee Loop and/or Copperhill Special train ride. For both railway enthusiasts and those new to the world of trains, this trip promises unparalleled views, rich history, and a taste of engineering ingenuity. Journeying through the heart…

September 6, 2023

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Featured Exhibits, Historic Preservation, Railroad History And Heritage, Railway Photography, Upcoming Events At TVRM

Throwback Thursday: Iconic Locomotive 4501 to Ride Again with Historically Sourced Tender: Discover the Story Behind the Engine

Many visitors are familiar with the museum’s flagship locomotive 4501, and although it continues in operation at TVRM much as it did in the 1930s, the tender behind it was not always behind 4501. This ‘new’ tender was sourced to carry additional coal and water, in the Southern excursion era, after it was discovered on…

August 17, 2023

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Historic Preservation, Railroad History And Heritage, Upcoming Events At TVRM

F7A Locomotive 576: New Batteries and Bulbs Mark Step Towards Return

Last week, new batteries were installed in F7A locomotive 576, and the engine had all accessible light bulbs replaced. As a result, another major step in the locomotive’s return to service was accomplished. Once returned to service, the 576 will dethrone the 710 as the oldest operating diesel locomotive in our collection, as it was…

August 14, 2023

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Historic Preservation, Locomotive Restoration Updates, Railroad History And Heritage

Capture the Past: Exclusive Evening Photo Shoot with Vintage Locomotives on Founders Day at TVRM

As part of our September 9 Founders Day activities we are offering a special evening photo shoot with a number of our vintage equipment items. Photoshoot details: Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutesBring your best photography equipment and join us for an exclusive night photo session at our East Chattanooga location! Participants will have the…

August 8, 2023

Posted in: Featured Exhibits, Locomotive Restoration Updates, Railroad History And Heritage, Upcoming Events At TVRM

Locomotive 349: A Journey Through Time at TVRM

The Timeless Tale of Locomotive 349: A Glimpse into Railroad History We’re excited to share another gem from our collection at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM): Locomotive 349, captured in its glory on the Bowdon Railroad back in the 1950s. This remarkable engine, built by Baldwin in 1891 and originally numbered 557 for the…

October 2, 2012

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Featured Exhibits, Historic Preservation, Railroad History And Heritage