The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is a welcomed sight for anyone who longs for the sights and sounds (and scent) of railroading common to the nineteen thirties. During their operating season visitors can ride a steam-powered passenger train on a six-mile round trip that includes the 986 foot long Missionary Ridge Tunnel. This national treasure was placed in service in 1858 and has had only track upgrades and cosmetic repairs to the portals since its opening. There is a turning wye on one end of the line and a turntable on the other.

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Add to this the friendly volunteer staff who greet you. Until his recent illness Herman and Dorothy Lamb were usually stationed on opposite ends of the property where they announced arrivals and departures, maintained communication with the train crews, sold a few items in the gift shops, and endeared themselves to visitors with their hospitality and charm.

The railroad also offers excursions from the museum to various destinations in Northwest Georgia via connections with The Norfolk Southern and The Chattooga And Chickamauga Railroad.

One of TVRM's more important functions is providing a retirement home for ex Southern Railway Mikado No. 4501. She was built the same month Titanic was launched but she not only survived her maiden voyage, she saw almost continuous service until the mid nineteen nineties. The 1911 Baldwin, affectionately known as "The Green Machine", and her dedicated fans launched a steam excursion program in the South that lasted more than twenty five years.

 

This is one of my favorite shots of 4501, made in Trion, Georgia, shortly after she was repainted in her original freight locomotive black. She had been dressed in Southern Railway's passenger colors for years although she held only an "honorary" status. Our Cinderella was the belle of the ball.

 

I love this image too. It was made at a time when she was so popular that you had to travel a lot just to get a glimpse of her. She posed for this portrait when she was laid up at home with mechanical problems and her local admirers had a chance to visit with her.

 

This is the "new" locomotive on the property, built in 1952.  She's as pretty as a mud fence but much more practical than the Green Machine.  She's easier to fire and uses much less fuel and water to do the same work.

 

 

Here is Consolidation No. 630 at the East Chattanooga Depot and, below, riding the turntable. This 1904 vintage locomotive was a mainstay at the museum while 4501 was busy with her movie and television career.

One of the museum's Budd Rail Diesel Cars ( RDC's ) is ready for passengers at East Chattanooga. These self-propelled passenger cars are available at reasonable cost for charter runs into Georgia on The Chattooga And Chickamauga Railroad.

 

RDC Number 22 rests in the yard at Grand Junction.

One look at Grand Junction tells you this is a class act. Built in the early nineteen eighties, it boasts a nostalgic waiting room, a deli with dining room, and a comfortable second floor meeting room and theater.

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