Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - Chattanooga, Tennessee
From Wikipedia:Founded in 1960 and incorporated in 1961, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum originally stored equipment at the Western Union pole yard which was located adjacent to the Southern Railway classification yard on Holtzclaw Avenue in East Chattanooga. After the termination of passenger service to the Southern Railway's Terminal Station in 1971, additional cars and locomotives were stored at this facility in downtown Chattanooga. In 1969, the TVRM received a land donation from the Southern Railway consisting of a property located in East Chattanooga on North Chamberlain Avenue. This donation also included the 986-foot (301 m)-long Whiteside Tunnel and about 1½ miles (2.4 km) of abandoned right-of-way.
In 1970, the museum opened a new permanent facility in East Chattanooga to the public. At the time of its opening, there were no structures on site, although volunteers had constructed a railyard for the storage and repair of equipment and had rebuilt the abandoned rail line through the Whiteside Tunnel. The reconstructed line ended at Tunnel Boulevard as the original bridge over this road had been removed some years earlier.
With the reconstructed rail line, the museum had the ability to produce a small amount of income operating a heritage railroad by running passenger excursion trains through Whiteside Tunnel (commonly referred to as Missionary Ridge Tunnel).
Additional income was derived from mainline excursions operated biannually via the Southern Railway's Steam Program. The birth of the Southern Railway's Steam Program was brought about by Paul Merriman and TVRM, when, in 1964, Merriman purchased the former Southern Railway 4501 from the K&T Railroad in Stearns, Kentucky for $5,000. The program began in 1966 when the freshly restored 4501 emerged from a 2 years long restoration which had been done at Lucey Boiler Company in Chattanooga. After many volunteer hours by TVRM members as well as paid Lucey Boiler employee work, the 4501 began roaming all over the Southern Railway System delighting onlookers and passengers everywhere.
NC&StL GP7 710 at the East Chattanooga Yard of the museum
After years of hard work and much financial discipline, in 1977 TVRM finally built the long needed bridge over Tunnel Boulevard. The Southern Railway then donated an additional mile and a half (2.4 km) of abandoned rail line. The next major task undertaken was to build the East Chattanooga Depot. This depot is a reconstruction of a typical small town depot of the 1920s. The 1980s saw TVRM named to the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 1980, expansion of the organization, and more land donated by Southern Railway. During the 1980s, more track and buildings were gradually added. The Grand Junction Depot, the TVRM Administration Building, and the National Model Railroad Association were starting to take shape during the decade, as well. At the East Chattanooga facility, a repair shop and a turntable were added to provide facilities for locomotive repair and maintenance. Beginning in the 1990s, TVRM started running trains to the Chattanooga Choo Choo (called the Downtown Arrow, now discontinued) and excursions down to Summerville, Georgia on the Chattooga and Chickamauga Railway.
In 2004, TVRM and the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association partnered up in acquiring part of the former L&N Hook and Eye line between Etowah, Tennessee (Gee Creek, Tennessee) and Copperhill, Tennessee. Since then, despite skipping the 2005 season, the new Hiwassee River Rail Adventures have been a popular addition to the railroad. With the success of the Hiwassee trips, TVRM split into two distinct operating divisions: the Chattanooga and Hiwassee Divisions, though crews and sometimes equipment often switch between the two.
The museum celebrated 50 years during the Labor Day weekend of 2011. Norfolk Southern Railway also debuted their new steam train program during the event.[2]
Tennessee Valley Railroad from the Etowah Depot - Hiwassee Loop
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Many Atlanta folk have visited or taken rides with the Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga...but did you know there is another depot in Etowah that is spectacular?? They offer two rides (half-day or full-day) through the Hiwassee River Gorge and this adventure should be on your bucket list!
Tennessee Valley Railroad: The North Pole Limited
December 19, 2016
The North Pole Limited is one of the biggest events held annually at the Tennessee Valley Railroad. With trains running from late November till after Christmas. In this video, we follow the train from Grand Junction Station to the North Pole on the 5:30 PM run.
Tickets can be purchased by calling (423)-894-8028, or by going online to tvrail.com
Ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad!
September 14, 2019
This is some Tennessee fun y'all!
A gorgeous ride along the Hiwassee River Gorge.
Our trip began at The L&N Train Depot and Museum. We were bussed over to the Hiwassee/ Ocoee State Park where we boarded the beautiful Tennessee Valley RR and Museum.
We were entertained with tales of Tennessee history while enjoying the 3 hour ride along the Hiwassee River Gorge to Copperhill, Tn.
We had a 2 hour layover in Copperhill where we ordered lunch at the Copper Grill and carried it over to Copperhill Brewery to eat and try the local brews. The food and the local brews were yummy! There are also many cute little shops to browse during the layover.
The ride back was pretty quiet. Everyone's belly was full and the long day had taken its toll. Lol We mostly sat back and soaked in all of the magnificent beauty of the Hiwassee River Gorge.
Our video walks you through each car so you can decide which one you want to ride in when you book your trip.
Go to tvrail.com to book this highly recommended trip!
Trains run from Etowah, Tn, through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge on select dates March-November.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - Trip to Attalla, AL
This steam-powered train will operate with diesel assistance over Norfolk Southern's Alabama Division main line (former Alabama Great Southern) on a 174-mile round trip. Passengers will be able to detrain in Attalla to browse the many shops in this historic town, which grew up around the railroad. Departing from TVRM's Grand Junction Station at 4119 Cromwell Rd (free parking onsite), the train will travel over the former Southern right-of-way, onto the East Chattanooga Belt Railway, and will enter the Norfolk Southern at 23rd Street.
Departure time from Grand Junction is 8:00am, arriving in Attalla at 11:45am (10:45 local time) for a 2-¼ hour layover, departing Attalla at 2:00pm (1:00pm local time.) Return to Grand Junction in Chattanooga is scheduled for approximately 5:45pm. A commissary car will be included on the train selling snacks, soft drinks, and light food. A gift shop will also be featured on board for those wishing to purchase souvenir items.
Tickets: $65 per seat with no meal; or a limited number of seats at $85 including a meal in the dining car (choice of one seating as shown below.) Everyone age 3 & up requires a ticket; under 3 is no charge if not occupying a seat, no food included.
Meal choices with the $85 tickets must be made at same time as reservation: Breakfast at 9:00am or Lunch at 10:45am (Homemade Soup, Smoked Ham and Cheese Croissant, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Dessert, and Beverage), or Lunch at 2:00pm, or Lunch at 3:15pm.
Amerika ~ Tennessee
My husband worked for one year in the States for the VW company,
the children and I visited him there 2010 for 2 months and 2011 for 2 months also...
now he have a job offer there and we waiting for our visa to move from germany to the states.....
songs:
Ready to Fly by Richie Reinholdt
crossed my heart by the woods
Sally Anne by the Acoustical
Urban Exploration In Etowah, TN.
Me and my son check out a house not far from ours that used to be a Medical Transport office. The house isnt really that old , about 7 years old. Basement was not completed. 903 Amanda Trails.
Video Journal - Day 20, McMinn and Polk Counties
Day 20, the last day of the Pickin' Up Tennessee tour takes place in McMinn and Polk counties, with a visit to Webb Brothers Float Service, and music performances by Playing on the Planet and Matt Tooni.
This video was produced by Mindflow Media for the Pickin' Up Tennessee project, a multi-platform litter awareness campaign conceived by Scenic Tennessee.
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Hiwassee River Railroad excursion deals with tree blocking tracks
Shot on Aug. 1, 2007. A Hiwassee River excursion train comes upon a large tree blocking the rails deep in the gorge outside of Etowah, Tenn. With no outside help available the crew (and ultimately passengers) team up and fix the problem. Originally shot during a documentary but not included in the final cut, this video hasn't been seen in its entirety in about five years. Enjoy!
Chickamauga Turn Train Ride #tvrm #railroad #trains #steamtrain
All aboard the Chickamauga Turn for a 6 1/4 hour ride to the historic Civil War town of Chickamauga, Georgia via the former Central of Georgia Railroad. During the trip, enjoy a 1 3/4 hour layover in downtown Chickamauga, where you can visit the historic Crawfish Springs or the Gordon-Lee Mansion. There are also several shops and dining locations in town. #tvrm
On the return trip, enjoy a 30 minute layover at Wilder Tower Monument at the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. This was the location of the battle of Chickamauga, one of the deadliest battles in the Civil War. The historian on board the train usually gives a brief history demonstration about the battle. Afterward, climb the 136 steps to the top of Wilder Tower for an aerial view of the battlefield.
Grand Junction departure time is 10:00 A.M., return is approximately 4:15 P.M.
**All times are Eastern Standard**
FARE:
Standard Ticket: $42 for Adults and $30 for Children age 2-12 (no meal)
Coach Ticket with Dining Car: $62 for Adults and $45 for Children age 2-12
Observation Ticket*: $105 for Adults and $105 for Children age 2-12
Eden Isle Ticket*: $150 for Adults and $150 for Children age 2-12
Upgrade to Premium Observation Class seating in former Seaboard Air Line Railroad, round-end observation car #6604. This car features booth seating in the front lounge and swivel chairs affording panoramic views in the rear lounge. The car will travel on the rear of the train in one direction of travel. (Please note that this is not a dome car such as the one offered on Hiwassee River Rail Adventure trips.)
Riders in the Premium Observation Car will enjoy a dining car luncheon and complimentary snacks & soft drinks, included in the price. Tickets in the Premium Observation Car and Eden Isle also include admission to the Gordon-Lee Mansion. Tours of the Gordon-Lee Mansion are available to coach ticket holders as well, although an admission fee will be charged at the door.
DINING OPTIONS:
No Meal: Most ticket classes include a meal option, although a limited number of Coach - No Lunch tickets are available on each trip. If you do not select a luncheon option when purchasing your ticket, then please understand that you will be on your own for dining in Chickamauga.
Dining Car: Those selecting coach tickets with dining car service or tickets in the Premium Observation Car will receive lunch onboard the train. In the dining car, luncheon service begins at 11:00 A.M. Lunch is similar to the following menu: Baked turkey and Swiss cheese croissant with all the fixings, cole slaw, potato chips, and fruit cocktail. Beverages include iced tea or lemonade. The tasty dessert selection is usually chocolate fudge cake.
State Fair Express
This is a little excursion I made up utilizing two L&N steam engines. And near the end of the vid, you will see clips I took of the Cumberland Valley Model Railroader's modular railroad at the fair. Have fun!
Riding the Tennessee Valley Railroad: East Chattanooga to Grand Junction (Back of the Train)
Facebook: facebook.com/ravenhawk6910
TVRM's Website: tvrail.com
In this video we take a ride on the largest operating railroad museum in the Southeastern United States, The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, from the East Chattanooga Depot/Soule Shops and show the entire length of the ride including Missionary Ridge Tunnel and other sights on long the line.
Former Southern Railway 2-8-0 number 630, built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in their Richmond, Virginia works in 1904 does the honors of pulling the Missionary Ridge Local on this day.
Of note in this video is former Central of Georgia 4-4-0 number 349 on a side track at the East Chattanooga yard. The locomotive was undergoing the final stages of it's cosmetic restoration before being donated to Erlanger Hospital's new Children's Hospital where it is now on permanent display.
This would be the last time I would see the 349 on TVRM property and I was sad to see her go, but at least where it is now the children will enjoy it while they are in the process of healing.
If you want to ride behind this train or do one of TVRM's other great train rides or events visit their website at tvrail.com.
Enjoy!
Railfanning Cartersville Ga 7/10/15 with GP30 Slug, UP power and Wyatt!
Yesterday Wyatt finally saw foreign power on the W&A Sub. That is really good for him!
Thanks for watching! If you liked it, let me know by smashing that like button! Comment any questions or suggestions and Subscribe for more!
© ICE6365
Cotton Field Memphis Tennessee
Cotton Field Memphis Tennessee
marcusbwalter61@yahoo.com
Overhill by Rail: Hiwassee River Rail Adventure & Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
When British settlers first began exploring in the Southern Appalachian region, they dubbed the Cherokee settlements on the Western side of the mountains the Overhill towns due to their isolated locations. Today, the Overhill region is flooded on summer weekends with crowds looking to hike its mountains, drive its scenic byways, swim and fish its lakes, and kayak or tube the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers. One of the best ways to see the region is by train, and visitors to the Overhill have two choices: the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Both excursions traverse the old Hook & Eye line that once connected Knoxville and Marietta, Georgia. The Hook & Eye was first opened in the late 1880s as a narrow gauge line from Marietta to Murphy, North Carolina (where it met with the Western North Carolina Railroad, which would later become the Southern Railway's famed Murphy Branch). A sharp curve in the line near Talking Rock, GA came to be known as the Hook. In 1890, a rail line was built from Knoxville to connect with the existing line at Blue Ridge, GA. A series of switchbacks on this route was soon bypassed by a spectacular double spiral around Bald Mountain between Apalachia and Farner, TN, the Eye. The line came under the Lousiville & Nashville's control in 1902 and formed an important link between Knoxville, Atlanta, and the copper mines near the state line. The Tennessee segment was purchased the the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association upon its abandonment, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum operates excursions out of the preserved Etowah depot as the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure. These trips travel along the Hiwassee and over the Loop at Bald Mountain before turning south and sprinting to the state line at the twin towns of Copperhill/McCaysville. The Georgia portion of the line is now operated by the Georgia Northeastern Railroad, which hauls freight from Ellijay to Marietta. Although there is no freight traffic beyond Ellijay, the Blue Ridge Scenic runs excursions from Blue Ridge along the Toccoa River to Copperhill/McCaysville, where it parks just across the street from the Hiwassee excursion. Together, the two scenic railways have preserved on the most scenic and historic rail lines in the Southern Appalachians for all to enjoy.
Hiwassee River Rail Adventure @ Reliance, TN
Ex-NC&StL #710 leading the southbound Copperhill Special across the Hiwassee River at Reliance early on a humid summer morning.
The train will pass through the Hiwassee River Gorge and climb the Bald Mountain helix before heading south along the river to Copperhill at the TN/GA state line.
The Hiwassee River Rail Adventure is operated between April and November by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Trips depart from the former L&N station in Etowah.
Flatcar restoration at the Bluegrass Railway Museum
Volunteers at the Bluegrass Railway Museum in Versailles, KY have started work on one of the 4 ex ARMY flats the museum acquired several years ago. The plans for this car include a new deck, paint, and some modifications so it can double as a stage for events at the museum. This short clip shows crews retrieving the car from storage in Milner, KY and the removal of the old, rotted, wood deck.
Tennessee Valley Railroad’s | Summerville Steam Special Train Ride
These Summerville Steam Special trains follow a historic route from Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia;
Ticket: crossing the state line in Rossville, traveling past Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park and through Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette, Trion, and into Summerville. Departure for the all-day trip is 9:00 a.m. Eastern and 8:00 a.m. Central Time with return approximately 6:00 p.m. Eastern and 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
For Autumn trips, fall colors are usually a highlight outside the train, while a dining car luncheon, complete with chinaware, is served inside dining car Travelers Fare. During the approximately 75-minute layover in Summerville, passengers will be able to explore the town and adjacent Dowdy Park with its historic turntable. The locomotive will be rotated on the turntable, serviced and watered for its return trip to Chattanooga. Motive power is expected to be recently-restored ex-Southern #4501.
**Summerville does not have a ramp so passengers would not be able to exit the train by a ramp. Individuals wanting to exit the train would have to be able to step up and down from a train car. This is not a problem for TVRM staff, however, the customer may wish to consider this when making their dining plans.
Tennessee Valley Railroad - Let's take an excursion
The Tennessee Valley railroad is one of the largest operating railroads in the United States. Take a scenic trip tyhru the Tennessee countryside.
Offerings are daily rides, longer weekend trips, extended seasonal excursions, monthly dinner trains, special events and many other options. 423-894-8028 info@tvrail.com
Abandoned Tellico Round House - Doc Rogers Series Part 1
About 1956, Doc turned the old Tennessee Rock Products silo structure, an abandoned slate quarry that operated from 1920-1928, into a seven-story house. There was one floor and thus he added six more. He put a staircase around the outside and on the inside. The building became known as the Roundhouse. Kenneth Saunders operated a restaurant in the building for a few months in 1958. Fire regulations blocked further use of the facility. He and Arminda moved from Coker Creek to the house he built beside the roundhouse about 1957. When he died at age 84 in 1967, he was still practicing medicine in an office which he maintained in the home of his daughter, Helen Rogers Hamilton. The Charles Hall Museum houses the medicine bag he was using when he died. Doc is buried in his native Violet, North Carolina, alongside Arminda.