Times Examiner Facebook Logo

Friday, March 29, 2024 - 01:21 AM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Tennessee-Train-1

On Saturday, October 4, on a beautiful fall day, my wife and I took a trip on the Summerville Steam Special, which runs each Saturday in the month of October.  We rode on Steam Locomotive 4501 (2-8-2) built in 1911 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.  The engine has been restored to its original condition and is the flagship steam engine of the railroad.  The TVRR owns three steam engines:  610, 630 and 4501.

We departed the Chattanooga railroad station on a 9-hour round trip ride to Summerville, GA, passing by diverse scenery including the Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield where the Confederates had been successful.  On the way to Summerville, we dined in a restored 1922 dining car and had an excellent lunch.  The staff, conductors, and crewmen were extremely hospitable and informative.  The train consisted of a variety of restored old rolling stock.  Our particular car, a Pullman built in 1922, was in excellent condition.  The railroad operates many diverse train rides on the main line. Tennessee-Train-2

Arriving at Summerville, GA, the locomotive was placed on a giant turntable and within ten minutes was turned around.  At this location, there was a one-hour layover for shopping.  We had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Summerville, who was excited about the excursions. Along the route coming and going to Summerville, numerous people were videoing the steam locomotive and waving to passengers.  The entire trip was a wholesome experience for everyone.  The train had approximately 175 passengers.

Norfolk Southern’s 21st Century Steam program and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum are bringing main line excursion service back to Norfolk southern rails.  For information check www.tvrail.com for details.

 

No comments

Leave your comment

In reply to Some User