Ellington

Writer: Amber Lanier Nagle

Somewhere in the distance, a lonesome train’s whistle wails. A train approaches, or perhaps a train departs. Distinctive, mournful tones spread for miles, the sound ricochets off of rocky hillsides, lingers on soft Southern breezes and triggers feelings of nostalgia in all who can hear it.

America long ago witnessed the rise and fall of the golden age of railroading. In 1920, an astounding 1.2 billion Americans rode the rails. But travelers soon became more enamored with automobiles, buses and planes. Overnight, the nation lost interest in building more railroads, opting instead to build elaborate networks of highways.

Chattanooga’s love for locomotives, conductors and cabooses never faded. Several local train enthusiasts in 1961 established the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) and began restoring and preserving a sampling of both steam locomotives and passenger trains. Today, the TVRM is the largest operating historic railroad in the Southeast and a popular tourist attraction to nearly 100,000 visitors annually.

At Grand Junction Station on Cromwell Road, a crowd of people climb aboard vintage passenger cars comprising the Missionary Ridge Local. Precisely at 12:05 p.m., coal-burning steam locomotive No. 610 begins to slowly lumber along—huffing, puffing, and hissing as it strains to pull a string of railcars behind it. The powerful iron horse was built in 1952 by Baldwin Locomotive Works—the last locomotive produced for domestic use in the United States.

The string of railcars crosses a bridge spanning Chickamauga Creek at 12 mph—its rocking motion lulling dozens of delighted passengers into a peaceful state of relaxation. Travelers gaze out at the glorious scenery unfolding before them like a movie. People stopped at railroad crossings wave enthusiastically at the passing train, and rail passengers wave back.

“There’s just something about the entire train experience,” says Jeff Eblen, a third-generation railroader who has been a TVRM conductor for 17 years. “Trains appeal to almost everyone, from small children to 99-year-old adults. They are rolling, breathing, living museums that invite you to hop on and ride.”

The train approaches the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel. “It took four years to bore the tunnel through the rock,” notes Eblen, a railroad history buff. “They finally completed it in 1858. It’s a horseshoe tunnel, meaning that the lower sides of the tunnel actually bend inward, like a horseshoe.”

The train forges ahead into the darkness, but seconds later passengers see the proverbial light at the end of the 979-foot tunnel. Soon, the train pulls into the East Chattanooga Depot where passengers tour the repair shop and witness the locomotive being turned around on an authentic turntable for the trip back—a maneuver that is simple, yet impressive. The six-mile roundtrip takes about an hour to complete and gives Missionary Ridge Local passengers a sweet taste of trains and rails. There are longer, more appetizing rides on the railroad’s menu. “Our Hiwassee River Rail Adventures are the most scenic, especially in the fall season when the leaves are turning,” says Steve Freer, TVRM’s marketing coordinator. “These trains start in Etowah and meander along the Hiwassee River, delivering spectacular views of the lower gorge while reaching speeds of 30 mph on some stretches. Both The Loop and the Copperhill Special take travelers to the top of the famous Hiwassee Loop where the tracks cross over themselves as they spiral up the mountain near Farner.”

Freer recommends the Chickamauga Fall Special— a full-day excursion over a historic route between Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga and Chickamauga. Highlights include lunch served on chinaware inside a restored 1924 dining car, a Civil War tour, and two interesting layovers—a two-hour pause in Chickamauga and a 45-minute stop at Wilder Tower in Chickamauga National Military Park.

“The layovers give passengers time to absorb it all,” notes Freer. “They can visit the Chickamauga Depot, stroll over to the Gordon-Lee Mansion and browse a few of the antique shops in the downtown area.”

Upcoming events include dinner trains, a new Halloween Eerie Express ride for kids that includes a layover at a funhouse, and the ever-popular North Pole Limited adventure, based on the Polar Express concept. TVRM is currently hosting a special Pullman exhibit through the end of October. “The glory days of passenger trains are far behind us,” says Freer. “We are proud to preserve a small part American history and give the public a chance to experience authentic train travel.”

Five Ways To Enjoy The Ride

1 Train rides are fun and unique. Watch the passing scenery, play cards, listen to your iPod, or simply have a conversation with a friend.

2 Trains are educational. Browse train-related artifacts and memorabilia at depots and museums. Listen to conductors and historians relay interesting facts along your journey.

3 Trains offer great photo opportunities. Bring your camera and snap shots of spectacular landscapes, historic downtowns, and interesting slices of Americana.

4 Trains can accommodate large groups. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the ride together. Most trains offer group charters.

5 Trains can be romantic. Hold hands with a loved one or savor a delicious four-course meal in an old-fashioned dining car as the train whisks you from one place to another.

GETTING TO THE TVRM

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

www.tvrail.com

4119 Cromwell Road

Chattanooga, TN 37421

423-894-8028

Grand Junction Station is just 10-15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. From TN-153, take the Jersey Pike exit. Travel west on Jersey Pike and then turn right onto Cromwell Road.

OTHER NEARBY SOUTHERN RAILS

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

www.brscenic.com

241 Depot Street

Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513

877-413-TRAIN (8724)

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a four-hour roundtrip excursion along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge, Georgia, to the joint cities of McCaysville/Copper Hill. The diesel engine pulls open air cars (great for photography) as well as climate controlled luxury cars. Blue Ridge’s vibrant downtown is brimming with antique stores, art galleries, specialty boutiques and notable eateries. The two-hour layover in McCaysville gives passengers time to eat lunch and take photos of loved ones straddling the line separating Georgia and Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

www.gsmr.com

Bryson City, North Carolina

800-872-4681

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions through the landscapes of Western North Carolina with 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges. GSMR celebrates Railfest on September 17, 18 and 19.