Explore Chattanooga Spring 2022

Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

B uilt in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and stamped with Builders Number 37085, the 4501 was Southern Rail way’s first Ms class steam locomotive. Known as a “super heater” for the way the steam was pushed through pipes then reheated to an elevated temperature, the 4501 and its sister trains were pow erful and efficient in a way that met the increasing demands being put on the railroad industry. In time, though, diesel-electric took center stage. Many steam engines were sold for scrap. The 4501, however, lives on in Chattanooga. Now owned by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Muse um, the 4501 is an artifact of the “golden age” of rail roading. Robert Soule and Paul Merriman, who helped found the museum in 1961, first caught a glimpse of the 4501 when traveling to photograph steam loco motives across the region. Renamed No. 12, the train had been purchased by the Kentucky and Tennessee Railway. Soule and Merriman knew the K&T would be converting to diesel, so they raised $5,000 to move the 4501 to the Southern Railway steam excursion program and preserve a piece of American history. In his meeting with K&T, Merriman realized he could buy 4501 with his ownmoney, so eventually the Tennessee Valley RailroadMuseumused the $5,000 to buy K&T No. 10 as well. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Mikado Locomotive No. 4501, the best way to see this train today is by taking a weekend ride on the popular Missionary Ridge Local. A 55-minute, six-mile round trip experience, the ride begins at Grand Junction Station, passes over four bridges, and travels through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel. The Missionary Ridge Local runs Wednesdays through Sundays, with multiple trips per day, and departs from the Tennessee Valley Railroad

Museum property at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37421. The 4501 is an invaluable artifact to understanding the role of Chattanooga’s transportation and industrial past and serves as an interactive museum experience of the sights, smells, and sounds of history. In all, the Tennessee Valley Railroad fleet includes six steam powered locomotives; sixteen diesel powered locomotives; fifteen passenger coaches; plus dining cars, sleeping cars, and busi 4501 the steam locomotive

ness cars. Additional excursions also include a 50-mile loop through the Hiwassee River gorge, full-day trips into North Georgia, special dinner trains, and the annual Day Out with Thomas in late April. Reservations are recommended for all train rides. For tickets and trip times, visit www.tvrail.com or call 423-894-8028.

VISIT US AT: 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. (423) 894-8028, info@tvrail.com.

Spring 2022