The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will be featured in a History Channel program entitled “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” airing on Tuesday at 9 p.m.
The premise of the series is as follows: “Larry will travel the U.S., immersing himself in different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies that ‘celebrate the American experience.’”
Larry and his film crew visited TVRM in April, 2010 for filming. While on site, he was given a basic history of steam locomotives and their importance in the development of industrializing the nation as well as “hands on” experience of firing up and lubricating the locomotive, operating an air pump, shoveling coal, checking the steam pressure gauge, blowing the whistle, and more.
He also operated the turntable controls, did some restoration work in the machine shop, and acted as a conductor punching tickets and helping passengers as they boarded the train.
TVRM was founded in 1961 with a mission to preserve, restore, and operate historic railway equipment and present its history to the general public. TVRM is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with many special events throughout the year including the Tennessee Valley Railfest over Labor Day weekend.
Missionary Ridge Local trains are running on Saturdays in February before expanding to a more frequent schedule in March. Day Out With Thomas tickets for May are now on sale. See www.tvrail.com for more information.