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Tonight we join our friends at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the heritage railroading community in mourning the loss of George Walker. George was a dedicated TVRM professional, a mentor to many involved in railroad preservation, and a friend to us at Nashville Steam. Our hearts are broken and our thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family and his colleagues at TVRM during this difficult time. ![]()
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From NSPS President Shane Meador, “George worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure TVRMs success and prosperity without personal recognition. He was a humble and hard working person and I was fortunate to have worked for him and with him. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but I always respected him. Rest in peace, my friend.”The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum family is heartbroken by the passing of long time employee George Walker. He was involved in a tragic accident at the shop. At this time no other details are available. Please keep Mary, Andrew, Aaron and Charlie in your prayers as they deal with this tragic loss.![]()
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Please direct all inquiries to:![]()
Penelope Soule Gault, Marketing and Public Relations Director![]()
pgault@tvrail.com
This week marks 25 years since the closing of Opryland, USA, Nashville's beloved theme park. A favorite ride among the visitors was the Opryland Railroad. Three engines-named Rachel, Beatrice, and Elizabeth-did the honors of pulling hundreds of thousands of passengers each year through the park with stops at Grinder's Switch in Hill Country and El Paso in the American West section. ![]()
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Rachel and Beatrice were vintage narrow gauge steam locomotives, built by Vulcan and Porter respectively, while Elizabeth was a newer diesel engine made to look like the others. Beatrice was eventually converted to be a diesel-hydraulic engine, but Rachel remained steam powered throughout her time at Opryland. Amazing to think that steam engines were in regular operation, in some capacity, in the Nashville area until 1997! Did you ride on the Opryland Railroad? Share your memories in the comments below!
On behalf of everyone at Nashville Steam and No. 576, we would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and joyful holiday season! 🚂🎄🎅
