The Trains Return to the Choo Choo
The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) invite you to see the trains return to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. On Monday morning, July 15 at 8:00 AM, the TVRM will bring its 1904 Alco 2-8-0 Consolidation steam locomotive #630 and a consists of passenger cars, commissary car and a business car onto the Choo Choo's tracks as they arrive to pick up the 220+ LCCA attendees to ride to Summerville GA. The engine #630 is a coal burner that was transferred from Norfolk Southern to TVRM in 1999. After a 10 year restoration, the engine was put back in service in 2011 and has been in service these past two years. The TVRM is happy to team up with the LCCA for this special event. Bringing a train to the Choo Choo is a rare event, since it requires crossing the interlocking exchange of two very active lines, the Norfolk Southern and the CSX. It has been about 5-6 years since a passenger train has pulled up to the 100 year old depot and had passengers get on board to ride behind a steam engine.
This Monday special event is part of the LCCA's weeklong 43rd Annual Convention to be held at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel July 14-20, 2013. LCCA expects about 1,000 members and their families from all over the country to come to Chattanooga TN, attend this event and participate in the family fun activities. Lionel LCC is bringing their visually appealing 18' X 40' Lionel toy train operating layout for LCCA members and the local public to enjoy. The display will be open to the public Tuesday-Friday July 16-19 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Saturday July 20, Lionel's toy train layout and display will be in operation during the Free Public Toy Train Show from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Our members who love Lionel toy trains are coming to Chattanooga TN to experience Lionel toy trains, real trains, Civil War History, local attractions and good old Chattanooga Choo Choo southern hospitality.
About the LCCA - The Lionel Collectors Club of America is a national, not-for profit, volunteer organization which was formed by Jim Gates of Perry IA along with 83 other charter members back in 1970. The club has grown over the years and has approximately 7500 members from all around the world, but predominantly in the US. The purpose of the club is to "promote and foster interest, research, education and enjoyment of Lionel trains from 1900 to the present in particular and by association, all toy trains in general.
Current LCCA President Dennis DeVito has established a club goal of reaching out and having direct contact with at least 2200 LCCA members and family members this year with the Special Events Program. President DeVito and the entire LCCA Board of Directors are committing the resources to this family oriented Special Events Program in an effort to expand the club by recruiting new members, retaining current members and promoting the hobby. We are constantly reaching out and trying to attract new and younger people who may have never experienced the magic of Lionel trains. We have several LCCA Special Events scheduled in various cities all around the country. For more information go to the "Special Events" tab on our website www.lionelcollectors.org<ht...elcollectors.org>
About the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - A Ride Through Time!
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) founded in 1961, is a moving museum, offering an interactive, historical experience that will add an extra dimension to your visit to Chattanooga's great attractions. Here you will find the only regularly scheduled, full-sized train ride in Tennessee. But, it is so much more than just entertainment!
Take a trip back in time, to a slower paced atmosphere when railroad travel as a way of life. Relive the romance of the rails when vintage trains provide an escape from the everyday routine. Aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad, you will ride a rolling time machine providing sights and sounds of yesteryear. All Aboard at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum!
