Southern 630 & 4501: The Grand Return to Summerville

After four years in limbo, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's excursions into the State of Georgia finally resumed on September 16, 2023. To celebrate this long-awaited return, the first excursion would be a doubleheader of Southern Railway 630 and 4501 all the way to the end of the line for the first time since 2019. Hundreds of people came out to ride and chase the train as it made its way South, and even the dreadfully wet weather wasn't enough to dampen the spirits of the people of Summerville as they came out to welcome the train back to town after so long away. Needless to say I am ecstatic to finally have these excursions back and can't wait for my next chase along the old Central of Georgia line.

[@laradriggers7777]

The white outline on the wheels look so good on 630 and makes her look like the 1960s!

[@nicholasmedovich6729]

4501 w a different whistle. NICE

[@SteamZRailfan]

Awesome!! Was nice to run into ya. I loved the drumhead on the rear

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Same to you. It did look cool, its just too bad they don't have a proper observation car for it.

[@jacobwoods8738]

@@SmokyMtnSteamIndeed so. It was a nice touch, and was the best I could do for the consist, although happily it does illuminate from 3164. Lovely video. I am glad others noticed the drumhead. That is the original naming from the first Summerville trip, in 1995.

[@kazanu23]

And, they're back ladies and gentlemen

[@hannahllewellyn163]

Agree

[@mr.dsrailfanchannel]

BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sugarmountaincondo]

Nothing beats a steam engine in motion, pure artwork. And thanks go to the camera man and production team for showing the entire consist of passenger cars also. Too often in many videos produced, the focus is always just on the motive power and not the entire train whether it is a passenger or freight run with retro cars.

[@railfanningwithtydan]

Amazing shots!! I love the Rock Spring setup with the vintage car. I CANNOT believe how many people showed up in Summerville and how clogged up Lytle Road was 👀

[@hannahllewellyn163]

I relley whated look at train from 911 center on hill side but I missed it hope I get see it again soon in rockspring ga area

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

It will be back in Rock Spring on September 30@@hannahllewellyn163

[@lashendawest7509]

Great catches awesome capture and excellent video

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thank you very much!

[@WRProductions]

This is extremely well done. Best video I've seen from this run, so far.

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thank you!

[@baileyjanssen8911]

@@SmokyMtnSteamdid you see me I was in a army green rain coat in the photo line in rock springs

[@TNRailProductions_01]

Grand video!

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks!

[@trainjunkie866]

There was a inspection truck 🚚 chasing down the line!

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I was there for the departure. I didn’t get to ride, but at least I got to see the train go out.

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

Fanfastic I matter we're see in 200 steam Locomtives.

[@hannahllewellyn163]

I herd bell while comeing thow rockspring ga area by ,911 center last week

[@VincesArtDesigns]

Why were they gone for so long?

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

The 2020 excursions were cancelled due to Covid, then in 2021 a bridge on the route was damaged and it was finally repaired this summer.

[@Victorseafog]

Its a shame these locomotives are not let out on the mainline as in the 1970's and 1980's. Its like keeping a polar bear in a cage instead of it native habitat. Pity