Chattanooga Choo Choo

In 1924, Pearly Thomas Car Works of High Point, NC, built the Choo Choo's trolley. The reversible seats were constructed in Philadelphia, PA. The Trolley operated on the Canal Street Line in New Orleans from 1924 to 1960. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum obtained the Trolley and brought it to Chattanooga in 1964. After being restored in Georgia, the Trolley began operating from the opening day at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in 1973 and provides one of the most unique experiences on the property.

Chattanooga Choo Choo website

Occupying the Southern Railway station erected in 1908, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is today a hotel and retail shopping complex, featuring a number of stationary passenger and sleeper cars. The site also features a ex-New Orleans streetcar and a large HO model railroad layout.

Trolley

Chattanooga Choo Choo #953

Pearly Thomas (1924) / Chattanooga, Tn / Aug 1986 / JCH

Chattanooga Choo Choo #953

builder:Pearly Thomas Car Works
type:2 truck closed trolley
built:1924
notes:
blt for New Orleans Public Service #959
retired from Canal Street line, 1964
to Tennessee Valley Railway Museum, 1964
to Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1973
renumbered #953

Chattanooga, Tn / Aug 1986 / JCH

Lagniappe

Chattanooga, Tn / Aug 1986 / JCH

Given his roots in the city, and his love for all things streetcar (trolley) related, my father has always been on a quest to find, photograph, and ride all of the retired NOPSI New Orleans cars that are scattered around the country at various trolley museums. I remember well my father's glee when we caught up with #953 in the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex in 1986. Despite the yellow paint, she still sports the classic Pearly Thomas lines of the 900 series NOPSI cars that still ply the St. Charles and Riverfront lines in New Orleans. Nice to know #953 is still doing her thing, albeit several states away from her home rails.

Links / Sources

Chattanooga Choo Choo website