Choo Choo Museum Blows Its Own Whistle

Everybody knows what a Choo Choo is.

It's what kids call locomotives, unless you're in Chattanooga where it's a hotel and railroad museum.

It's that word "museum" that troubles local railroad enthusiasts. This museum is not well known.

In addition to the big trains outside, the Choo Choo is home to one of the world's foremost model train museums.

Located on the second floor of the historic train station, it was built in 1972, and has been upgraded frequently. The museum is the result of years of work by volunteers.

Staff member Payton Hayes says, "The Choo Choo loaned the model railroad club $6000 to build it...well at today's value its valued at over a million dollars...we have over 200 engines and 2000 freight and passenger cars."

The cost to tour the model railroad museum and see the exhibits is $3.00.

Sponsors want it to become a major tourist attraction.