Visit www.tnvacation.com/events/13327/
not at a good time because most Barthers going to Milford, but on May 31st and June 1st a steamtrain is running from Lexington KY to Oneida TN for a trainfest with classic car show and food vendors. There will be other trains during the year from Chattanooga to other places.

For the train visit www.tvrail.com
Great train rides out of Chattanooga for all the vintage train fans
Tennessee Valley Railroad

Thanks for posting. As you say -- bad timing. I am going down there a week from tomorrow.

The train museum in Chattanooga is yearround and there are different excursions at other times.