Nancy and I will be leaving Monday night for our yearly two week camping
trip to the mountains of North Carolina.
We will be doing a ton of train related activities… an excursion on the Great
Smoky Mountain RR, a stop at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Atlanta,
and, this brings me to my question, has anyone ever taken a ride on the Blue
Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Ga? I have checked their website and it
looks interesting. Just wondering if it is worth the drive from our “base” camp
in Cherokee, Nc.
We were also looking at the Tennessee Valley Railroad museum in Chattanooga.
Thay offer an hour long excursion that includes the turning of the loco on a
turntable. Anyone with any personal experiences with these or other “train spots”
in the genral area, please chime in. Thanks, Dave
The Holiday Inn in Chattanooga is the “Chattanooga Choo Choo”. It has been a while since I was there, so the memory is a little dim! They have some rooms made from old passenger cars parked in what was the station. Also a decent size model RR open to the public.
Was in Chattannogga last August and visited the museum. I arrived late after hours as we toured Lookout Mountain and rode the tram up there, that was very scenic and interesting,
Arriving at the Museum parking lot which was an hour after closing, I started shooting pictures of a Live steamer as they brew it down. The crew motioned me over to them, gave me a tour of the engine, (yes they breath and seem to have a life of there own, into shops, lots of steam engins in various repair. Was very interesting and the hospalitaly…a highlight of my vacation…met two great guys,…John.
bcawthon,
On the TVR site they say that the excursion will be either steam or a vintage deisel, but they don’t
specify which one on which day. Which one did you take… and do you know how they determine
which loco heads which trip?
I know that the GSMR stop the steam on one of it’s excursions
because the National Park Service was concerned with sparks from the loco causing forest
fires. And it was the most scenic route that they offer. Oh well, I settle for a less scenic route
in order to be pulled around by a steam loco! [8D]
Aggro, I thought you would get a kick out of the subject of the thread[(-D] Dave
Is that why they only use a GP7(?) on the Nantahala Gorge trip? That’s too bad. Hey, have a great time and enjoy your vacation. Make sure you bring us back plenty of pics from your excursions. Got any room in your trunk?..[:)]
I rode the TVR two years ago 4 of July and they ran the steam engine that day because the diesel was broken. They museum staff said that they usually run the diesel because its cheaper and easier to maintain. Well worth the trip. Also if you have time stop by the Tennessee Aquarium.
I rode the gsmr about 2 years ago on our honeymoon in the smokeys. was a wonderful experience. They ran the steam then and it was through the natahala george. I have been looking at the blue ridge scenic trip also. so let me know if you go on it how it was. As for the tennessee aquarium, since you are staying in cherokee, I would recomend you drive over to gatlinburg to the ripley’s aquarium. I have been to both and ripleys was by far the best in my opinion. also, as long as you in the smokeys, if your looking for a nature drive, I recomend cades cove. no trains, but plenty of wildlife. have fun…medic
Dave,
Wish I were going with you. It sounds like a wonderful fun filled trip. Watch out for the UT Volunteers with that Florida license plate. [:D][:D]
That’s exactly the reason. They stopped the steam through the Nantahala Gorge
last year. We took the Dillsboro to Bryson City excursion last year.
I’m SURE I’ll take plenty of photos…as far as the trunk, I’m just hoping there will be room for me[:)]
George Bailey… as in “everytime you hear a bell, an angel get’s their wings??”[:)]
We went to the Ripley’s Aquarium for the first time last year… we loved it. From
the outside, you have no idea that it is so big. We also visit Cade’s Cove about
every other year… last year the deer were right along side of the road.
If you go back, try the Roaring Fork motor nature trail in Gatlinburg.
It’s kind of like Cade’s Cove, in that you drive though, but it’s more secluded and
has a really beautiful creek that runs beside the road most of the way.
[quote]
QUOTE:
REX WROTE:
Dave,
Wish I were going with you. It sounds like a wonderful fun filled trip. Watch
Brothaslide and Antonio,
Count on it!! I plan to burn up a few memory cards. That’s what I love about digital cameras…no need for
film. I filled up three cards last year. Dave
If you venture south to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (in Blue Ridge, GA), try and venture just a bit further south to the towns of Jasper, Tate, Nelson, Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs & Woodstock. The Georgia Northeastern RR still uses the ex L&N tracks (Hook & Eye Line) that is part of the route south out of Blue Ridge, GA and interchanges with the CSX in Elizabeth (Marietta). Lots of RR stuff along the way - wooden highway bridge over the GNRR tracks in Jasper, marble quarries served by a switchback in Tate, GNRR shops in Tate, marble processing plant in Nelson, and depots in each town mentioned except Canton (but lots of other RR points of interest (trackside industries perfect for modeling, etc.) The Hook & Eye Line closely parallels the route south out of Blue Ridge and it becomes I-575 in Cherokee County, GA on its way to Marietta, where it connects w/ I-75. GA route 5 is just east of I-575 for most of the route and it is very close to the tracks. Most local highway maps also depict where the tracks are. . .Check out Mapquest for some good details maps of the area/just zoom in on GA route 5, and you’ll find the tracks.
Well worth a look if you’ve got the time. Also check out the Smithsonian affiliated Civil War RR Museum in Kenessaw; and there’s a great train watching spot near that museum / right behind Kenessaw Hobbies (neat train shop w/ good folks running the place).
Any other questions: feel free to email me. This area is a mecca for southeastern RRing.
BILL
Thanks Bill,
Sounds like a full day. I’m gonna pull out my maps and check it out . I’m also
always on the lookout for a new hobby shop. Thanks again, Dave