I have ridden the Crescent through southern Mississippi (including Laurel) a number of times and, unless NS has cut back foliage in the past year or so, running through the countryside in that area pretty much takes place in what could best be described as a “tree tunnel”. Additionally, in terms of scenery it’s basically flat with not a lot to distinguish one location from another outside of the towns.
Having said that; we lived in the northern part of Mississippi for five years and I’d get down to Laurel several times each year. If you’re a fan of Home Town, make the drive to Laurel and soak in the ambiance, catching whatever trains you can.
Now; if you really want to catch a higher number of trains the railfan viewing platforms in Dalton and Austell, GA and Irondale, AL would be the places to spend some time. If photographing trains in varying locations is your goal, NS’ Atlanta North district between Austell and Chattanooga offers a variety of locations that far exceed anything available in southern Mississippi.
Austell is relatively close to Birmingham without having to go through (or, really, around) Atlanta, so you have a reasonably straight shot west from there. Note that there is much more traffic in Austell than along the rail line that goes west through Cobb County (but there are some interesting photo opportunities from place to place, including with Amtrak trains, particularly in Temple where the railroad right-of-way briefly becomes the visual equivalent of anything on PRR… you can then get back on 20 at somewhere like Villa Rica and it’s a straight shot likely with little traffic to Birmingham).
From the tilt, I wonder if there is a pair of feet in silver slippers sticking out from one side.
It’s an image from Bing. A dereferenced image, so we have no idea where it came from or what wacky Kalmbach-related thing it is supposed to be supporting. At least none of you have to stick your hand in the cobra’s mouth and click through to see what it might link to…
A “tree tunnel” would make for some cool shots if you could catch a train coming out of it at some point? I am a huge fan of Home Town and have some ideas for shots pertaining to the show… IF everything were to come together?
I have been to Austell before and always had good luck there. I have been seeing some nice night shots from there and that’s what made me want to stop by there again. I hope to do a day trip just for Dalton in the summer, I have been wanting to visit there for a long time. Thanks for your help Curt, I really appreciate it!
As a potential help to Kalmbach troubleshooters: I have my display set to ‘last posts first’ and I observe similar behavior going from page “1” to “2” or later – the house only appears on page 1
I’m probably too late, but if you come to Laurel, plan on an additional 90 minute trip to Gulfport, Ms. There is a model train museum: https://www.mcmrcm.org/.
My understanding is that there was a $250,000 layout donated from some one in Florida. It took two 18-wheelers to move. I have only been once on a very hurried trip.
Hattiesburg, Ms is only 30 minutes away from Laurel (and on the way to Gulfport). Three lines meet there: KCS, CN, and NS. No idea how many trains - there are two yards. Gulfport has CSX and a KCS yard. If you are into casinos, the gulf coast has them.
Before you come, verify openings because of the virus.
It is too late, I went to Laurel and Hattisburg last weekend. My train count was terrible, only four trains total on Saturday between the two towns. However that didn’t bother me because I was able to get in some good urbex in other areas which more than made up for it. I plan on going back and I saved all your info. Thank you very much! : )