I was in Landrum, SC today for a job interview today and noticed there was a railroad line running through town. According to my map, this is the line that runs over the Saluda Grade. In Landrum, the grade crossings had their flashers covered and gates removed. A short ways south of Landrum, there was a pile of dirt on the tracks. South of that point, the crossings still had their gates and flashers. Somewhere between Campobello and Inman, I noticed several woodchip cars parked at a lumber mill. Is the line from Campobello south still in use by NS or a shortline? The rails were rusty all the way through Inman.
I believe that the rails are also severed at that big pile of dirst over the tracks. It is not really noticeable since all they did was undo a splice plate and move the rails to the side. Here is a site that has some photos of this:
http://www.polkcounty.org/saludagrade/Demise/demise.htm
For a recent discussion on speculation regarding the future of Saluda Grade, check out this topic on the Carolina Rails Yahoo! Group (may need to register for access):
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/carolinarails/message/8294
Jamie
I was at that exact spot not 24 hours ago. I think the line south of there still sees sporatic local use.