Southern Murphy Branch Operations

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Hello There,

I would like to base operations on my Smoky Mountain and Southern on the Southern’s Murphy Branch (now the Great Smoky Mountains Railway, well, a good part of it).

Could someone provide details on freight and passenger operations (and passenger consists if possible), as well as the type of Locomotives used on the line.

Cheese

2

Can’t help with your specific questions, but the book “Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch” by Michael George probably can. Both printings (1996 and 2000) are listed as out of print, but the GSMRy Gift shop may have one in stock. Otherwise, a search at shows a couple used copies at $50.

You may also want to search through the archives of (or join) the southern_railway or carolinarails yahoo groups for Murphy Branch info. For modeling, the Oct 1984 MR had a seven-page article and N-scale double-deck track plan for the line between Murphy and Bryson City.

As to another question you asked elsewhere: The high-stepping Ps4 was better suited to the lower grades and broader curves of the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain than the region around Asheville and westward – nowhere in the mountains to utilize the Pacific’s speed capabilities. That’s not to say one never made it into the mountains, just that it’s very unlikely.

3

Thanks,

I appriciate the information. I will definatly be on the lookout for this book.

Does anyone know wht types of locomotives were used on the Murphy Branch in the days of steam?

Cheese

4

Hey Cheese MR back in the late 80s had an article on the Murphy Branch as well. Sorry I cant recall the issue off hand.

Good luck.

5

Thank You,

I have been searching for a copy of this article for quite some time, and I feel I’m getting close. Thanks again.

Cheese

6

Cheese

You might try the article index.

Kalmbach will sell you a copy of the article once you identify it for a modest price.

The NMRA library also has articles from back issues.

Fred W

7

Hi “Cheese,”

Here’s the online index citation for the “Model Railroader” article on the Southern’s Murphy Branch:

The Southern Ry’s Murphy Branch, 10x10 multi-level
Model Railroader, October 1984 page 68
( MULTILEVEL, MURPHY, RAILROAD, “REED, G. WARREN”, SR, TRACKPLAN, PROTOTYPE, HO, MR )

That issue also included modeling articles on Southern Ry. SD40-2s and bay-window cabooses. The October '84 MR back issue is available under the "shop: button above.

Good luck with your layout, and

Happy New Year,

Andy

8

Hi Cheese,

I don’t know how much help it would be for you, but the “Great Smokey Mountain Railroad” does sell a book/DVD combo called “Back of Beyond & Passage Through Time.” I think it costs $20.00. They sell it on the train and in their gift shops. I imagine you could also buy it online. The book supposedly contains stories, pictures and maps of the entire Murphy Line. I know some of the history they narrate during the train ride is extremely interesting. Unfortunately, I haven’t read/watched my copy yet.

Tom

9

The current GSMR active roster is all diesel, with steam currently being rehabilitated. They have two GP7’s and 2 GP9’s. Don’t have any car roster for you, but you could probably ask directly- the Public Affairs officer for the GSMR can be reached here:

www.gsmr.com

Hope that helps- links on the site will also tie you into their store.

10

Thank You All,

I will be looking into that book/dvd package. I am also on the hunt for another book on the Murphy Branch as well. I will be in contact with the GSMR soon.

Does anybody know when the 1702 will be back in service?

Cheese