does anyone know of any plans to purchase more diesel locomotives i know they perfer the gp-7 and gp-9 on the grades becasue of wheel slip issues the two gp-35 are gone i believe they traded them for two gp-9. it would be nice to see an andrews excursion again or maybe one day a trip east over balsm mountain definatley would need more power if they were able to add those trips to the schedule

There are no formal plans to aquire any additional locomotives at this time. The steamers will run first. That said, personally I would love to have a couple RS11 or C424 locos for freight, and a couple dynamic equipped F9's or FA1's for the excursions.

We do still operate over Red Marble with passenger trains (photo specials) twice per year. This year we are changing things up a bit, with the trips originating in Bryson City, with a round trip to and from Andrews via train. The trips in the past originated in Dillsboro, and were rail to Andrews, and bus back to Dillsboro. Trip time is about the same this year, but it's all rail. It will operate with the two GP9's. They are dynamic equipped. We do operate freight over the mountain occasionally with the GP7's (without dynamics). It is a little tricky, but really isn't too bad if the Class I's give you cars with any kind of brake shoes left.

I sure would like the oportunity to stand an Alco up against a Geep on Red Marble someday. Right now, the GP9's are each good for 2 loads and a caboose westbound. If you catch the mountain just right, and have a full fuel tanks, we've taken five loads and the caboose up with the two GP9's. Most days we stall with that. Yes that is with good sanders, 62:15 gears, and dry rail, and a good hogger. If anybody knows of some decent 64:12 traction motors laying around, let me know. Ironically, the GP35's were no better on the mountain that what we have now, and they were hanger queens, not at all reliable. Glad to see them gone. I've half thought about trying to get the Whitewater guys to let me bring a Lima Hamilton down here and see what one of them would do. Maybe during railfest. . . . .

Ryan

Can you bring us up to date on the plans the line has about installing turntables? I understand they already have one from the PRR but may be looking for one or possibly two more. Any info would be appreciated.

We have plans to install three table over the next few years. I would like to install a 100' to 110' table in Bryson City, which would service the future round house and shop facility. A 76' table (currently on hand) would be installed at the foot of Red Marble grade and would allow the locos to turn for a return on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. We would also like to install an 85' to 90' table in Dillsboro to turn the Tuckaseegee River Excursion. It would be nice to be able to turn a 2-8-2 in Dillsboro, should the Balsam Trips ever materialize.

We are probably 2-3 years out from installing a table, but we are on the lookout for available tables, especially the large one for Bryson City.

We are currently planning on being in the new shop in Bryson City by the end of 2007. This would be a backshop that will be adjacent to the future roundhouse.

Ryan

A while ago when I was trying to locate a 65' armstrong table, I stumbled across a big one (from a picture it looks like 100') that is still in the groung in Lehigh Valley's old Manchester NY yard. I did a little research and could not come up with anything positive but rumor has it that Manchester Township has desires on developing the land so the table has to go. The main line is still in use but the old yard is township property. Might be worth your time to look into it. We passed because the old yard we wanted to restore is going to become a gas station because "rateables rule!"

Later!
Mr. Ed

when is freight usually moved i have been to the gsmr several times and i have never seen a freight run . is this done at night after the excursions have ran?

The freight moves as needed. Normally on Mondays or Tuesdays, but it could be any day Mon-Friday. Some months we do not operate a freight train. We will be going out tomorrow with 3-4 loads of corn for Andrews. We normally arrive at Andrews around noon.

Ryan

is corn the only freight moved on the line now?

See the post above about GN 2-8-0 1246 for sale.

We move corn and soy meal to Andrews.

FYI, Freight was postponed today, and will move on Wed.

Ryan

We are definitly not in the market for any additional steam locomotives at this time. Even if we were, I doubt I would really consider the 1246, as it does not appear to be superheated. Personally, I like the 701 sitting in Covington VA. Not sure how much of it is still actually there (boiler thickness wise), but specification wise an ideal locomotive for this size railroad.

Ryan

Think small Mallet Ryan. More tractive effort, lighter axle load, and they bend to get around corners.

dave