Just got back from a ten-day trip with my Uncle and a friend of his down south in T.N. and N.C. Although the priorities were hiking and visiting family and friends, I was able to visit a number of railroad sites, more then I thought possible. Visited Spencer shops Aug. 19. Got a tour from fellow RYPN contributor Hayes Smith, thanks again Hayes! Alas steam was silent weekdays, but I did get to ride behind a GP30 and get pictures of a lot of equipment and the Shay. Two days later I stopped in at the Great Smokey Mountains Railway in Bryson City just in time to see the 10:25 train leave, diesel again. DidnÂ’t have a chance to backtrack to Dillsboro to look for 1702 (down for a 30 day boiler wash) or 722. The next day (Aug. 22) I went to TVRM in East Chattanooga. An MRS-1 in the lead. Got a very nice tour of the shops by the conductor. Got pictures of the cold 610 and the tire-less drivers for NKP 765. At least I can I say IÂ’ve seen NKP 765 now, hopefully IÂ’ll get to see it when the engine is more whole. Back through the horseshoe tunnel to the other end. Spent a little while with 4501, interesting to see it in person after seeing so many pictures and articles on this famous engine. Next day, my last day in T.E., went to see the Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel in the afternoon and was lucky to find the AndrewÂ’s Raiders memorial in the cemetery.
A good trip all in all, canÂ’t wait to see the pictures.

Joshua


joshuakblay@hotmail.com