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gaopa · 28 July 2007, 12:39 PM

I am working on a magazine article and got to ride in the locomotive of the Hartwell RR from Lavonia, GA to Toccoa, GA and back- a 36 mile round trip. The owner, operator and chief engineer of this small privately owned RR is 72 yrs. old and could not have been nicer to me.

We spent all afternoon moving cars from Lavonia to Toccoa and then bringing different cars back from Toccoa to Lavonia. It was hot in the locomotive, but I was able to have the front door opened to get shots and a breeze.

On the way back he even let me drive the train! I am the fat guy in the gray shirt. Was this every boy's dream or what!

Wish all of you could have been there with me, but it was a bit crowded. More than two could be a problem. I have been invited back and will definitely go!
Have a great weekend, Bill P.

JJ Irani · 28 July 2007, 12:56 PM

Excellent pics, Bill....thanks for sharing.

Yes, every young boy's dream of sitting behind the controls of a locomotive. You lucky dog, you....

USMCsilver · 28 July 2007, 01:21 PM

Excellent photos!

It always seemed a bit funny when one mentioned "driving a train". I mean, it doesn't seem too hard -- all ya gotta do is either go forwards or backwards. It's not like you have to turn.

So, from someone who actually got to pilot the thing -- is it idiot proof or what?

JJ Irani · 28 July 2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCsilver

-- is it idiot proof or what?

Not when some IDIOT is driving across the tracks with his vehicle!!

gaopa · 28 July 2007, 09:23 PM

Right, driving the train is only making it go forward or backward and stopping it. We were going around 18-20 mph most of the trip. JJ is right, several idiots did actually run the crossings with barriers and several ran the crossings with no barriers. Our horn was going full blast at each crossing and I was amazed at the car drivers who beat us through. Of course, most cars did stop. The engineer said his biggest fear while operating the train is the crazy car drivers! Again, what a blast I had and I hope to go again before too long. Cheers, Bill P.

Alcan · 28 July 2007, 11:20 PM

Very cool!..Great that you got an invitation back, too!

wandyprawira · 29 July 2007, 01:19 AM

It seems the ride was very enjoyable. I'd love to be there. Thanks for sharing them with us.

gaopa · 29 July 2007, 12:36 PM

Glad you enjoyed these pics.... it was great fun! I look forward to going again. Cheers, Bill P.

28 July 2007, 12:39 PM	#1
gaopa "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: .. Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 1,820	ridin' the rails I am working on a magazine article and got to ride in the locomotive of the Hartwell RR from Lavonia, GA to Toccoa, GA and back- a 36 mile round trip. The owner, operator and chief engineer of this small privately owned RR is 72 yrs. old and could not have been nicer to me. We spent all afternoon moving cars from Lavonia to Toccoa and then bringing different cars back from Toccoa to Lavonia. It was hot in the locomotive, but I was able to have the front door opened to get shots and a breeze. On the way back he even let me drive the train! I am the fat guy in the gray shirt. Was this every boy's dream or what! Wish all of you could have been there with me, but it was a bit crowded. More than two could be a problem. I have been invited back and will definitely go! Have a great weekend, Bill P. Attached Images

28 July 2007, 12:56 PM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Excellent pics, Bill....thanks for sharing. Yes, every young boy's dream of sitting behind the controls of a locomotive. You lucky dog, you.... __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

28 July 2007, 01:21 PM	#3
USMCsilver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Sterling Location: Middle of SC Watch: Anniv. GMT II Posts: 908	Excellent photos! It always seemed a bit funny when one mentioned "driving a train". I mean, it doesn't seem too hard -- all ya gotta do is either go forwards or backwards. It's not like you have to turn. So, from someone who actually got to pilot the thing -- is it idiot proof or what? __________________ The Original USMCsilver© ~~><~~

28 July 2007, 09:23 PM	#5
gaopa "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: .. Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 1,820	Right, driving the train is only making it go forward or backward and stopping it. We were going around 18-20 mph most of the trip. JJ is right, several idiots did actually run the crossings with barriers and several ran the crossings with no barriers. Our horn was going full blast at each crossing and I was amazed at the car drivers who beat us through. Of course, most cars did stop. The engineer said his biggest fear while operating the train is the crazy car drivers! Again, what a blast I had and I hope to go again before too long. Cheers, Bill P. Attached Images

28 July 2007, 11:20 PM	#6
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Very cool!..Great that you got an invitation back, too! __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

29 July 2007, 01:19 AM	#7
wandyprawira "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: hub Posts: 520	It seems the ride was very enjoyable. I'd love to be there. Thanks for sharing them with us. __________________

29 July 2007, 12:36 PM	#8
gaopa "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: .. Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 1,820	Glad you enjoyed these pics.... it was great fun! I look forward to going again. Cheers, Bill P.

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