| This is the TVRM’s Hiawassee Loop train in Etowah, TN preparing for the trip around the mountain. This is the shorter of the two TVRM train rides out of Etowah at around 3 hours total. The other train, the Copperhill Special, is currently suspended due to the tracks being blocked by fallen trees (from the last big hurricane there), but I do plan to ride it in the future. The train traverses the famous Hiawassee Loop, where the tracks loop around the mountain twice and then cross over each other on a 100 foot trestle. For more info, look up the Hiawassee Rail Adventure on TVRM’s website, or just Google Hiawassee River Rail Adventure. They usually have 1 of 3 locomotives that pull the train, GMTX 2004 (ex BNSF), GMTX 2005 (Ex BNSF) and TVRM 5109 (Ex NS, Exx SOU) My train was being pulled by the Ex NS Exx SOU High Hood EMD GP38-2 #5109 in TVRM’s colors, which was quite a treat! The train consists of a SERM (Ex CG) coach, an L&N coach, a TVRM coach, an Ex GN dome car, and an Ex VIA Rail Exx CP dome car/observation car. We rode in the Ex VIA Rail Exx CP dome/observation car that had a BEAUTIFUL view! The train ride was awesome, the staff was SUPER friendly, and I even got an amazing book about rail operations on the Hiawassee Loop and the L&N’s Atlanta Division. I also got a Christmas ornament with SOU 4501 on it, which was pretty awesome too! I definitely recommend this train ride to anyone who likes trains, especially people who are passionate about railroading. I can say with confidence that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this train ride, and I recommend standing (taking caution to avoid any branches or other obstructions, and also listening to staff and not opening any that are not open by a member of staff) between the cars in what is called a vestibule for all you non-railfans/train buffs (saying this, I am not intending to offend anyone) who are reading this. The vestibule area has the best view since not only is it open air, but it also gives you an amazing view of the train and things next to the tracks/bridges/etc... If you are in the area, the ScaleTrains Headquarters/Warehouse is right up the road if anyone is a model railroader. I don’t know if they give tours, I think they do, but I didn’t get the chance to visit because it was closed when we were there. Also, I recommend if you do ride the train, to visit Jessica’s Place, which has a really good Mac and Cheese Burger, when the train ride is over. Just wanted to talk a bit about the train ride, and if you read this entire thing, then I am extremely impressed! |