Features – Page 17 – Railfanning.org

First Gainesville Midland Trains Rolled Out of Athens in November 1906

September 27, 2012 Todd DeFeo

Thursday, Nov. 1, 1906, was a momentous day for the city of Athens, Ga. The first Gainesville Midland train pulled into town.

Last Narrow Gauge Train From Jefferson, Ga., Signaled New Era for City

September 27, 2012 Todd DeFeo

It was midnight when the narrow gauge locomotive and its load eased out of Jefferson, Ga.

Amtrak Launches History Website

September 27, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak certainly has an interesting history. Since its inception 41 years ago, Amtrak has ferried passengers across the country’s rail network. Its routes have ranged from cross-country hauls to speedier service between closer destinations. Amtrak, which has never turned an annual profit, this week launched a new website (history.amtrak.com) dedicated to the railroad’s history. The site includes digital copies of ads, timetables and images. “Amtrak is woven into the fabric of America, providing a vital transportation service to the nation and connecting families and communities as part of an amazing and unfolding history,” Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said in

Electric Locomotives Helped Miners Reach Depths of Earth

September 26, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

Mine railways have long been used to help miners reach the depths of the Earth.

Flagstaff Statue Pays Homage to the Men Who Built the Railroads

September 26, 2012 Todd DeFeo

The workers who laid tracks across the country were known as Gandy Dancers. The name is sometimes attributed to a Gandy Tool Co. that manufactured the tools used to build railroads, though the existence of such a company has been debated.

Gainesville Midland No. 116

July 7, 2012 Todd DeFeo

Gainesville Midland No. 116 was build in 1923 by Philadelphia-based Baldwin Locomotive Works. Before it went into service on the Gainesville Midland, No. 116 served on the Central of Georgia.

City honors switch operater for role in Civil War chase

April 13, 2012 Todd DeFeo

The north Georgia city of Kingston on Thursday honored a former city resident for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.

150 years later, Andrews Raid still resonates

April 1, 2012 Todd DeFeo

Dozens of trains roar through Kennesaw every day. They speed past the historic 1908 train depot in the heart of town.

Clarksville Forever Linked to Railroads

March 12, 2012 Todd DeFeo

Davy Jones, the lead singer of the 1960s group, The Monkees, died recently. Thanks to The Monkees, Clarksville‘s name will forever be linked with railroads.

End of the Line for Famous Athens trestle?

February 7, 2012 Todd DeFeo

For years, the famed “Murmur Trestle” in Athens, Ga., has attracted R.E.M. fans from around the globe. But, time may be running out for the 130-year-old trestle, The Wall Street Journal reported.