GGRS Excursion

June 20, 2009, 1:1 Scale Train Ride

Three Rivers Rambler, Knoxville, Tennessee

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Article and Photos by Ted Yarbrough

June 20 was a HOT and sunny day as 16 members of the Georgia Garden Railway Society headed to Knoxville, TN to take part in the 2009 1:1 Scale Train Ride on the Three River's Rambler. We all met at Calhoun's On the River for a very tasty meal at noon. We ate and talked for almost 2 solid hours before venturing about a block west to the train. A 1925 Baldwin 2-8-0 was all steamed up and waiting to haul its train when we arrived, just in time to hop on the caboose or passenger car. We had discussed concerns because there was no air-conditioning in the caboose, but the windows opened and the doors were open allowing a nice breeze throughout the ride. Everyone was comfortable. A car hostess served ice cold soft drinks and water along with Chattanooga's famous Moon Pies! The ride was along the Tennessee River for 11 miles, then the loco switched ends and pulled us back to the starting point. The scenery was spectacular to be so close to the city of Knoxville. We were on the train for about 90 minutes. Those members participating were Mac Cross, Dick & Louise Hansen, Howard & Betty Long, Norm & Ann Lundin, Don & Jane Nute, Bill & Ann Robertson, Joan Stultz, Julian & Carol Wilson, and Ted & Deborah Yarbrough

Howard is seen taking photos from the copula of the caboose. Everyone almost fought to get those 2 choice seats! In reality, everyone took turns.

Don is featured here photographing the train as it passes by to change ends in order to take us back to the starting point. She is a beautiful loco!

Betty, Joan, and Deborah inside the caboose keeping cool with fans. Are these really 'Train Fans'? Interior was nicely decorated in RR theme.

Norm opted to ride in the open car. He said the photography opportunity was better there. We waved at each other often as he was just in front of the caboose.

Trestle was nice.

Running #203 around the train. It hooked to the caboose and ran backward on the return trip.

On the way home.

Deb and Ted on the rear platform of the caboose.