Somehow I missed this thread back in July. This is a great little book and I know Everett put an extreme amount of effort into it. Even if you aren't into logging roads or standard gauge, you should take a look. It's a neat story of a (very) backwoods mill and tram line that briefly blossomed into a large empire. And, while it's not NG, there is very a NG "flavor" to it.
There's more than just the book, too! Everett isn't likely to brag on himself, so allow me to do it a bit. My first visit to Long Leaf was in 2008. Less than a mile of track was serviceable and that involved a switchback and the requisite switching. It was a less than ideal arrangement. The 2 motorcars (with trailers) could only make the hill on the switchback under ideal weather conditions. If any water was on the rail head, it was practically impossible to get up the hill with a load of passengers.
Five years later Everett had stitched together a 1-mile loop around the town/mill that used existing segments of rail and some new construction. In addition the Fernwood, Columbia, & Gulf Railroad Motor #4 joined the roster along with a 3rd motor car. And that's not all! About a mile of the old main line was cleared and the rail re-laid. So, today the Red River & Gulf has a littler over 2 miles of serviceable track.
There are, of course, plans for the future. But, I'll let Everett elaborate on those if he wishes.
My hope is that Long Leaf and the RR&G will soon become a southern version of the WW&F (Maine). There is a TON of potential here. We just need some help and a little cash to accomplish some game-changing projects. This is a railroad where volunteers can make a REAL difference and their efforts will be deeply appreciated.
Jason Rose
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El Discípulo de los Viejos Gruñones
RioGrandeExplorations.net
Spring, Texas - MP 209.7 - UP Palestine Sub
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" - Wendell Phillips
"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." - Sgt Stryker USMC
"Life is too short to deal with other people's drama. - Sgt Jason Rose USMC
