In Ed Kelley's comments about the 36" Gauge train possibly available to Railstar for the Georgetown Loop, he made these comments:
>"Their prototype at Opryland in Nashville, TN was built from the remains of a diesel 'critter' or something. The guys name who ran this company was I believe Ed Romaine. They were, I think, in Johnson City, TN which is in the middle of ET&WNC territory. "Rachel" ran at Doe River Gorge not far from that area; with the Custom Fabricators 'deezul'. The original 0-4-0Ts that they converted were acquired from somewhere in South America, or Africa, I read about it somewhere."
In response: first, Opryland's Rachel was steam, never diesel, and was originally an 0-4-0 tank Locomotive from Pennsylvania. I believe it was #799, and I can find out more if you wish. They never had anything to do with the ET&WNC until Gaylord Enterprises loaned Rachel to us for three years. We maintained, improved, & repaired her while we had her.
The "Deezul" was originally a 42" gauge Plymouth HSD from another source, and we regauged, rebuilt, and refurbished her, finishing her as ET&WNC #16 this spring to replace Rachel. #16 currently pulls two ex-6-Flags of Atlanta (donated) open cars, rebuilt by them years ago from D&RG cut-down boxcars. Photos & further info can be found on the Doe River Gorge page:
[www.doerivergorge.com]
Also, that red steam-outline train being shown as a tongue-in-cheek replacement for the Georgetown Loop RR is based on another Plymouth, probably gasoline of 5-ton size, as we are rebuilding one very similar to it!
You are welcome to cntact me if you want further info.
Phil Raynes
