The estimate just for Atlanta-Griffin is in the $200M - $300M range, including some equipment. I would guess the full Atlanta-Savannah upgrade cost would be at least $1B.Well for one the trackage still exists. The old Central RR of Georgia station in still in top shape (but now a museum) and the old Southern station was demolished long ago. It would be possible to establish rail service from Savannah to Atlanta but would take millions in new equipment to up grade the trackage and come up with an agreement with the freight railroads. Unlikely at this point.
I believe it was in 2002 that Atmrak ran a special train from Atlanta to Savannah for the a group of Black Mayors from around the country. It was a slow trip, but as noted, it is possible - just find the money. It would be a great connection to allow Atlanta travel to Florida via Savannah.I remember watching an Amtrak demonstration train leave Atlanta for Savannah in 1980. This talk has been going on for a very long time, and I don't doubt that there were be significant ridership.
It's only a question of politics and money. Norfolk Southern requires that CTC be installed Macon-Savannah, nearly all of which is currently dark. The ex-CofG Atlanta-Macon would also need heavy work. Equipment and locomotives would have to be purchased. There's the question of an adequate station in Atlanta because NS doesn't want more passenger trains to block the main line at Brookwood. Macon and other intermediate stops would need stations. (The existing ACL/Amtrak station at Savannah, however, could handle it.)
North Carolina has overcome similar obstacles to run multiple Charlotte-Greensboro-Raleigh trains, although in fairness to Georgia the North Carolina situation was not so difficult. The state of NC owns the underlying railroad, and distances are shorter, and track conditions Charlotte-Greensboro were good before the improvements began -- although track capacity Charlotte-Greensboro was, and still is, an issue.
I took two trips to Savannah in the 1990s aboard New Georgia Railroad excursion trains - once behind steam. I was a good 12 hour trip.I believe it was in 2002 that Atmrak ran a special train from Atlanta to Savannah for the a group of Black Mayors from around the country. It was a slow trip, but as noted, it is possible - just find the money. It would be a great connection to allow Atlanta travel to Florida via Savannah.I remember watching an Amtrak demonstration train leave Atlanta for Savannah in 1980. This talk has been going on for a very long time, and I don't doubt that there were be significant ridership.
It's only a question of politics and money. Norfolk Southern requires that CTC be installed Macon-Savannah, nearly all of which is currently dark. The ex-CofG Atlanta-Macon would also need heavy work. Equipment and locomotives would have to be purchased. There's the question of an adequate station in Atlanta because NS doesn't want more passenger trains to block the main line at Brookwood. Macon and other intermediate stops would need stations. (The existing ACL/Amtrak station at Savannah, however, could handle it.)
North Carolina has overcome similar obstacles to run multiple Charlotte-Greensboro-Raleigh trains, although in fairness to Georgia the North Carolina situation was not so difficult. The state of NC owns the underlying railroad, and distances are shorter, and track conditions Charlotte-Greensboro were good before the improvements began -- although track capacity Charlotte-Greensboro was, and still is, an issue.
Could always use the Nancy Hanks engine #750 which is located in the Atlanta area:I was just reading about a car that formerly did the Savannah - Atlanta run here: http://261.com/2011/11/ (look at the Update from the 'Coach Yard')
I wonder if ol' 542 will still be on the rails when (if) service is ever restored? :unsure:
Sorry, but 750 was never a Nancy Hanks engine. It was a Savannah and Atlanta Railroad alright, but the S&A never connected the two cities. The Nancy Hanks was a Central of Georgia train.Could always use the Nancy Hanks engine #750 which is located in the Atlanta area:I was just reading about a car that formerly did the Savannah - Atlanta run here: http://261.com/2011/11/ (look at the Update from the 'Coach Yard')
I wonder if ol' 542 will still be on the rails when (if) service is ever restored? :unsure:
http://srmduluth.org/Exhibits/steam.shtml
No, they'd want to be on that train blasting up on the poor schlep 30 feet to their right going less than a third as fast.(would anyone really want to be going 70mph and have a 220mph train blast up on their left just 30 ft away?)
I beg to differ:Sorry, but 750 was never a Nancy Hanks engine. It was a Savannah and Atlanta Railroad alright, but the S&A never connected the two cities. The Nancy Hanks was a Central of Georgia train.Could always use the Nancy Hanks engine #750 which is located in the Atlanta area:I was just reading about a car that formerly did the Savannah - Atlanta run here: http://261.com/2011/11/ (look at the Update from the 'Coach Yard')
I wonder if ol' 542 will still be on the rails when (if) service is ever restored? :unsure:
http://srmduluth.org...its/steam.shtml
Oh, I think the point here is that 750 was on the last run of the Nancy as a publicity stunt. But for regular use the NH was always powered by a diesel since its inception in 1947I beg to differ:Sorry, but 750 was never a Nancy Hanks engine. It was a Savannah and Atlanta Railroad alright, but the S&A never connected the two cities. The Nancy Hanks was a Central of Georgia train.Could always use the Nancy Hanks engine #750 which is located in the Atlanta area:I was just reading about a car that formerly did the Savannah - Atlanta run here: http://261.com/2011/11/ (look at the Update from the 'Coach Yard')
I wonder if ol' 542 will still be on the rails when (if) service is ever restored? :unsure:
http://srmduluth.org...its/steam.shtml
http://www.srmduluth.org/Features/BookReviews/cofg.htm
The Man 'O War (Atlanta-Columbus, GA) was around then also, but didn't get much press. Alas, the track it ran on has been pulled up. At least the NH route is still pretty much intact.Oh, I think the point here is that 750 was on the last run of the Nancy as a publicity stunt. But for regular use the NH was always powered by a diesel since its inception in 1947I beg to differ:Sorry, but 750 was never a Nancy Hanks engine. It was a Savannah and Atlanta Railroad alright, but the S&A never connected the two cities. The Nancy Hanks was a Central of Georgia train.Could always use the Nancy Hanks engine #750 which is located in the Atlanta area:I was just reading about a car that formerly did the Savannah - Atlanta run here: http://261.com/2011/11/ (look at the Update from the 'Coach Yard')
I wonder if ol' 542 will still be on the rails when (if) service is ever restored? :unsure:
http://srmduluth.org...its/steam.shtml
http://www.srmduluth.org/Features/BookReviews/cofg.htm
Funny thing, since I moved to Atlanta in 1977 the one train I have heard mentioned the most by locals is the Nancy. Second: Silver Comet, third: nothing.
There used to be a giant department store named Richs just a stroll from either downtown station. Shoppers flocked to Rich's from all over the southeast by train and bus. The days of major downtown shopping are gone.
The Nancy had a good schedule for shoppers. She left Savannah 7 am got to ATL at 1 pm Coming back left ATL at 6 pm and got to Savannah just before midnight.
Mother and I were part of this but we were coming from Chattanooga. Like I say, all over the southeast.
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