While out & about last Saturday, I wandered from Cordele west to Americus, and later Plains, to chase down the SAM Shortline excursion train that operates on the Heart of Georgia (HOG) line (ex-SCL, nee ACL) from Vidalia to Preston. At Plains (home of one Jimmy Carter, 39th President), I was lucky enough to find the train, and also this building: The ex-SCL depot in PLains, once used by Carter for campaign HQ back in 1976. The inside is full of snips & clips from his Presidential campaign, and the outside (save for a more modern glass & metal door) is in excellent shape. Notice the SCL logo underneath the crest of the roof. ALmost completely obscured is the sign proclaiming this to be Carter's campaign HQ. There was a track much closer to the depot at one time, but it's been removed. INterestingly, the rail is all welded, & looks to be about 90-100 lb. The passengers on the train are all at the museum and curio shops in downtown PLains, and will reboard the train for ite return to Cordele later. Regardless of your political leaning, be happy there's at least one well-preserved wooden depot in Georgia.
