31 OCT 2006 It was early AM as we approached the Greenville Southern Railway depot on from Washington Street. The southbound Crescent was due in Greenville in about 20 minutes. For some time, I had wanted to see the Southern Crescent. Its schedule through Greenville was very early (about 04:00 AM) and almost too late (about 9:00 PM) to take pictures. To try and get good pictures, one would need to take them on the longest day of the year. This day was not the longest day, however when a neighbor of mine needed a ride to the station to catch the southbound, I readily asked if he would like me to do the taxi service. His wife, standing nearby answered for him. "YES". My young teenage son was with us. I also wanted him to see this train and be able to tell his children about it. The station lights were already on as we parked. We could hear train sounds trackside as we went inside the depot. The old depot had served Greenville for many years and still had a lot railroad life left in it. Not long after we arrived, the station agent told us that the Crescent would be in the station shortly. Out on the platform, we saw the E-8's approaching with the lettering on the nose "Southern Crescent". As the lead locomotive passed us, and the train begin to stop, I told my neighbor goodbye, as I wanted to go to front of the train and get some pictures. My son and I found a safe place that we could stand about 20 feet away. There was not a lot of light present however the cab lights were on. I decided to make some time delay shots - without a tripod, hoping for the best. We stood there until after the train departed before walking back to the station. Wow! To some this would have been just another railroad train. However, for my son and I it was an exciting moment in history. WE WERE THERE. The photo's? Most turned out ok, with one that made our trip there very worth while. The Southern Crescent train and the depot are now gone and are just memories. Very good memories. They come about from events like this. Anyone else have any memories about Greenville, they would like to share? Larry @ SCRS
I spent a good bit of time in Greenville, and I always wanted to see the old girl head through the station. I have since moved up to northern Virginia, and no longer have the opportunity to see the train run through. Is there any chance you can post your pictures on the forum so I can live vicariously through your photographs?
8 Nov 2006 Whiskey. I am still looking for that 35 MM slide. It is here some place amoung the many others. Send me a e-mail and when it 'surfaces', I will e-mail you a copy. Larry @ SCRS
