I was on my way home from work this afternoon when I was stopped at a grade crossing in Flat Rock NC. This is the old Saluda Grade mainline that has been stuffed for over a decade. I know that an occasional local freight will make it into Hendersonville, but never any further. Needless to say, it was quite a treat to get stopped in a place that hasn't seen a train in years. I was further surprised to see that it was track research cars 39 (old SD35?) and 36. Anyone know if this was some sort of routine maintenance or is there something in the works for the Saluda grade? Thanks!
I don't have an answer for sure, but there have been mow crews running up and down saluda for a couple months now. According to what I read on another forum, NS has made clear they aren't repairing the washout and reopening the grade any time soon.
I wasn't aware of the washout. I grew up here, moved to DC shortly before they closed the grade and just recently moved back to WNC, so I probably shouldn't be surprised that something like that could happen in that time span. Why would the continue to do any form of maintenance on a line they have no plans to use or reopen? All I had was my cell phone camera. I definitely wanted to get a few shots, it was really cool to see it in person.
I'm a bit late to this thread, but hopefully it is still being watched. It's very interesting to hear that a research train was spotted AGAIN. I can't post links since I'm newly registered, but there is a YouTube video from June 2010 of the NS research train between Hendersonville and Fletcher (search "Norfolk Southern Research Train Running Southern Style"). I think two reported research trains in two years is a little more than routine maintenance for a line that sees hardly any traffic. NS has also completed major track work and grade crossing improvements on the other side of the closing between Landrum, S.C. and Hayne Yard near Spartanburg. Again, it seems like a lot of work for a line with minimal use. Something even MORE interesting is that the Norfolk Southern exhibit car will be at the Landrum Christmas Parade and Stroll (just Google "Norfolk Southern exhbit car", and it should be the first link). The line is "cut" south/east of Landrum in a spot that would not be easily accessible. NS reconnecting the rails just for the exhibit car to get to the depot seems silly . . . so the rumors are really starting to fly. Please keep us posted if you see any more activity in the Flat Rock area. I am from Tryon, but in Raleigh now, so I don't get the chance to explore the area. Thanks!
