An hour long excursion to the Jackson Line Community crossing at the summit of the climb out of Bryson City is available for $29 for Adults and $14 for Children ages 3 through 12.On Saturday at ten a.m., 12 Noon, and again at 2p.m. The visiting diesel - electric locomotive, a GP 30, will make the trip from the depot to Jackson Line west of town. The Southern Railway�s GP30 is a workhorse of an engine, performing as a switcher in the Canton yards, until the early 80�s and now hauling visitors to the North Carolina Museum of Transportation in Spencer as they tour the property by train. The visiting No. 2601, restored in Southern Railway�s early 1980�s paint scheme will be familiar to many for it�s working days in Western North Carolina.

Visiting engineers from the NC Museum of Transportation will be on hand to answer questions about the GP 30 and tell stories of their experiences with No. 2601. Jim King from Asheville was a college student at Western Carolina University when he worked with the Southern Railway�s crew at Canton. Henry Martin is a High Point resident who is the Road Foreman of Engines for the Museum. He is well known as being one of the best handlers of the automatic air brake. Bill Hayward of Elkin is a retired medical researcher who runs diesel locomotives at the Spencer facility. Larry Brown of Boone is a chemistry professor at Appalachian State University and is train master and vice president of rail operations at the museum. An 18 -year veteran volunteer of the museum, Donnie Smith, a master mechanic of diesel locomotives, will also be at RAILFEST 2004. All are certified as engineers under the Federal Railway Administration.

On Sunday, September 12th, the visiting Southern Railway�s No. 2601 will meet the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad 1942 Steam Locomotive, the No. 1702, in Bryson when it arrives with the Photo Special Excursion. There the engines will switch roles. This rare photo opportunity reenacts the railroad industry�s evolution in switching to diesel power. The No. 2601 will proceed with the Photo Special train to Andrews while the No. 1702 Steam will take over the duties on the Jackson Line Special with departures at 12 Noon and 2 p.m. The fee remains the same for the steam Jackson Line Special.

GSMRR�s Baldwin locomotive underwent extensive restoration to its 2-8-0 wheel configuration last year and did not appear at RAILFEST in 2003. It is a welcome addition to this year�s line up of historic equipment. The No. 1702 was originally built for Army use in Europe but it never made it over seas. In 1964 it was converted to an oil burning steam engine by the Reader Railroad in Arkansas. In 1966 she starred in a movie filmed at the Reader Railroad, � This Property Is Condemned� also featuring Robert Redford and Natalie Wood. It is the only operational S-160 in the United States as well as the only one to retain its original number.

Another special excursion, the �Wet Your Whistle� reception will take place at 6:00 PM. Friday evening carrying passengers out to the Jackson Line while they enjoy heavy hors�doevres and cocktails. Meet the Railroad�s owner, Allen Harper, who will be onboard! Tickets are still available for this unusual event at $59 per person.

RAILFEST 2004 offers the three day Mountain Craft Fair, free entertainment including the return performance of the Depot Band, The Buckingham Lining Bar Gang, and the Glory Singers. Call 1-800-872-4681 for reservations or more information.

About the GSMRR
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers both steam and diesel train excursions through the scenic mountains and colorful countryside of western North Carolina. For additional information and advance reservations please call 800�872�4681 or 828�586�8811 or at the website, www.gsmr.com.

Contact:
Kim Lyons
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dillsboro, NC
828�586�8811