The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad (GSMR) operates a diverse range of equipment, including steam and diesel locomotives, passenger coaches, and cabooses, all of which contribute to the unique and authentic experience of riding through the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Locomotives
The GSMR’s locomotive fleet includes both steam and diesel-powered engines, each with its own distinct character and capabilities.
Steam Locomotives
The GSMR features steam-powered trips with the official “Steam of the Smokies.” While the specific steam locomotives used are not detailed, these majestic machines provide an unforgettable journey through the region’s natural beauty.
Diesel Locomotives
The GSMR also utilizes diesel locomotives for some of its excursions. One such locomotive in their fleet is the GP-9 No. 1755, which is primarily used for freight operations.
Passenger Cars
The GSMR’s passenger car fleet is a diverse collection of historic and refurbished coaches, each with its own unique story and character.
Coaches
The GSMR’s coach fleet includes several notable examples:
- Great Smoky Mountains #841: A 1958 Pullman Company coach formerly used by the Southern Railway and later by Norfolk Southern.
- Great Smoky Mountains #8015: A former Seaboard Air Line dining car built in 1940 by the Budd Company, which later served Seaboard Coast Line, Amtrak, and the American Zephyr operation.
- Great Smoky Mountains #8806: A former Pennsylvania Railroad twin-unit diner table car built in 1949 by the Budd Company, which later served Penn Central and Amtrak.
- Great Smoky Mountains #8807: A former Pennsylvania Railroad twin-unit diner kitchen and dormitory car built in 1949 by the Budd Company, which later served Penn Central and Amtrak.
Open-Air Riding Coaches
The GSMR also operates five open-air riding coaches (Nos. 30-34) that were converted from former Kansas City Southern lightweight baggage express cars built for the Pullman Company in 1959. Additionally, they have the Great Smoky Mountains #37, an open-air riding coach converted from a former Erie-Lackawanna coach.
Cabooses
The GSMR has two bay window cabooses that have been converted into generator power plants, providing hotel power to the passenger cars. These include:
- Great Smoky Mountains #2448: Converted from a former Wabash caboose built in 1961.
- Great Smoky Mountains #6118: Converted from a former Louisville & Nashville caboose built in 1970.
Maintenance and Operations
The GSMR’s own shops handle the maintenance and upkeep of their diverse fleet of equipment. This includes the conversion of various cars, such as the open-air riding coaches and bay window cabooses, to meet the railroad’s specific needs.
The GSMR employs a team of skilled professionals, including conductors, engineers, and maintenance personnel, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of their equipment.
Excursions and Experiences
The GSMR offers a range of excursions and experiences, with the cost and duration varying depending on the specific trip and season. For example, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a 4½-hour round-trip journey with a one-hour layover at the gorge, while the Tuckasegee River Excursion includes a one-hour and 20-minute layover in Dillsboro.
Headquarters and Hours
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is headquartered in Bryson City, North Carolina, and operates year-round, offering a variety of excursions and special events throughout the year.
Contact Information
While the specific phone number is not provided in the sources, visitors can find the GSMR’s contact information on their official website or through a search.
References
- HawkinsRails. (2021). Rolling Stock – Great Smoky Mountains. Retrieved from https://hawkinsrails.net/preservation/gsm/gsm_stock.html
- Trainorders.com. (2010). Great Smoky Mountain Railroad freight. Retrieved from https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?2%2C2155209
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Smoky_Mountains_Railroad
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. (n.d.). Welcome to Your Next Greatest Adventure. Retrieved from https://gsmr.com
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. (n.d.). Steam-Powered. Retrieved from https://www.gsmr.com/test/.