Overheard in the kingdom

[hobie16]

One type of troop movement can be described as either a strategic withdrawal or a retreat. A less then factual statement can be described as either misspoken or a lie. It all depends on the point of view.

[Mr. D.]

Then you need to visit http://www.southernmuseum.org/exhibits/the-general/ They have a big exhibit all about it including the "General" one of the locomotives from the chase. You can see the "Texas" at Atlanta's famous Cyclorama http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/attractions.php

Yep. Thanks. Planning a trip to both locations when I can get time off work.

[Zazu]

Interesting. You are my new best friend. I am trying ti dig up any and all information I can about that station. :)

Ask away. Or if you think no one else here cares, PM me and we can continue in email.

I Love TVRR. They are getting ready to start running trips from the TVRR to the Choo Choo running steam out on the NS main line.

Been there, done that. Worked the RDCs on that route, too.

I am in works with them now to install web cams for rail fans to watch online.

Please let me know the URL when these go up!

I love hearing about the history of areas. I recently have taken interest in the Southern Railway and the history of the W&A railroad during the Civil War (The Great Locomotive Chase). But anyway, sorry to thread-jack.

The Great Locomotive Chase never made it to Chattanooga, the raiders giving up in Ringgold GA, a few miles south of the state line. The Raid might have worked if it hadn't been for the way Conductor Fuller took charge of the situation, working through all the challenges the Yanks could put before him. My kind of railroader!

And yeah, it's on topic. Remember the Fess Parker version of the film? (Never did like it as much as Buster Keaton's though.)

[Mr. D.]

The Great Locomotive Chase never made it to Chattanooga, the raiders giving up in Ringgold GA, a few miles south of the state line. The Raid might have worked if it hadn't been for the way Conductor Fuller took charge of the situation, working through all the challenges the Yanks could put before him. My kind of railroader!

And yeah, it's on topic. Remember the Fess Parker version of the film? (Never did like it as much as Buster Keaton's though.)

I live just a few short miles from where the chase ended. Actually walked the tunnel at Tunnel Hill a few weeks ago for the first time.


I saw the Disney version of the movie. It was ok. But after reading books and online pages, the movie was disappointing.

Have you heard the song? Well, no words but still the emotion in the music is amazing. 'The Great Locomotive Chase' by Robert W. Smith.

[Big Wallaby]

Ask away. Or if you think no one else here cares, PM me and we can continue in email.

Don't you dare take it to PM's and e-mail. I want to see everything you guys have to say about this stuff. It's a new area of interest for me.

[Main Streeter]

Don't you dare take it to PM's and e-mail. I want to see everything you guys have to say about this stuff.

Totally agree! Post here.

[GaTechGal]

I went to the Cyclorama many years ago, and I'm not sure if it is still the same, but it certainly was an experience. Bear in mind that I'm a "northerner" born and bred. Did my time in history class and thought I knew how the Civil War went, at least in broad strokes. Well, we went through the show in the Cyclorama and I became a little less certain.

As I remember it, each major skirmish in the battle was given some narration time. When the Southern forces pushed back or held off the attacking force, the description was bright, upbeat and filled with praise for the bravery, skill and nobility of the soldiers. It seemed like the engagements where the Northern forces came out on top amounted to little more than "..and the attacking horde won another victory."

As we walked out, I felt the need to ask those who went with me exactly who won the battle. Wandering into the gift shot, we saw one of the most widely used graphics on the various items was a drawing of a Confederate soldier with his chin stuck out and a caption underneath reading "Lee surrendered. I didn't."

Culture shock, pure and simple.

They would do it ANOTHER way?

If you haven't been to the Cyclorama in a number of years (like more than 10) you should give it another go. They've done a major renovation on the painting and the exhibit, and you get a lot more of the history of the actual PAINTING than of the battles it depicts. It really is quite facinating.

[Mr. D.]

Totally agree! Post here.

Once part of the W&A Railroad, this line played a major role in the U.S. Civil War. During The Great Locomotive Chase (aka Andrews' Raid), the locomotive General, which was stolen by James J. Andrews and Union soldiers, made it way from Big Shanty, Georgia (now Kennesaw), through Dalton, Ga. on it's way to Chattanooga, TN.

During the raid the soldiers cut telegraph wires and dismantled track. They also attempted to burn a covered bridge, but failed.

In Adairsville, William A. Fuller and Confederate soldiers picked up their 3rd chase locomotive, the Texas, and proceeded to chase the General running backwards, at speeds of up to 55 MPH. As they arrived in Calhoun, Ga. They slowed to pick up a young telegraph operator from Dalton, Ga. who had been sent down to find out what was wrong with the telegraph line. As they passed through Dalton, Georgia, Fuller dropped off the telegraph operator at the W&A Depot, along with a message to be sent ahead to Chattanooga, TN. warning them of the raid and requesting assistance.

They were able to send one message before the line was cut. Chattanooga, unable to reply to Dalton, sent a message to Ringgold, Ga. Andrews' and his raiders ran out of water and wood for fuel and abandoned the General just north of Ringgold, a few miles from Chattanooga. Soon after, Andrews and most of his raiders were caught. After they were found guilty, Andrews and some members of his party were executed by hanging.


Just a short summery of what happened.

[WEDFan]

They would do it ANOTHER way?

If you haven't been to the Cyclorama in a number of years (like more than 10) you should give it another go. They've done a major renovation on the painting and the exhibit, and you get a lot more of the history of the actual PAINTING than of the battles it depicts. It really is quite facinating.

It was like 20-something years ago, and I hope I didn't give the impression that I didn't enjoy the Cyclorama. I would certainly go back again if I got a chance. Amazing piece of artwork. Quite interesting. It was just my first experience with a different perspective, shall we say. :D:

[GaTechGal]

It was like 20-something years ago, and I hope I didn't give the impression that I didn't enjoy the Cyclorama. I would certainly go back again if I got a chance. Amazing piece of artwork. Quite interesting. It was just my first experience with a different perspective, shall we say. :D:

Welcome South Brother. :D: