Steam Returns to the Loops!

[PGupton]

I was among the many fortunate folks that got to experience the return of steam to the loops this past weekend, and boy was it awesome!

Due to a track meet the previous day I was unable to get there until the tail end of Saturday's morning run (caught it at McDonald's), but after that I was there for every single run.

We chased the afternoon run Saturday, starting out in the Loops at High Fill. After getting it going both ways there, I chased into Old Fort where the crowd awaited 630 at the beautifully restored depot downtown. Following that runby, I headed back up to High Fill where I met John Craft and co., and caught it upgrade there. Following a quick walk/gallop/sprint down the road to High Fill I was able to again catch 630 upgrade past the Geyser. After that, we chased it back to Asheville.

Sunday morning I rode the train; completely worth every cent!

Sunday afternoon I again chased, this time starting in Swannanoa. After getting the train moving through there (thanks in large part to the diesels), we headed into the loops. The vantage point above the Mill Creek Bridge past Andrew's Geyser has been cleared out, and was packed with railfans... too packed! Despite the whole photoline up on the hill some dingdong still set up right next to the tracks, dead center in front of everyone. He didn't listen to the yells, and didn't hear the banjo music (actually not kidding there---someone got out their banjo and started playing to see if he would run). These people are the reason the photo-gods made Photoshop. Following that, we caught 'em again in Old Fort coming and going. After they departed (following a lengthy wyeing maneuver that takes an hour) we headed up to Ridgecrest where a number of us got them exiting the Loops and entering Swannanoa Tunnel. I caught them coming into Asheville again before heading home.

A great weekend all around! I hope to see more photos from those of you who also were out and about!

[PGupton]

Some more photos.

[dschlegel]

Great shots! I definitely need to visit the loops sometime.

Dan

[Badhorse79]

Awesome place , awesome shots !!!!

[E.M. Bell]

Great stuff there Peyton, thanks for sharing with us! 

I love the shot at Andrews geysers..brings back some fond memories of watching 611 tackle the mountain from there.. There are a LOT less folks in your shot than I figured on seeing. That is one of the few easy places to get into around there. 

[PGupton]

Great stuff there Peyton, thanks for sharing with us! 

I love the shot at Andrews geysers..brings back some fond memories of watching 611 tackle the mountain from there.. There are a LOT less folks in your shot than I figured on seeing. That is one of the few easy places to get into around there. 

Actually, the photo line continued out of frame--it was circular! I'd say the grand majority of people were off to the left out of frame..

It sounded awesome, I'll have a link to my video up soon enough.

[butch]

Good stuff, was that you waving at me coming out of Burgin Tunnel Sunday morning?   

[Ponce de Leon]

Very nice shots, Peyton. Any day spent riding behind, on, or watching a steam locomotive is a winner.

[PGupton]

Thanks for the compliments guys!

Got the video on YouTube now, here's a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PTb2KEOaXE

Again, chased the 2 afternoon trips.