New Georgia Railroad

"In 1986, the State of Georgia leased a steam locomotive for excursion service; this was a very happy circumstance for lovers of steam power, and it seemed to be a very successful venture. The engine, a 4-6-2 Pacific type, began life as No. 80, an oil-fired steamer on the Florida East Coast Railway. In 1935 she moved to the Savannah & Atlanta and was converted to coal, serving till retirement in 1954. Her transfer to the Atlanta Chapter, NRHS and later operation by the Southern Railway set the stage for her operation by the State of Georgia.

"The 750 ran an 18-mile circle trip around Atlanta over tracks of CSX, and on Saturdays out to Stone Mountain for a longer run. Once she cleared the concrete canyons of Atlanta and hit open country, the year could be anything you'd like to pretend (if you ignore the stainless steel cars mixed the consist). In the fall, we see her making a trek through a wildly-colored leafy tunnel! This scene is a very tranquil, relaxing thing to watch and savor. Prior to 1988 there were no turning facilities at Stone Mountain, so another veteran locomotive, ex-Southern E8 No. 6901 in a beautiful paint scheme based on the Central of Georgia's, tagged along on the rear to bring 'em home.

"The video is good, not too long, but a little light on narration, especially the history. I went through my files and found an issue of Trains magazine dated February 1989, which gives the whole history of the New Georgia's operation and founding. This video should have great appeal for those who have ridden or viewed the operation of this fine tourist railroad, especially in view of New Georgia's suspension of service at the end of 1993." Ted Davis - National Railway Historical Society