Pics of the new train (Franklin, Cookeville: live, farmers, cars)

[JMT]

2mares posted the link to the Monterey newspaper's web site which has another link to pictures from the historic train excursion from Cookeville to Monterey a couple of weeks ago. It was historic in that it was the first time in 40 years that a passenger train went to Monterey, and it was the first time in about 20 years that any train went to Monterey.

First, the background: The RR tracks between Algood and Monterey had been abandoned 20 or so years ago. The Nashville and Eastern RR has just recently refurbished the tracks to Monterey, and the plan is now to build a bike path alongside the tracks all the way from Monterey down the mountain to Cookeville.

OK, now for the pictures. First up, the train leaving Cookeville's historic Depot:





The farmers' market downtown:

[JMT]

Going up the mountain between Cookeville and Monterey:

[JMT]

Arriving in Monterey:

[Suzanne1945]

Another thanks for wonderful pictures. Looks like this ride would be a fun day for family and friends. Any info on the 'how' and 'where' to get tickets, etc.

[TnHilltopper]

Originally Posted by JMT

Going up the mountain between Cookeville and Monterey:

Isn't this picture after Monterey, just north, near the sand mines, across the street from Loopers garage?

[JMT]

Originally Posted by TnHilltopper

Isn't this picture after Monterey, just north, near the sand mines, across the street from Loopers garage?

It probably is. That could be where the trains turn around. Sorry for the confusion.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Suzanne1945

Another thanks for wonderful pictures. Looks like this ride would be a fun day for family and friends. Any info on the 'how' and 'where' to get tickets, etc.

Right now, the only passenger trains around there are special excursion trains from Nashville, run by the Tennessee Centrail Railroad Museum. Their fall trains as usually the most popular, booked weeks in advance. Cookeville hosts a big "Railroad Rendezvous" around the historic Depot downtown as the excursion trains from Nashville arrive, lots of live music, food, train paraphernalia, tours of old train cars and a real steam locomotive, etc. It's a ton of fun.

Anyway, here's where you can find out more info about the train excursions:

TC Railway Museum

The next Railroad Rendezvous is set for May 2-3.

Railroad Rendezvous Springfest - Cookeville, Tennessee

Enjoy!

[gemkeeper]

Great pictures, JMT. What a great trip that will be.

Thanks for the links, as well. Maybe we can get a whole train load of TN forum members!

[mrs1885]

Originally Posted by gemthornton

Maybe we can get a whole train load of TN forum members!

Hey - there's a great idea!! Think we could fill the train with all of us here?? How cool would that be? I've got 5 kids and a hubby, so I could probably fill an entire car wtih my family alone!! LOL!!

[SPLIT]

JMT: Great pics, keep em comin. Will read all links later. Friend had some inside pics, maybe Cookeville station all restored with manican ticket agent.?
.Anyhow the SPRING CITY station is almost identical.? And almost finish restore as the Chamber of Commerce. My friend volunteers to help finish up.
GEM: You have one of the best areas for rail excursion, past Etowah up to
famous LOOP mtn.?
My father, & all his family worked upstate NY for the D & H, Delaware & Hudson Blue/yellow line. . Similar info at WWW.HydeParkStation.com
I use to be past Pres right where Pres Franklin ROOSEVELT museum is and his Funeral Train ceremony. Also Vanderbilt mansion.