The Andrews depot pictured is a replacement for another station that was located on this same site many years ago. GSMRR used to originate excursions here as well for trips down Red Marble grade to milepost 80 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. I asked a GSMRR employee in Bryson City why they no longer run out of here and he stated "The ridership just wasn't there, also, we don't have enough equipment to operate in the peak season to run the trains (two runs per day) out of Bryson City and Dillsboro.". Oddly, I have ridden the whole line from Andrews to Dillsboro and the Andrews to N.O.C. portion is my favorite. Maybe one day the trains will return, but for now is limited only to two photo special trains that will run the entire line on May 23rd and Sept. 12th, 2004. |