REVAMPING “THE TWINS”: A MAINTENANCE TALE ON THE HIWASSEE RIVER SCENIC RAILROAD

The Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad offers a picturesque journey that is not only a treat to the eyes but a marvel of railway engineering. Among our beloved locomotives are a pair of leased engines from General American Transportation (GATX/GMTX), numbers 2004 & 2005, fondly referred to as “The Twins.”

Meet “The Twins” Though they’re called “The Twins” due to their sequential serial numbers, this nickname has more to it, a story we’ll share another time. These locomotives, along with our company-owned engine No. 5109, power the weekly trips along this incredibly scenic stretch of railroad.

A Challenge with Locomotive 2004 Recently, the short hood brake pipe cutout on 2004, or the “angle cock” in railroad terminology, became very difficult to operate. A critical part for safety and functionality, it needed urgent attention.

For those who may not know, the angle cock is a valve that controls the air brake system on trains. It’s a part that our ground crew deals with daily, so its functionality is essential for smooth operations.

Taking Action After much consternation, it was decided to replace the stubborn angle cock with a brand-new one. The process wasn’t easy; it took determination, skill, and a careful hand to remove the old part and install the new one.

But the hard work paid off. The new angle cock was installed successfully, making life much easier for the guys working the ground with this locomotive. It’s these behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure our guests enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey.

See “The Twins” in Action Interested in witnessing the 2004 (and 5109) in action? Join us for our weekly trips on the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad. Experience the natural beauty of the Hiwassee River while traveling on locomotives that hold their own fascinating stories.