Shelbyville, Tennessee · Monday, March 22, 2010
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Hiwassee River Rail Adventure

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The Hiwassee River Rail Adventure is an excursion train paralleling the Hiwassee River in Polk County, Tenn.

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The historic Etowah railroad depot has been restored and houses a museum, Chamber of Commerce offices and the offices of the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association.
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This 1950s-era diesel locomotive is used on the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure.
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This scale model of The Loop is on display at the Etowah Depot. It shows how the railroad spirals up a mountain and crosses over itself.
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Comfortable, air-conditioned passenger cars offer travelers a spectacular view.
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Retired conductor Harvey Blasingame was one of the hosts for a media day on the Hiwassee River route. Blasingame first went to work for the L&N Railroad in 1966, became a conductor in 1972 and retired in 1999.
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Kayakers and rafters can be seen on the Hiwassee and will wave at the train if they're nearby.
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The renovation of Apalachia Power Station helped make the excursion train possible by paying for track repairs.
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The ride offers some beautiful scenic views.
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This was the view from the rear platform as the train made its way from Gee Springs State Park to Farner.