Future Plans for the RR&G

Please refer to the RR&G Route Map.

Short-term Goals

In the very near future, we plan to install air brakes and air sanders on the M4. A new horn and proper control stand will likely follow. Adding operating windows and completing the inside will follow the installation of all piping and wiring. A bell would be nice, too.

In addition, we are rebuilding the bridge at Grigsby's Gulch on the wye and building a new bridge at the new Hearn's Bridge on the main line. We also need to replace a rail near Baker's Bridge on the wye. Once this is complete, we'll have an operational wye to add to the Long Leaf Loop and the Main Line will be fully restored to service to the current end-of-track near Sandersville.
 

Our final short term goal is the completion of the cosmetic restoration of RR&G #106, which not only will improve the looks of the engine, it will give us a basis to evaluate its operational restoration.
 

Mid-term Goals

Santee River Hardwood #3, a pre-1905 Heisler, is in our Machine Shop and undergoing an operational restoration. We plan to be hauling passengers around Long Leaf by 2024 WITH STEAM! This will be the realization of a dream held tight since the first railfan visited Long Leaf decades ago...

Long-term Goals

It is our hope to extend the railroad from the current end-of-track south of Sandersville north through Sandersville and then along the west leg of the Long Leaf Junction Wye to the east side of the former RR&G bridge over the Union Pacific Lake Charles Subdivision. Here, we would like to construct a new (and smaller) wye. Once completed, we can begin regular/scheduled operations with a 5-mile round trip from the Commissary/Depot.

Both extending the railroad north to the Long Leaf Junction Wye, and the construction of a new wye, will require the permission and assistance of Crowell Forest Resources and cannot be accomplished until after the first thinning of the timber currently growing in and along the railroad.  This is a 5-year plan and we believe we will achieve it.

The Ultimate Dream Goal

If everything above can be accomplished and the RR&G is running regular trains behind steam power, we can turn our sights towards extending the railroad again. With the cooperation of Crowell Forest Resources, we may be able to rebuild the railroad south on the abandoned grade of the Meridian Line. Unfortunately we can't get all the way to the former lumber mill town of Meridian, but we can go about 7 miles to Cocodrie Lake. This will be enormously expensive (around $5 million), but would give the railroad a 14 mile round trip up and down several 2% grades, and through the beautiful forests of central Louisiana. The increased tourism will be a strong economic engine, boosting the local economy.

Current End-of-Serviceable Track at MP 11.20, near Sandersville Crossing.