Heart Of Georgia (HOG)

More funding: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/heart-ge ... 00464.html

...
The $820,000 grant will enable the HOG to upgrade track and restore service on two miles of rail line in Nunez, Ga.

“This is another step to restore rail-freight service along the entire HOG line between Midvale and Preston, Georgia,” said Andy Chunko, the railroad’s president. “We greatly appreciate the commitment from the State of Georgia, state legislators and communities along the line to continue this work and look forward to the day that HOG can provide customers along the entire corridor with competitive access to the national rail freight network.”
...

Christmas In Plains Special Train Ride

Nov 30, 2019 Boarding begins at 2:30PM and departs at 3:00PM.

Georgia Veterans State Park
Cordele, GA



Get Directions
Tickets


Enjoy a relaxing evening on SAM Shortline as we travel to Plains in time for all the lights in Plains to glow brightly.

President and Rosalyn Carter will throw the switch to light up the town.

There will be Christmas music and activities to put you in the spirit of Christmas.

Special plans are in store as we have word that SANTA will be joining us on our excursion.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Beer and wine will be available for purchase while on board (Americus car passengers only).

Coach cars are alcohol-free.

2:30 PM Boarding begins

3:00 PM Depart Georgia Veterans State Park Depot

5:45 PM Arrive in Historic Plains, Georgia
(Layover of 1 hour, 45 minutes)

6:00 PM Lighting of Christmas Lights & Tree

7:30 PM Depart Plains

10:15 PM Arrive Georgia Veterans State Park Depot



Total trip: 7 hours, 15 minutes

Hot Glass BrewFest Limited

On April 4, SAM Shortline Railroad will have an excursion trip from the Georgia Veterans Depot to Americus to attend the Hot Glass BrewFest Festival.

Enjoy a relaxing train to Americus to enjoy the Festival and let SAM do the driving.

There are several different packages available which includes admission to the event and drink tasting tickets. The train ride is limited to persons 21 years or older.

For ticket information call 229-276-0755 or go online at WWW.SAMSHOTLINE.COM

Come ride SAM.

The Hot Glass Brewfest in Americus on April 4th has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Below is an E-mail from Lee Kinnamon who is Chairman of the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority.


In light of the CDC’s recently released directive concerning the cancellation of gatherings larger than 50 people and in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, we are suspending SAM train operations at this time until April 4, 2020.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may pose to our corridor stakeholders. As always, our first priority must be the safety of passengers, volunteers, staff, and crew. We will continue to evaluate the situation and keep everyone apprised of any additional changes to our operating schedule.

Thank you for your continued support.

Lee

R. Lee Kinnamon, Chair
Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority

Shame, but well advised. My girlfriend and I had signed up for the dinner excursion next weekend (Prime Rib/$89) that the Dearing was to be part of. At some point I do want to come down and check it all out, and promote it on the site. I have been on a couple rides, not as far as Americus though, just out to the lake and back.

Since you've put this on the HOG thread, do you ever do excursions east? Be a neat rare mileage expedition.

"Shame, but well advised. My girlfriend and I had signed up for the dinner excursion next weekend (Prime Rib/$89) that the Dearing was to be part of. At some point I do want to come down and check it all out, and promote it on the site. I have been on a couple rides, not as far as Americus though, just out to the lake and back.

Since you've put this on the HOG thread, do you ever do excursions east? Be a neat rare mileage expedition."

I think traveling East has been talked about, nothing is scheduled. With the adding of the "Dearing" Car and coming arrival of the "Henderson" Car, another premium car, some thoughts have been given to traveling East.

The HOG line is under going major track rehab and until it is completed, nothing will be added.

Several years ago SAM went to Vidalia and was received very well. If we could get back to a 25 to 30 mph, things might break loose. Right now 10 MPH
slow orders puts a kink in operations.

Hopeful by July 1st, the track will be back up to speed.

WAW

From: R. Lee Kinnamon, Chairman
Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority
Historic SAM Shortline Railroad



Dear Friends of the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad,

As the United States, Georgia, and our local communities continue to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad has suspended train operations until May 23, 2020 in order to protect the health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers. If you have already made reservations on trains that have been cancelled, we will reschedule your trip or refund your payment. Please call our office at 229-276-0755.

Though we must close to the public temporarily, we are busy planning many exciting excursions to our host communities, as well as elegant dinner trains and new special events following our reopening in May. To stay informed of our upcoming plans, continue to visit our Facebook page or www.samshortline.com for all of the details.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family aboard the train again very soon!

Sincerely,

R. Lee Kinnamon

R. Lee Kinnamon, chairman
Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority
Historic SAM Shortline Railroad

"Celebrating 18 Years of Outstanding Safety and Service!"

Sam Shortline RailRoad has resumed the 2020 train schedule.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, train operations were suspended mid-March.

During the shutdown, major track work was completed which allows 25 mph speeds on the corridor. This will allow trips to Plains to take about 1hour and 30 minutes. Prior to this track work, slow orders lowered speeds to about 10 mph. These speeds made for a long day.

Several safety procedures were implemented to address any COVID-19 concerns.

The Plains Express Excursion has made two trips to Plains from Georgia Veterans State Park with no problems.

Another premium car, the J.P. Henderson, has been added to the SAM consist. Joining the “Dearing”, these cars will allow a passenger to look back in time to see how the “President of the Line” traveled his railroad.

Along with a full schedule of regular runs to Plains, special train events are scheduled throughout the season.

“Day out with Thomas” will return October 24th, 25th, 31st and November 1st.

Look us up on-line at: www.samshortline.com

Come ride SAM!

What radio frequencies are used by the Heart of Georgia operation around Cordele?

TNX.