Train History Day at the Cradle of Forestry in America

Come learn about the 1914 Climax logging locomotive on display at the Cradle of Forestry and how it and other old logging trains wound their way through the forest coves of western North Carolina. Enjoy a slide program at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. presented by Western North Carolina train historian Jerry Ledford. The program features old photographs of the real people and places that are part of local logging history. After each program walk the accessible Forest Festival Trail to see the Cradle’s old Climax locomotive and discuss its history and mechanics.

The Asheville Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society members will display a hands-on railroad yard and HO scale switching layout. Learn how to move railroad cars within the yard, how to switch tracks, and set up an entire train from engine to caboose. Enjoy seeing pictures from Southern Railway in the 1950s, old railroad lanterns, and other railroad memorabilia.