One of the many stories about The Saluda Grade. This grade, which crests at Saluda, NC, is the steepest standard gauge railroad grade in the United States.

"Carolina's Railroad Heritage: What's Gone and What's Still Here", presented at the Saluda Historic Depot by Rodger Stroup. This illustrated presentation traces the history and remains of North and South Carolina railroads.

Fascinating stories of railroading and the Saluda Grade told by video producer, Bob Loehne. Recorded as part of the Depot's monthly, Train Tales - a free series that's open to the public at the Historic Saluda Depot.

Ray Rapp speaks at Saluda Historic Depot Train Tales. Discusses WNC Rail Committee and progress of Ecusta Trail and the Saluda Grade. Discusses Blue Ridge Southern and WATCO.

David O’Brien gives a history of the Saluda Grade

Friday night's Train Tales focused on Southern Railway's Dining Car service over the years. From age 12, Bo Brown has been collecting railroad memorabilia, specifically china and silver used in Office Cars and Dining cars. Many pieces are shown during the talk.

What was the country's steepest mainline railroad grade was also known for runaways and derailments. Larry Morton, President of the Apple Valley Model RR Club in Hendersonville, presents an overview of the Saluda Grade and some of the notable train wrecks that occurred on it.

The Shands came to Saluda in the late 1800's and Bill's grandfather worked for Southern Railway. That put him in the interesting places covered in this short presentation. Hear about the grade and how Safety Tracks first installed here saved lives on the rails and along mountain roads across America.

Arriving at the Saluda Depot with Raymond 'Bo' Brown, was china and silver from Southern Railway's fleet of dining and office cars.

An outstanding story-teller, Bo shares how dining at 60 mph evolved from box lunches to 5-star dining and now back to...well, 'nuff said.

It's easy to cheer for Southern Railways. They served passengers 10-years longer than others before yielding to Amtrak.

Rail Operations volunteer, Lucas R. Safrit presented an overview of steam and diesel power from the N.C. Transportation Museum, formerly home of Southern Railway's Spencer Shops.

Early railroading and engines that pulled the Saluda Grade are featured in this 30-min. presentation.

More about Saluda's Historic Depot: http://www.SaludaHistoricDepot.com More about the NC Transportation Museum: http://www.nctrans.org

Railfan Ed Painter explores with Drayton Blackgrove of Delay In Block Productions the immense collection of rail videos and still photos dating from the 1960's through 1996 when the rails stopped coming through Saluda. These videos and stills that have been remastered and are in superb condition. It is a must view for rail enthusiasts. Those knowledgeable about trains and Saluda geography will note some places in this video where the conversation is not synced to the video. We apologize for that. For more detailed discussion about locomotives and Saluda Geography, please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhaYsdW-tps&t=1138s

John Pezzano was born in NYC and graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering. He later got a Masters Degree in EE while serving in the Air Force. He spent 12 years in the USAF doing research in New Mexico. He then worked for Hewlett Packard as a Field Consultant in El Paso. He retired in 2002 as a Computer & Network Consultant for HP in Atlanta and moved to Hendersonville. While in Atlanta and for a time in Hendersonville, he volunteered at the Southeastern RR Museum where he did everything from docent to helping with engine and car restoration to conductor on train rides. He also volunteered with them at the Blue Ridge Scenic RR. In 2014 until 2023, John was in the Apple Valley Model RR Club. He has been a Volunteer firefighter (in NM), Sheriff's Department Volunteer, Red Cross Disaster Team Member, Mineral Museum Docent and more since living in Hendersonville. John is currently a docent and volunteer at the Saluda Historic Depot.

Stephen R. Little, Esq Mayor of Marion NC tells how convict labor built the railroad loops at Old Fort NC and the tunnels that went through the mountains of Western NC

Roland Stadelman describes the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland. It is the deepest railway tunnel in the world, with a maximum depth of 2,450 m (8,040 ft). Roland Stadelmann, Swiss born and now a resident of Gramling South Carolina, Roland began his enthusiasm for trains at age 8 He lived in Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium, and has traveled by rail through Switzerland, Germany, Lichtenstein, Austria, Hungary, France, Italy, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. Roland models miniature trains in O, HO, and N-scale. Professionally, he is the President, CEO and owner of Foothills Financial Group, Inc. with offices in Tryon, NC, and Landrum, SC.

Step aboard a journey through time with this captivating presentation by Bo Brown, uncovering the rarely told story of the Southern Railway Hostesses—women who served with grace, strength, and professionalism from 1942 to 1958. Based on intimate interviews with Myra Virginia Donald and backed by Bo Brown’s meticulous research, this presentation sheds light on a group of dedicated women who helped shape the passenger rail experience during a transformative era in American history. Little has been documented about these remarkable hostesses—until now. Discover their lives, their challenges, and their contributions in this heartfelt tribute to their legacy.

David Winans of Spartanburg, SC shares the powerful and moving story of the FDR Funeral Train. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in April 1945 at Warm Springs, Georgia, the Southern Railway dispatched two locomotives and several passenger cars to transport the President’s body. Once FDR’s casket was placed aboard, the train began its solemn journey—forever remembered as the FDR Funeral Train. David recounts the poignant and often chilling details of its passage from Warm Springs to Washington, D.C., and finally to President Roosevelt’s final resting place in Hyde Park, New York. Don’t miss this compelling presentation on a moment that deeply touched the nation.