The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad No. 1702 during the engine's first excursion since its $750,000 restoration. The locomotive was welcomed with warm smiles and southern hospitality as it pulled into the Dillsboro depot for the first time since 2004. This trip was exactly twenty years after the engine had last faced east, an event not to be missed. The engine had not pulled a loaded train before this excursion, so the crew thought it only fitting to do load testing on its first run. The locomotive hauled a mixed eight-car train and idling diesel for sixteen miles, including lugging the train over two one-mile grades that were above 1.5%; pretty good for an ole' Georgia army brat. When the locomotive reached the middle of the famous Cowee tunnel, it slipped three times before finally breaking out of the west end portal. This locomotive is one of the loudest engines I have ever heard, which is quite impressive. I am so happy 1702 is back, I can't wait to see what the next fifteen years has to offer.
