Cable Country

01

Champion Railroad

 Jan 31, 2007

Meet a couple of train enthusiasts who are really on board with a locomotive layout that was quite a collaboration. 

Ed and Charlene Champion built a railroad.

“Well I’ve always been interested in trains”, Ed says. “I grew up down in South Carolina near the southern end of the Clinchfield and..just always been interested in trains”.

“When I was a kid my Dad used to talk about trains a lot”, says Charlene. “He didn’t participate in any kind of train activity except just to ride but he was very fond of the trains and I rode a lot of trains in the old days”.

While living in Florida, Ed and his son built the first six by eight segment of the layout.

“And we made it portable”, says Ed.

Then, when they moved into their new house in 2001, Ed and Charlene began expanding it in their basement.

“Well it’s about eight by 16”, according to Ed.

Now Ed’s the Engineer of Champion Railroad..and Charlene’s the Artistic Director.

“My wife enjoys the artistic aspects of it”, continues Ed. “But I do most of the running of the train and all the wiring and technical work”.

“We put in a sky to start with and he painted the blue background”, Charlene adds. “And then I made the clouds and then I looked at it and I thought gosh, that’s still bare so I knew especially since it’s supposed to depict this area that it really needed some mountains so I did the best I could and I painted in some mountains”.

Touches like trees and shrubs were added..she painted the water under the bridge..it was even her idea to put in the little airport. Having a one track mind and working on it together was special.

“It really enhances it because I’m not just stuck down here in the basement on my own”, Ed says. “And Charlene’s shown a great deal of interest in it and has helped out a lot doing the artwork”.

“It gave us a new interest of something that we do together”, says Charlene.

A twosome of trains track their way around the layout.

“I have about four or five trains but I can run two at a time”, Ed says.

He patterned the coal train after the old Clinchfield.

“It goes back to the early days of diesels in the 1950’s”, he says.

Ed says he plans on being the Engineer of this Champion Railroad setup for a long time to come. He says he never gets tired of playing with trains.

“I’ve got plenty of white hair and still playing with trains”, he laughs.

“It was a lot of fun”, says Charlene. “And we enjoy regular trains, too we like to see trains when we go traveling so it’s become kind of a new theme for us”.



Posted by Tim Cable

Mystery Mine Sneak Peak

 Jan 29, 2007

Dollywood’s biggest ever thrill ride will be ready to roll in around 10 weeks. I got a special sneak peak at the Mystery Mine. 

It looks more like a busy construction site than an abandoned mine right now. But Dollywood’s new Mystery Mine thrill ride won’t be a mystery much longer. Construction’s over 80 percent complete on this first-of-its-kind roller coaster ride in the United States.

“It is definitely going to be a unique coaster compared to other ones in the park”, says Project Producer, Brian Dudash.

“The specialty in this coaster is we have a very unique lift system which is the first one that’s going to be here in the United States operating”, according to Gerstlauer Elektro’s, Franz Maier. “It’s a vertical lift also we have the drop which is not only 90 degrees it’s more than 90 degrees”.

At over 17 million dollars, it’s the largest capital investment project in Dollywood’s history.

“It’s at least three times what Dollywood would typically spend”, Brian says.

But they say the investment should be well worth it. To start with, it’s a mysterious story..a long abandoned coal mine with an eerie past.

“The real story is”, continues Creative Director, Ralph Nielsen, “you have a relative perhaps your grandmother that says, there’s this old deserted mine down here now I don’t want you going down there you kids you go down there you’re liable to get hurt and just stay away from there and things’ll be fine so but you go anyway”.

“I call it a showster actually”, adds Brian. “Because you’re taking show elements and merging it with a rollercoaster”.

Riders will sit in individual cars like this one instead of one long connected train..and hit speeds up to 50 miles per hour during the two and a half minute experience.

“They will experience a mystery mine”, Franz says.

“There’s mysteries at every turn”, says Ralph. “It makes turns and dips and dives”.

“When you leave the station you don’t really know what’s ahead of you”, adds Franz.

I got a sneak peak of the first couple of scenes of Dollywood’s new spectacular showster but my camera wasn’t allowed in..kind of like the name suggests, it’s all still a mystery.

“So much of a mystery that we can’t go up into the top part of the building there”, Brian chuckles.

But the mystery will be revealed on a fitting day: Friday the 13th of April.

“It’s definitely taking Dollywood to another level”, says Brian. 



Posted by Tim Cable

Sexy, Successful Singles

 Jan 25, 2007

Marquee Magazine is a popular local publication and their January/February issue out on the shelves now features sexy, successful singles of the mountain south. But there’s more than a single article at work here. There’s a mass media explosion. 

They’re 14 folks with three things in common.

“Sexy, successful, single”, Shamail McKenzie laughs.

“I got kind of roped into it from people at work talking me into it”, says Paula Norris. “So, here I am”.

It’s all part of a Marquee Magazine mammoth multi-media project.

“Marquee has had the sexy, successful singles issue for a number of years now”, says Executive Editor, Mary Ellen Miller. “But what we wanted to do was take a traditional issue that hit around the Valentine’s season and kick it up a notch. We’re creating a video which will run on the world wide web and a web blog so we’re taking Marquee from being a regional publication to now being a global entity”.

This is reality TV at its best..real people answering real questions. When asked, “What’s your favorite pickup line?”..37-year-old Johnson City Police Officer, Paula Norris, doesn’t cop out with her answer.

“One of my favorites is: you know if I tell you I’ve done something wrong would you cuff me and take me to jail and which jail would that be?”, laughs Paula. “That probably would be one of the best ones I’ve heard”.

You can bet 33-year-old Beauty Pro, Shamail McKenzie has heard a few.

“My favorite pickup line is: Hi, my name is..fill in the blank”, Shamail says. “I love that you know it’s honest, straightforward you know no catchy phrases”.

Another catchy question: what does it take to be a sexy, successful single?

“In the right place at the right time”, suggests Paula.

“Definitely glitter, glitter makes me sexy”, laughs Shamail.

“I don’t know..love of your job and loving life and I mean doing the best you can and making the most of what you got”, Paula adds.

“Being extremely loved by family and friends and supported by them as well”, says Shamail. “I think that’s pretty cool I think that’s what makes anyone successful”.

For 48-year-old motorcycle riding Insurance Agent, Dale Strother, success is simple.

“To me success is the ability to be satisfied with your life”, Dale says. “To me there’s nothing sweeter in the world than my son and I riding across Unaka Mountain on a snowy day, that’s success to me. To enjoy the people around you and enjoy the place that you live”.

Is Marquee playing matchmaker?

“You put all these attractive, single, successful people together and things start happening”, according to Mary Ellen. “So I’m delighted to be a part of that I love being a matchmaker”.

So then, the final question: are these singles looking to hook up through all this?

“I’m just trying to get through the evening”, laughs Paula.

For more on Marquee Magazine’s big multi-media project, go to http://www.mymarqueelive.com



Posted by Tim Cable

60 Years: Still Cuttin’

 Jan 23, 2007

Floyd’s Barber Shop in Mount Airy, North Carolina is marking a major milestone. Russell Hiatt, who was the inspiration for Floyd the Barber on the old Andy Griffith Show, is celebrating 60 years behind the barber chair. 

Thanks to reruns and syndication, Floyd’s Barber Shop has been in business for over 40 years now on The Andy Griffith Show. But here in the real Mayberry, Mount Airy, North Carolina, the real Floyd’s Barber Shop has been cuttin’ up with customers for over 50 years.

“I started cutting hair when I was 22”, says Barber, Russell Hiatt. “I’m still at it, still love it”.

Yep, it’s a case of shear devotion for the 82-year-old Hiatt. What keeps him moving along at such a steady clip?

“Well, the people”, he says with a wink. “I just couldn’t walk away from the people when I thought I was going to retire at 65 I said no, I can’t do it. I just can’t walk away”.

It’s been a steady stream of customers in Russell’s chair through the years..including Mount Airy’s most famous citizen. Andy Griffith used to be a regular here.

“This is where he always got his haircuts and when he was home from college, he still got his haircuts here”, says Russell.

Popular opinion is: that’s how Andy got the idea of putting Floyd the Barber in his show. Russell was the inspiration.

“Well that’s fine with me because I love the show”, Russell laughs. “And I thought Floyd was an awfully good actor, I’m not that kind of an actor but I kind of like the attention it brings and if I can be a part of the Mayberry spirit, as long as I can contribute, I’m enjoying it”.

And nowhere is the Mayberry spirit more alive than in this town.

“Oh yes, this is Mayberry to a lot of people”, says Russell. “I would say if not for the tourism coming to this town that we’d be hurting here”.

And happily getting his little cut of that tourism dollar..is Russell Hiatt..the real Floyd..who doesn’t plan on hanging up his scissors anytime soon.

“As long as the good people keep coming here that’s what keeps me going”, Russell says. “So I’m going to keep going as long as I can”.



Posted by Tim Cable

Harrisburg Covered Bridge

 Jan 16, 2007

In our seemingly never ending quest to uncover old covered bridges, we find another one that’s still in use today..this time in Sevier County. 

Dirt has given way to asphalt and cars have replaced the horse and wagon on Harrisburg Road in Sevier County. But one relic from that bygone era remains--the historic Harrisburg Covered Bridge.

“THERE’S FOUR IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, TWO THAT’S STILL BEING IN USE”, SAYS BARNEY WOODY, WHO LIVES NEAR THE BRIDGE.

Yep, you can still find folks meandering and motoring through this old structure. Barney’s been around the bridge most of his life.

“WE MOVED HERE FROM 1960”, BARNEY SAYS. “MY MOTHER GREW UP HERE BUT I’VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1960”.

Like most of the locals, he knows the history of the bridge.

“THE PRESENT BRIDGE HAS BEEN HERE I THINK SINCE 1875”, BARNEY STATES.

Harrisburg Handyman and Master Carpenter, Elbert Early built the timber truss bridge to replace the old McNutt Bridge taken out by a big flood. The current structure went through a major restoration project in the early 70’s thanks to the efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Then, in 2004, another renovation.

“SET THE BRIDGE OFF OF ITS FOUNDATION DID QUITE A BIT OF REPAIR WORK ON THE FOUNDATION AS WELL AS THE MAIN TIMBERS UNDER THE BRIDGE WERE DETERIORATING PRETTY BAD AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE PART OF THAT”, SAYS BARNEY.

Restored to its original grandeur, the bridge spans 83 feet across the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration provides opportunity for new memories--but there’s plenty of old memories that’s water under the bridge. Barney says his Mother used to recollect.

“SHE SAID IT WAS ALWAYS AN INTERESTING DAY WHEN THE MILL WAS STILL IN EXISTENCE”, REMEMBERS BARNEY. “SHE WAS A SMALL GIRL AT THAT TIME. THE FAMILY WOULD LOAD A WAGON AND BRING CORN TO THE MILL TO BE GROUND AND THE KIDS WOULD COME AND SPEND THE DAY PLAYING IN THE CREEK WHILE THE CORN WAS BEING GROUND. A LOT OF KIDS GREW UP UNDER THE BRIDGE WE JOKE A LOT ABOUT BEING THE RESIDENT TROLL AND GROWING UP UNDER THE BRIDGE”.

A lot of folks, especially the ones in this community, believe that preserving landmarks like this one is important to keep building the bridge to the future.

“FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE A LONG TIME THE BRIDGE IS THE LAST REMAINING ITEM THAT REPRESENTS WHAT USED TO BE A THRIVING COMMUNITY”, SAYS BARNEY. “THERE’S SO MUCH OF OUR HISTORY THAT’S BEING DESTROYED NOW I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE IT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS”.



Posted by Tim Cable

Page 1 of 2 pages  1 2 >

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement