Early morning finds steam is up for the trip to Nantahala Gorge in a few hours.

1702 leads an afternoon tuck train through Thomas Valley.

1702 leads an afternoon tuck train through Wilmot.

The 1702 leads the daily Nantahala Gorge excursion train along the shore of Fontana Lake. The ex-US Army 2-8-0 returned to service in July 2016 after nearly twelve years of inactivity. The railroa... (more)

After an absence of nearly twelve years, regular steam operation has returned to GSMR as the recently rehabilitated 1702 leads a Saturday evening dinner train west out of Bryson City.

Having just departed Bryson City, 1702 struggles on the slick rails departing town. Two diesels are also giving a push on the rear of this weekend gorge excursion train.

Fog begins to build along the Nantahala river as 1702 steams westbound through the gorge with the daily gorge train. Rafters from the Nantahala Outdoor Center enjoy the rapids created by the dail... (more)

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 i... (more)

Back in active duty again and looking good as it leads a tourist train out to Nantahala Gorge and here crossing the Tuckasegee River.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad No. 1702 during the engine's first trip into the Nantahala Gorge since 2004.The locomotive was welcomed with warm smiles and waves from the rafters in the Nantah... (more)

GSMR 1702 charges hard towards Bryson City on what would be her first successful run all the way to Swain County.

A late afternoon test run provided for some rare light on this end of the line.

For the first time in 12 years, GSMR 1702 graces the ragged rails of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad east of Whittier. In a hurry to make a ceremony for her return, the 1942 built locomotive pa... (more)

Should we be grateful for what we have or hopeful for what we don't? While #1702 is the only operating steam locomotive on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, she's not the only one they own. T... (more)