From Rick Tufts
ARCOA members made their way to North Carolina for a mid-April ride along the Red Springs and Northern Railroad. Operators gathered in downtown Red Springs and were welcomed to the event by members of Railcar Operators of the Carolinas (RO-C) which hosted the event. Cars were unloaded and inspected, safety rules and ride distances were covered in the early morning hours.
The line which the event was held, was the ex-Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) and Seaboard Coast Lines (SCL) that branched off the ACL line in the small town of Parkton NC. This branch line of sorts ran from Parkton down through the small towns along the way, making stops here and there to both pick up and drop off passengers, goods and freight. Heading South in the 1940's, were many passenger trains loaded with military troops heading to Bennettsville South Carolina where this line ended back in the day. Over the years, the line saw many trains heading North and South, passing small towns such as Lumber Bridge, McNatts, Wakula and Flora McDonald and on down to Maxton and beyond. As time passed, the line changed hands from the ACL/SCL and was side-lined due to the entire line being pulled up. All that remains today is a 13 mile section which runs from Parkton to Red Springs The Red Springs and Northern Railroad took the line over which operated and handful of businesses along the 13 miles but was later taken over and operated by the Laurinburg and Southern. As the industry and economic crunch hit most areas in the 80's, this was the demise of this remaining line.
But within the last 12 or so years, the RO-C group took over the line as a 'work time for ride time' and offered to keep the line open and cleaned for the financial institute that owned the line. This was a great relationship and RO-C members had a line they could call their own, ride pretty much when they could, kept the line clear of debris, trees and such and of course shuttled possible buyers of the property up and down the line. Interest grew among the members and later the Red Springs and Northern Railroad Foundation was created to help preserve the line for its historical benefit and to host ride events when they could. The RS&N Foundation is a 501 3 © organization which has done well over the years to sustain members and host two big events each year. These events are the Halloween and Christmas rides. These two events alone a proof positive that railroading through rural Robeson County has a large following. To add to the Halloween event, students from the theater and arts program at Pembroke State University actually supply the students to create and set up various skits for the spooky ride which in total is about ½ to ¾ mile long. Yes, they put on a pretty good show as this is part of their grade for that semester. And of course, part of the ride is in a deep and dark swamp which adds to the spookiness.
So back to the ride, cars made their way out of Red Springs and headed North towards Parkton. The trip went lazily through farm lands, low lying swamps, crossed old wooden trestles and ended up in downtown Parkton. Cars were parked right next to the CSX A line, which the “A” stands for Atlantic Coast Line and lunch was the topic at hand. A newly opened grill in town welcomed everyone on for lunch and some of the best sweet tea in town. Lucky for the RO-C and RS&N group, the Parkton Grill has come to town and has a great working relationship with the group. The grill accommodates the RO-C and RS&N group on certain weekends to host monthly meetings and enjoy a southern style lunch. Again, another win-win for all involved.
After lunch, the cars were turned and took a lazy ride South back to Red Springs. Since the line was only 13 miles, the event was open to ride Friday evening, have dinner in Parkton and return, then on Saturday, operators could ride the line as many times as they wanted. That again, is another positive about having the entire line to yourself. You have the opportunity to ride back and forth til your heart is content.
It was good to meet new operators and see ones we've known for years, to come together and ride as a group and enjoy the last mid-April ride through the rural backwoods of North Carolina.