SFX Whistle Music Tracks Ahead Brought to you by Rancho de Tia Rosa, a Mexican restaurant serving the Phoenix area since 1990.

Raildreams, a designer and builder of custom model railroads since 1994.

Hi, I'm Spencer Christian.

On this episode of Tracks Ahead, we'll visit an astounding 15 inch gauge railroad on a game preserve in the midwest.

We'll visit Kyoto Japan, and look in on a steam museum and train ride, and we'll head to the Smoky Mountains for a visit to a new public layout.

It might sound glamorous to own your own railroad, but the reality is, it's a very tough business.

Only the strong survive, and even then it takes a little luck along with lots of hard work.

Let's go out to the plains of South Dakota, where we're going to introduce you to a man and his railroad.

Annc: Alex Huff is a survivor.

A very hard working survivor.

Much of his adult life has been spent in the short line railroad business, where folks often last just a few short years.

Huff works here in Chamberlain, South Dakota, a Missouri River town 135 miles west of Sioux Falls.

It's the home and headquarters of his Dakota Southern Railway.

It runs on 190 miles of track between Mitchell and Kadoka.

The track is leased from the state.

In the 1970's and 1980's, when railroads were going bankrupt, and track was being abandoned, the state of South Dakota stepped in and became a major player.

Alex Huff, had worked in the short-line freight business around the country, and it was more than 20 years ago when the state asked Alex to take over this route.

He knows these old Milwaukee Road lines like the back of his hand.

There were years, before he was pushed out by the big boys in the railroad business, when much of his track time was spent moving wheat.

It was sent east to the flour mills, or south to the Gulf Coast so it could be sent to Asia.

Alex: Well, this is a big grain production area.

A lot of high quality wheat comes out of this part of the state.

A lot of it goes into the domestic mill market east of Chicago.

And having rail has been, has had an effect on how much the elevators can offer for grain.

Recently as part of an agreement for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe to acquire state owned track at Mitchell we were granted access to other railroads.

And that's why we're going back in the grain business.

Because we now have a working relationship with BNSFompetitors.

Annc: Now, the main product moved by the Dakota Southern is fiberboard from paper mills in the south.

It's made into a variety of cartons for packaged consumer products.

Alex: Well, one of the new primary cargos that we've got is a company that prints food cartons.

And those, they ship in rolls of what I would call cardboard which are like pizza cartons, those sorts of things.

And those cars have to be positioned inside the plant so that they can unload on the same side as the car was loaded.

Now that means we use one of the last two active railroad turntables here in the state of South Dakota to rotate the cars as necessary so that they can be lined up correctly when they get inside the plant.

The plants unusual in another way in that the track is physically inside the building.

And because it's food grade packaging, we have to wear hair nets - even I - and ear plugs and of course the usual safety gear.

The only thing you can have in your mouth basically is your teeth.

But it's been good business for us.

It tided us over during the period when we weren't moving grain.

Annc: Times change, and moving grain is once again a welcome part of the workload.

In this business, the only constant is change.

Wind noise Annc: Right now, it's just Alex Huff and one full-time employee.

Wendall: I like working for a short-line quite a bit.

It's a lot of fun and I get to do more than just ride on the trains.

I get to fix the track and work on equipment as well.

Annc: It's a short-line railroad, but it's been a long haul.

As the train rolls over one of the largest railroad bridges in the country, nearly a mile across the beautiful Missouri River, Alex Huff has a moment to think about the changes he has seen during a long career in the railroad business.

Alex: There have certainly been a few negative changes over the years.

The biggest one that I see is the desire by the majors to try to reduce the number of small shippers.

Basically they want them to go onto intermodal.

Some of them are fairly frank and say maybe they should truck instead.

That's a niche that shortlines fill in my opinion.

We can give a level of service that the smaller shipper needs, and that's pretty critical in holding onto the small shipper base.

The future of the Dakota Southern is going to be driven by the grain market.

Whether we're going to be able to operate most of the line in the future.

As long as we have good crops out here and fuel prices are what the are today, we have an economic reason to be here.

Annc: It's important to listen closely to people like Alex Huff.

He knows this business inside and out.

What works and what doesn't.

It's a generation of knowledge that is a gift to the railroad industry.

The Dakota Southern is once again hauling grain across its 190 mile line.

Now let's journey into the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri.

Here we'll find one of the largest 15 inch gauge railroads we've ever seen.

And it started as a tribute to a family member.

Annc: It's a miniature railroad of giant proportions: five miles of track, an 800-foot long tunnel, and the largest steam locomotive of its kind in North America.

Tucked away in the Ozark mountains of southern Missouri, the Arborway T.T.

and Northwestern Railroad is a private 15" gauge operation built by banker John Woods and his mother Marjorie.

These passionate railfans began the project on their family farm back in 2001, spurred into action by the near-fatal illness of 90-year-old Marjorie.

John: Suffice it to say that when she managed to survive we elected to start this project, we'd been talking about it, I'd been talking about it for years.

Annc: John and Marjorie wanted the track plan to follow a scenic route to the Meramec River.

But little did they know the challenges they were about to face from this rugged landscape.

John: It's not railroad friendly, it's not flat at all, it's very hilly and rocky, a lot of rock the soil needed a lot of stabilization, we have erosion issues on the steep hills, and so it was very challenging, it required a lot of engineering and professional work.

Darrell: Working with John is a lot of fun.

He has a big dream and he had some means to make that dream become a reality.

Annc: One of the many professionals John consulted was Darrell Klompmaker of The Whiskey River Railway in Marshall, Wisconsin.

Darrell: I think the biggest challenge with this railroad was the amount of dirt that needed to be moved.

The challenge was actually getting this layout built into the countryside.

It's a beautiful layout.

John: We moved a total of about 500,000 cubic yards of dirt and rock and we were fortunate in that the amount of cuts equaled the amount of fills.

Annc: Two tunnels were built for the railroad, including the 800-foot-long Ozark.

Highway construction crews were hired to do the job.

John: The Ozark tunnel was actually sliced down, a very deep slice, it had to go down 60 feet from the top of Ozark Mountain, it's really a ridge but we call it Ozark Mountain.

Annc: Once the right-of-way was complete, railroad manager John Bishop and a crew of hired hands spent two years on the site laying the entire five miles of track.

The project got a boost when John acquired an entire model railroad from Glen Bell of California, founder of the Taco Bell restaurant chain.

John: Long story short Glen was wanting to get out of the railroad business and of course I was getting into, and we just sort of hit it off and we made a deal.

Annc: The Bell Gardens Railroad included four diesel engines and two dozen cars.

John: Plus of course the track, two and a half miles of track as well, and switches and just everything, twelve tractor trailer loads as I said it took two weeks to unload them.

Annc: In the meantime, Darrell was busy building additional equipment, including a diesel engine that became the workhorse of the railroad.

Darrell: He wanted Darrell-size, that's what a lot of people call it, Darrell-size trains that's what he wanted and I build them to fit full size people.

Annc: When John requested a steam locomotive, Darrell spent four years building the 801, a 4-8-4 Northern large enough to carry two adults, side by side.

Darrell: In 15-inch gauge it's probably the largest in the United States by virtue of its size compared to the scale of the track.

Just its mass, this locomotive weighs about 20,000 pounds.

A locomotive like this would be more typical for a large mainline but John's railroad is more like a mountain railroad it has a lot of steep grades to it.

John: Darrell Klompmaker made it very clear that we don't want to go up or down more than two percent and we'd have to hold to a 200 foot minimum radius.

Darrell: I had some concerns about its overall performance but we kept looking back at the design and making sure it would handle it.

I would say this is the largest railroad I've ever worked on, it's a once in a lifetime experience and it's just a lot of fun and I hope it continues.

Annc: Thanks to a special trust fund, Arborway has a secure future as a private family railroad, dedicated to the memory of John's mother, who passed away in 2007.

John: Well I know her illness in February 2001 when she nearly died I'm convinced as are other family members that this project kept her alive many more years than would've been the case.

Annc: John has plans to extend the track another five miles in the near future, but for now he's taking time to sit back and enjoy this spectacular railroad, especially from his favorite viewing spot called Panhandle Junction.

John: You get a good angle of the steam engine 801 when it's working up the hill and rounding that curve and then heading into the tunnel.

It's a pretty impressive sight.

Although the railroad is not open to the public, railfans can join a "friends" group for the opportunity to both work and play on the railroad.

The Smoky Mountains are a breathtaking sight, and an extremely popular tourist destination.

In a moment, we'll head in that direction to show you something that will take your breath away.

First, we're going to visit Kyoto, Japan for a trip back in time.

It's a city where three powerful figures still loom large: the emperor, the shogun, and the steam locomotive.

Annc: It's been called the heart and soul of Japan.

This is Kyoto.

City of a thousand temples and shrines, and home to the elusive geisha.

Most visitors enter this ancient city at a very modern place, Kyoto Station, built in 1997.

Since the city has no airport, tourists often take Japan Airlines to Tokyo and complete the trip by rail, a fast two and half hours by Shinkansen bullet train.

Nearly a million people pass through Kyoto Station every day for both travel and entertainment.

Not bad in a city with a population of just one and half million.

From Kyoto Station, local trains and buses fan out across a city that at first glance, appears to be a very modern metropolis.

This is, after all, the home of Nintendo.

But here, in the city center, is the calm oasis of the Heian Shrine and garden, built to honor Kyoto's thousand year reign as home to the Imperial family.

Although the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869, Kyoto has remained the cultural heart of Japan, preserving its long history and traditions.

The Heian Shrine is one of 400 Shinto shrines in the city.

And here in the ancient garden is another treasure from the past, Japan's oldest railcar, built in 1894.

Evidence of rail travel as a part of Japan's proud heritage is not only seen in Kyoto, it's made loud and clear on a daily basis.

Annc: Three times a day, this steam locomotive makes its way through a small park south of downtown.

It's one oseveral on display at the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, housed in the oldest wooden train depot in Japan, the former Nijo Train Station, built in 1905 and moved here in 1997.

Inside are exhibits on the history and operation of steam locomotives in Japan.

The museum was opened in 1972 to mark the one-hundredth anniversary of Japan's rail system.

But the real treasures are the classic locomotives kept in the roundhouse built here in 1914.

The turntable is used to rotate the massive engines for easier storage.

Japan's rail system got its start back in 1872 using trains from Europe and the US.

But by 1912 they were building their own and all eighteen models here are Japanese-made.

The maintenance area within the roundhouse continues to service the trains, keeping seven operational.

It's one of the things that makes this museum unique.

Ono: There are a number of transport museums in Japan but this is the only one that keeps this many locomotives in working order.

Annc: School children are a common sight at the museum, but older folks are also here, with vivid memories of riding on passenger trains like this one, the 1948 C62, one of 49 super large locomotives used on express lines.

Another popular model, the C 57 Number One, is called the Lady for her elegant style.

She's often on loan working the scenic Yamaguchi Go Steam Train.

But here at the museum she's also remembered for her first job, carrying the emperor's train.

Annc: The D51 model was the first standardized modern engine in Japan.

Eleven hundred of these were built between 1936 and 1945.

It was built to haul freight, but today, passengers can climb aboard for a ride through a nearby park.

It's a trip back in time in a city with a thousand years of history to explore.

Just beyond the museum stands the landmark To-Ji Temple.

Its five story pagoda is the tallest in Japan at 180 feet.

There are 1600 Buddhist temples in Kyoto and one of the most extensive is Kyomizu.

Its main hall has a large veranda overlooking the city center.

Below the temple is a popular shopping street full of Kyoto craft items from kimono fabrics and porcelain dolls, to ceramic tea bowls and Japanese fans.

Just north of downtown is one of the most famous sights in all of Japan -- The Golden Pavilion, a three story temple covered in gold leaf.

Built in 1397 by a shogun as a symbol of his power and faith, the site was destroyed by fire in 1950.

Five years later, this full reconstruction was completed.

Annc: Kyoto's famous sights are easily reached by a local rail system that's clean, efficient, and easy to use.

One of the most popular rail lines ends in the hills at Arashiyama, where nature lovers embark for a hike through the famous bamboo forest.

But recently, the train station itself became popular by adding a perk to its platform: a hot springs footbath, complete with towel service.

For 150 yen you can buy a towel, soak your feet, and watch the trains go by.

As night falls in the ancient neighborhood of Gion, the elusive geishas hurry to the tea houses to begin their evening's work.

Trained in the arts of dance, music and ceremonial tea, geishas begin their careers as apprentices called Maiko, distinguished by their heavy white makeup.

Tourists linger on the cobblestone streets hoping to see them.

Back at the Umekoji museum, the D51 has completed its final run of the day, and fans linger to watch the locomotive take one more turn in grand style.

Ono: Train travel has long been an important part of our culture.

Many come here to share their memories with children.

And hopefully they in turn will come, keeping this history alive.

Annc: In a city dedicated to preserving Japanese culture and its beauty, the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum is proudly, and loudly, doing its part.

steam whistle Music Annc: The ancient mountains and the natural beauty of ridge after ridge of endless forest, make the Smoky Mountains one of the most popular tourist destinations in America.

Rolling through this heaven on earth on the western side of North Carolina, are the beautiful trains of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, offering the romance and mystique of a bygone era.

Either before or after you ride the railroad, take a relaxing walk through history, and visit their Great Smoky Mountains Trains Museum right next to the depot in Bryson City, North Carolina.

Admission is included with most excursion rides.

Tim and Sue Cooper opened the museum in 2002, following four decades of collecting model railroading memorabilia.

Tim: Well, it started probably after forty-five years of collecting Lionel trains.

And we didn't have any place to put them up at home, so we decided we'd open a museum.

So we looked at a lot of different options and ended up coming here to Bryson City and the Smoky Mountains and have enjoyed every minute of it.

Susan: Yes it has definitely taken on a life of its own.

I didn't think, number one that I'd be very good working with my husband, number one.

And number two, trains are not my primary interest.

But it has been just such a blessing to be here and see people relating.

Not only to trains they may have had in the past, but hearing their stories about how they had trains as kids.

How their uncles and their grandfathers worked on the railroad.

And just seeing them relate that to something in miniature has really, really.

It's been a blessing.

Tim: Well, in order for it to work, we concluded that it had to be near an attraction that related to the museum.

That if we just located in Atlanta or some big city, that it just wasn't going to be the same feeling and wouldn't be quite the same interest.

Because people wouldn't necessarily be coming by to see it.

But here, with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, it really helps us draw people in that are coming to see a railroad, a real one, to ride it, and experience it.

And then they can come in here and see it all in miniature.

Annc: The collection includes thousands of Lionel engines, cars, and accessories.

There are two giant operating layouts.

Whatever your taste they have it.

There's G-gauge, Lionel Standard gauge, O scale, and HO scale.

One thing that commands your attention is the seemingly endless number of animated scenes.

It is not a static display.

There is action.

There is reality.

Natural train sounds Natural train sounds Natural train sounds Natural train sounds Annc: But the neatest thing is that its hands on.

If you want to run things, you can.

Because the mission here is quite literally, to share the spirit of model railroading with individuals of all ages.

Tim: Well, I think that a lot of places kids can't really do anything when they go.

They can't make anything happen.

And that really intrigues their interest and raises their excitement and all.

And I think that's what really adds to the layout at the other end of the museum here, which is all interactive for children.

It really provides that type of opportunity.

The layout here, that's behind us of course, is kind of a different situation.

It's giving a scene of western North Carolina.

Has a lot of detail on it.

But there is over 18 animated items on the layout that really helps provide some interest to kids, too.

Susan: Our favorite is the Blue Comet that's back here in the back case.

To me, that's a highlight only because it has some sentimental value to us, it was Jim's dad's train.

The other thing, I think, is the massive amount of trains we have all in one place, and the range of time that it covers, from 1918 up to the present.

Tim: Some of the interesting collective pieces that we have is 1932 Blue Comet.

We also have the City of Portland from 1935.

From 1937 we have the Railcar Chief set along with the 1937 New York Hudson J13, and then one of my favorites is the 1935 Hiawatha train from Milwaukee.

Annc: But one thing that makes any good museum most attractive is an appreciation of history.

The collection here is a mind-boggling array of meticulously preserved and maintained classics from generations past, when model railroading, and our great grandparents, were still so young.

What brought ooh's and aahh's and smiles way back then, cause the same reactions today.

And under the ownership of the railroad, and the guidance of the Cooper's, it's expected the museum will be pleasing folks for a long time to come.

Tom: Well, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad now owns it, so they have probably the space to add onto the facility here.

We still have over 2500 locomotives and cars still to be displayed.

So there's lots of opportunity for them to make the museum even more comprehensive than it is now.

But we have over 4,000 locomotives and cars on display and another 450 that operate on the big layout behind us.

Annc: The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is a mandatory stop for someone of any age, looking for a memory that will last a lifetime.

If you visit the museum, be sure to get tickets for the Smoky Mountain train ride.

Well, that's all for this episode.

Be sure to join us next time for more, Tracks Ahead.

Music Tracks Ahead Brought to you by Rancho de Tia Rosa, a Mexican restaurant serving the Phoenix area since 1990.

Walthers, manufacturer and supplier of model railroading products; serving the hobby since 1932.

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