Update: The Sun News newspaper out of Myrtle Beach reports this week that R. J. Corman has put in a bid for the line. The affected counties had been moving to try to acquire but, according to the article, have stepped back from that action to allow R.J. Corman to negotiate final terms. At least we know that Corman would have the equipment and expertise to rehabilitate the track in a relatively quick fashion.
Bill
The line has been dormant for over two years now, and the bridge concerns are not the only problems. One can drive parallel to the track from Loris, SC up to the NC border and the line has become a roller coaster even though the terrain is flat. There is a great deal of track work to be done to accomodate freight cars, and loads of sand from the beach area is one of the primary commodities on the line.
Financial problems for the owners exist on several levels. As far as I've heard, the lawsuit from Norfolk Southern is still pending. When the Carolina Southern stopped operations, a number of NS hoppers were left sitting at the sand/gravel loading area in Myrtle Beach (just E of where the line goes under Rt. 31). NS has demanded payment for these items of their property that they have been unable to access or use.
Economic development folks in the area will be very happy if rail service returns on the line, and railfans like myself who reside far from any other operational railroad will be happy to see any trains in the area.
For the benefit of all who are not familiar with the proper pronunciation of South Carolina county names, say "O ree." I learned this from a resident of Aynor who, along with me, was at the South Carolina Forestry Camp in the summer of 1952.
Johnny
Apppears that CS will be bought by RJ Corman. Sine the present owners have not been able to rebuild this appears to be a forward move. The Myrtle Beach commisions must be happy.
A thought -- Whenever Corman is not dealing with a derailment somewhere their employees could be upgrading the line. The bridges problem may be another story.
http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/article_e566c0c6-7be8-11e4-8408-5f71439d671c.html
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