I have long been interested in the Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens Railroad in South Carolina. It is a line which had corporate ties to both the SAL and ACL. In the Question and Answer forum archives, under the heading "Specific Lines Threads", is an inquiry dated December 2001 titled "Looking for Info for CN&L Book". It is from a fellow stating he is working on a book about the line. However, he did not reply to either my e-mail to him on May 13, 2002, or to the reply on that thread from my friend, and fellow CN&L fan, Jim Sheppard of Greenville, South Carolina. Does anyone know of this fellow, Thomas W. Salmons, IV, who appears to be working on such a book? Are there any suggestions of how to locate him or find out about him? Such a book would certainly fill a void. Thus, I am interested in knowing where such a project stands.

There is good news for we CN&L fans. In the upcoming issue of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society's fine periodical, "Railway History", will be an article on this line. It is authored by Dr. James R. Fair, a former Chemical Engineering professor in Austin, Texas. Its title is "Strategic South Carolina Shortline - The C N & L". Keep an eye out for it. The article will be interesting, detailed, and historically accurate. It was reviewed prior to inclusion in that issue by our own Larry Goolsby.

Finally, and again, any info about such a book or its author would be greatly appreciated.

Ed Faggart Lincolnton, NC

-- Edward M. Faggart (Emfag108@aol.com), May 19, 2002

Answers

Dear Ed, I don't know the answer to your question but I have a few of my own concerning the SAL, ACL, and the CN&L.

I grew up in Prosperity, SC where two railroads served. They were the Southern and the CN&L. I would like to know where I can get pictures and info on the CN&L or SAL/ACL passenger trains of the 1960's that would have served my town. I want to model my electric trains after them. Also, who owned the CN&L? Where could I get some decals of the SAL, ACL, and CNL for my O scale trains? Looking in Mapquest I found that the CN&L is still listed along with Seaboard Coast Line on maps of Columbia, SC. Thanks for any help. Kerry

-- Kerry L. Epting (kerryepting@hotmail.com), September 18, 2002.

Dear Ed, I don't know the answer to your question but I have a few of my own concerning the SAL, ACL, and the CN&L.

-- Kerry L. Epting (kerryepting@hotmail.com), September 18, 2002.