I had a chance to get to Hamlet today for some train watching which is always great, my question when the old Amtrak station is moved across the street will railfans still be allowed to park inside the wye? The wye provides great viewing,

-- Danny Still (dstill@carolina.rr.com), August 17, 2002

Answers

it dont go through rockingham, but it kind of skirts it, kind of near where the speedway is. That could get some nascar traffic too

-- troy nolen (tnolen12@tampabay.rr.com), August 23, 2002.

The station in Lee Hall, VA on the CSX is having to be moved because it also is between two active tracks (although one is a spur to a rock yard. If non-employees are allowed in there it will be because someone is looking the other way. One of the reasons for moving the stations is to keep people and their lawyers out. Tommy Arthur

-- Tommy Arthur (tommy@arthurtransport.com), August 20, 2002.

Oh, by the way I should have mentioned this in my previous answer. There is a website setup where you can view the Hamlet Depot in "real time" and watch the relocation/ restoration take place. www.hamletdepot.org

-- Bryan Payne (bpayne@stantec.com), August 20, 2002.

From my understanding, Marc's answer is correct. CSX sold the station to the City of Hamlet with the stipulation that it be removed from they're property. The City will be restoring the facility which once restored, is suppose to have an area for Amtrak.

-- Bryan Payne (bpayne@stantec.com), August 20, 2002.

Troy, The mainline does not go thru Rockingham.So why a station there?

-- Joseph Oates (jlosal@mindspring.com), August 19, 2002.

Greetings All,

The reason the depot is being moved is to save it. CSX is worried about the liability of the ONLY access to the depot being across its tracks. Blame the state of law in this country. Therefore, CSX reserved the right to demolish the building at any time, and it is of course in their right-of-way. To be able to restore the building and secure its future, it has to be moved out of the wye and onto non- CSX property. The building would crumble to the ground or be burned to the ground by vagrants if it was left as-is. This is simplified, and you do not want to go into all of the details. Suffice it to say that the only way to save it is to move it. The building will be rotated to keep the tower at the track intersection orientation. I hope this helps. Marc

-- Marc Hamel, NCDOT Rail Division (gigsup@aol.com), August 18, 2002.

"when the old Amtrak station is moved across the street will railfans still be allowed to park inside the wye"

I dont know, for one the current amtrak "station" that trailer is right next to the old station, i have a feeling that if amtrak exists that they would build a new station south of the wye(s) nearer to downtown or even slightly outside of town (possibly even not in hamlet, maybe rockingham). I doubt they would build one in the wye and if they dont i would not expect them to let you park there anymore

this is all contingent on the premise of amtrak even EXISTING, which is not looking good now

-- troy nolen (tnolen12@tampabay.rr.com), August 18, 2002.

In line with Mr. Still's question:

What will go where the station currently sits? And, What is the purpose/need for having to move the station? I know that restoration, etc will take place but why was a move of the station needed?

You know, years ago, I recall going to Hamlet on many occassions and eating breakfast at the old Terminal Hotel. While the hotel was of course in decline, so I never stayed there, the breakasts sure were good. Plus, what better of a location was there to eat pancakes and see all of the downtown Hamlet rail action. Circa: mid to late 70's

WL

-- Wilbur Lassiter (wilburlassiter296@hotmail.com), August 18, 2002.