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slekjr · 09-23-2012, 08:32 AM

Hi gang
I have a rather odd question. I am an ex railroader and a train nut and I am looking for campgrounds that are HIlo and pet friendly located near mainline railroad tracks in West Virginia and Virginia.
I'm sure that if you don't like the noise you will remember these campgrounds and be kind enough to pass me the address.

Charlie

trackman · 09-23-2012, 10:48 AM

Several in the Asheville,NC area. One for sure is the KOA

Glassalley52 · 09-23-2012, 11:09 AM

Giles County Va has several.

monkey · 09-23-2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slekjr

Hi gang
I have a rather odd question. I am an ex railroader and a train nut and I am looking for campgrounds that are HIlo and pet friendly located near mainline railroad tracks in West Virginia and Virginia.
I'm sure that if you don't like the noise you will remember these campgrounds and be kind enough to pass me the address.

Charlie

You are not alone being a "train nut" . I've never worked for a railroad, but spent countless hours in younger years, (into my 30's) building model train layouts. Just this last week I got an inner thrill hearing the steam train in Silver Dollar City ! (1/2 mile away from campground) One thing on my bucket list is to ride a steam train, (again, but don't remember much of that first trip being 50 yrs ago) Don't suppose you are into 'model' trains are ya ? Sorry to hijack the thread.
Monkey

slekjr · 09-23-2012, 04:55 PM

Well monkey, You might say I am into modeling.

If you are interested here is my thread on my railroad forum
Big Blue • View topic - Charlie b's layout

I was Supervisor of Operations for a little short line near Pittsburgh, Pa and retired almost 3 years ago now. We did freight and a tourist train too. My main locomotive was an ALCO S1 diesel built in June, 1943 and still running and working most everyday.
I'm sure there are many train buffs into camping. One of my best friends locally has a 5th wheeler and is a modeler as well as a retired NS railroad policeman.

I put a video of a steam engine that was running local trips on youtube here

765 West ferry move August 21, 2012 - YouTube

and lots both real and models on my youtube channel wildwilderson.

I think the pastimes fit together nicely, especially with the family. My kids are reared now but 30 years ago we went tent camping in the Pa. mountains and I would take the boys to the Horseshoe curve and my wife and daughter enjoyed hanging out at the campground and meeting all the folks. It was great fun, that's why I wanted to get back in it, but I'm too old to sleep on the ground in a tent so we found a nice Towlite Hilo.

I'm sure there are many more folks here interested in railroads and model railroading.

Charlie

sherri330 · 09-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slekjr

Hi gang
I have a rather odd question. I am an ex railroader and a train nut and I am looking for campgrounds that are HIlo and pet friendly located near mainline railroad tracks in West Virginia and Virginia.
I'm sure that if you don't like the noise you will remember these campgrounds and be kind enough to pass me the address.

Charlie

Several campgrounds in Williamsburg, VA and surrounding areas are near railroad tracks.

slekjr · 09-23-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherri330

Several campgrounds in Williamsburg, VA and surrounding areas are near railroad tracks.

Thanks for that information. I've never been in that area.
Charlie

monkey · 09-23-2012, 05:13 PM

Thanks Charlie !! I'm reading your railroad thread as I eat dinner !!! And yes it would seem a great fit for rv'rs and steam trains !!

CHCam42 · 09-23-2012, 05:14 PM

KOA Louisville KY. The ground moves there 24/7. It is across the river and actually in Indiana.

homeless · 09-23-2012, 05:27 PM

Springfield MO KOA HY 44

slekjr · 09-23-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHCam42

KOA Louisville KY. The ground moves there 24/7. It is across the river and actually in Indiana.

I wasn't planning on Indiana, but you may have just changed my mind

Thanks
Charlie

slekjr · 09-23-2012, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homeless

Springfield MO KOA HY 44

Thanks for the tip, We have several friends from our Samoyed forum in that area.
that might be a real good excuse to go meet them in person.

Charlie

milasman · 09-23-2012, 05:43 PM

Hey train nerds, go check out the Warther Carving museum in Dover, Ohio.

slekjr · 09-23-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milasman

Hey train nerds, go check out the Warther Carving museum in Dover, Ohio.

I've been there, it's not too far from home. Those carvings are worth seeing even if you aren't into trains. He was a very talented man.

I helped restore a steam locomotive that ran from Sugar Creek for a few years. It was in Austintown, Ohio when I was helping. I spent quite a few weekends there. I never got to see it run, had my own railroad to run and never took the time. It's not running right now, and it may be due for the 15 year boiler retubing.
Charlie