By Susanna Avery Reporter
News Three On Your Side
The small screen came to life today, making its way to our area. Thomas the Tank Engine, the star of the children's cartoon show, met with Former President Jimmy Carter, just outside of Americus at the Georgia Veteran’s State Park on Tuesday. News Three On Your Side
Email to a Friend
Stumble It!Thomas the Tank partnered up with the SAM Shortline, a passenger train that runs from Cordele to Plains three times a week.
Tuesday, three year old Riker Sweazey had the time of his life, between meeting Carter, and riding along with Thomas the Tank. “I like Thomas. Yeah, it's fun. I have my Thomas the Tank,” said Sweazey.
Riker's toy has come alive and will pull the SAM Shortline passenger train for the next few weekends. The goal is to draw interest in the five year old train service. “It's really worth it. The thing has paid off. It really has. The excursion train has paid off for the state of Georgia,” said the train’s conductor, Ernest Fussell.
Before SAM Shortline hit the tracks, only 75 people were estimated to ride each trip, but it's much more popular than expected. “We average about 200 to 300 a trip,” said Fussell.
It takes about 2 hours to get to Plains, eventually passing through the Former President’s childhood farm. “I grew up surrounded by the noise of trains and stood quite often by the side of the railroad and waved to engineers who were heroes of mine,” said Carter. He was instrumental in bringing the SAM Shortline to the area. “This brings about an enormous amount of benefit not only for first timers but to all the merchants and hotels.”