The Folkston Funnel
South Georgia's Spotlight on CSX Transportation
The small community of Folkston, Georgia sits just over the state line from metropolitan Jacksonville, Florida. CSX Transportation's mighty double-track rail line passes through the center of town. Nearly all freight and passenger(Amtrak)trains serving Florida pass through this short stretch of railroad dubbed "The Folkston Funnel."
Our first visit to the "Funnel" for an afternoon of railfanning came April 15th, 2002. The railfan community at large has been excited in recent years about a series of special-location pavillions set up by cities, public service organizations and private firms. These pavillions are at locations of heavy railroad activity at many places across the U.S. A small, but active group joined with Folkston's elected leaders to make the "Funnel" a reality.
The "Funnel" boasts a tree shaded, elevated platform for viewing and photographing the passing parade of trains provided by CSX. The pavillion boasts a radio scanner sound system which permits everyone there to listen to the radio communication between trains and dispatchers as well as the reports from Defect Detectors located nine miles south and ten miles north Folkston. There are even electric ceiling fans to help cool railfans on muggy summer days and a picnic table and bar-be-que grill for use at meal times.
Railfans can enjoy a block-long view of the CSX tracks and for some, the "Funnel" itself can provide a perfect backdrop for pictures of an approaching train.
To see pictures of April 15th's afternoon rail activity click here.
This site, and all its content, � 2002 Thomas A. Hill, Sr.