Johnny Graybeal – Noted ET&WNC Author

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Author and Historian Johnny Graybeal

Johnny Graybeal is a preeminent author and historian dedicated to preserving the legacy of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina (ET&WNC) Railroad, famously known as the “Tweetsie.” Once a Boone NC resident, the historic eastern terminus of the line, Graybeal has spent decades conducting original research to document this iconic narrow-gauge carrier.

Preservation Through Literature

Graybeal is best known for his definitive multi-volume book series, Along the ET&WNC, published by Tarheel Press. His work is celebrated by both historians and modelers for its meticulous detail, featuring previously unpublished photographs, engineering drawings, and operational data. Notable volumes include:

  • Volume I: Early Narrow Gauge Locomotives: Covers the line’s early motive power, including the geared locomotives of the Linville River Railway.
  • Volume II: The Ten Wheelers: An in-depth study of the Baldwin locomotives that became the railroad’s trademark.
  • Volume III: Depots: Details the unique architecture of the stations and the history of the communities they served.
  • Volumes IV–VI: Provide exhaustive coverage of freight and passenger equipment, documenting the day-to-day life of the railroaders.

Leadership and Advocacy

Beyond his writing, Graybeal has served as the President of the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society. In this role, he has been instrumental in producing the society’s magazine, Every Time With No Complaint, and contributing scholarly articles that explore the railroad’s “kindhearted” reputation—such as its history of performing errands for remote mountain residents during the Great Depression.

Graybeal’s contributions extend to on-site historical tours and advising on preservation efforts for surviving narrow-gauge equipment, such as Locomotive No. 12, which still operates today at the Tweetsie Railroad theme park. Through his extensive bibliography and community leadership, Graybeal remains the primary authority on the “Railway with a Heart.”

Additionally, Johnny has written a book on the Railroads of Johnson City TN.

Along the ET&WNC, Johnny Graybeal, 2002 (Volumes 1-6)

Along the ET&WNC - Johnny Graybeal

The Railroads of Johnson City, Johnny Graybeal, 2007

http://www.tarheelpress.com/JCRR.html

The Railroads of Johnson City - Johnny Graybeal

For More Information – Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the history and operation of the Appalachian Railroads. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Appalachian-Railroads.org. Much of the collective railroad history data points on this website are verified across multiple sources.

3Cs Websites

Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org