ON THE COVER
A line drawing of the "Best Friend of Charleston" decorates this month's cover -a Christmas card from TIES to all its readers.
Southern's full-scale replica of the historic locomotive was built more than 25 years ago to help celebrate the l00th anniversary of the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company, Southern predecessor line on which the original "Best Friend" started the first regularly-scheduled steam railroad service in America.
The model has been drawing crowds ever since. In the past year and a half, the "Best Friend" has played a part in centennial and other celebrations in six southern cities