As the steam locomotives came in need of major repairs, the road opted to withdraw them and operate diesels.

In 1987, the spur connecting the mountain trackage to the CSX main line was restored, and the railroad hosted several visiting trains, including Savannah and Atlanta Railway steam locomotive number 750.

In 2004, the trackage connecting the railroad to the main line was dismantled and the spur truncated to just before the bridge spanning Robert E. Lee Boulevard within the park's premises.

The railroad had de-accessioned its last remaining steam locomotives in early 2013, and currently owns and operates diesels exclusively.

Aside from the whistle, the steam locomotive remained inactive, with the diesel being the train's sole motive power.

In the late 1980s and early 90s, the railroad supplemented its GP7 and GP9 diesels with ones inherited from the recently dissolved New Georgia Railway, which have pulled trains regularly since.

At that time, the steam engines would only be pushed on special occasions, and no attempt was made to disguise the diesel behind it.