The Fayetteville Observer, N.C., Live Wire column

Mar 17, 2013 (The Fayetteville Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Q: Can you give some information about the overgrown railroad track that runs parallel to Skibo Road Where did it begin and end What did it serve Who owns it I know railroads seldom abandon rights of way. -- J.T., Lumberton A: The tracks were once part of a rail line that transported people and supplies between Fort Bragg and Fayetteville.

When it was built in the early 1920s, the rail line cut through miles of farm land and woods. One line ran from downtown Fayetteville along what's now Bragg Boulevard, but the road wasn't there then. Another spur ran to Skibo Junction on a path that's now where Skibo Road is.

Over time, the areas along the rail lines developed, traffic and road crossings increased, and officials decided it was both unsafe and impractical to keep using those routes. A 2010 story about the tracks noted it had been more than 25 years since a train had rumbled along Bragg Boulevard.

Cape Fear Railways officially abandoned the line in 2007. The state owns the right of way.

Q: I have several old wind-up type phonographs and a couple of Edison-cylinder type phonographs. Could you put me in touch with someone who can tell me how to price them -- A.H., Bladenboro A: Your best bet is to do some sleuthing yourself online, at eBay.

See what phonographs that are similar to yours are going for there. And be sure to check closed auctions to see the final prices of such items.

While there, go to the online auction site's Reviews & Guides section and do a search for phonographs. Among the user-authored pieces there is one called "Rational Pricing for Old Phonographs," which includes some common-sense advice on the subject of pricing and actually selling old phonographs. It's worth a read.

Q: My husband had a soldier deposit savings account when he served overseas years ago, and he never closed it out. How can I find out if it still exists -- L.P., Fayetteville A: Call the military Savings Deposit Program at 888-332-7411 or 216-522-5096.

The program, previously known as the Uniformed Services Deposit Program, was established to provide a place where members of the military serving in designated combat zones could deposit money for the purpose of saving it.

Q: Can you provide email addresses for Fayetteville Mayor Tony Chavonne and Gov. Pat McCrory -- E.D., St. Pauls A: Email Chavonne at mayor@ci.fay.nc.us and McCrory at governor.office@nc.gov.

Live Wire seeks to answer questions of general interest and consumer topics within two weeks. Initials are used to identify questioners when names are given. Contact Live Wire via Live Wire's Facebook page, at livewire@fayobserver.com or at 486-3516.

___ (c)2013 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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