1309's Driving Wheels in Chattanooga!

Last year, 1309's wheels were sent to Chattanooga for turning and refurbishing. They will be arriving back in Cumberland within the next couple of weeks. All of this was made possible by supporters like you. Thank you for your encouragement support and continued donations. 

Click Here to Donate 

Get FIRED UP: A 1309 Sight & Sound Fundraiser (video)

Come out on October 30 for your chance to see 1309 up close and personal! 

At 3PM, experience the thrill of seeing the boiler all fired up, blow the whistle, see the steam and take pics. 

Then, at 6PM – head out on a diesel excursion with WMSR’s Executive Director John Garner & Diversified Rail Services’ President Gary Bensman – enjoy a diesel ride on our rails, dinner and get the facts straight from the source! 

Tickets cost: $130.90 

Get your tickets here: https://www.wmsr.com/firedup

1309 needs your help!!! (photo & video)

With the recent steam test, we are inching closer and closer to seeing this massive machine on our rails! Your donation can make the difference! 

Check out the video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rYKY3zVggE&t=3s

Online: 

https://www.flipcause.com/widget/widget_home/MTk2MDk=

By Mail: 

WMSR 

13 Canal Street 

4th Floor 

Cumberland, MD 21502

“Western Maryland Scenic#1309 Reaches Milestone In Restoration!” (photo)

Ridgeley, West Virginia, October 8, 2018: 

If you heard the sweet sounds of a steam whistle echoing across the hills in Cumberland, Maryland last Wednesday, it wasn’t a dream.   It was the deep melodious voice of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s newest steam locomotive coming to life across the Potomac River in Ridgeley, West Virginia.  Diversified Rail Services conducted a static steam test of the 2-6-6-2 #1309 at the scenic railroad’s shops in Ridgeley.  #1309 will be the largest compound-articulated steam locomotive in service in the world when her overhaul is complete.  On Wednesday, October 3^rd following an over 3-year effort Diversified Rail Services slowly brought the boiler up to an operating pressure of 210psi for the first time since 1957.   The steam test allowed DRS to verify the boiler’s integrity and capability.  There were “no leaks” in the locomotive boiler.  DRS will continue reassembling the thousands of components that make up a steam locomotive.   The engine, when complete, will have over a mile of lubrication lines installed, a modern 26-air brake system, new boiler jacket & cab, and many other new parts, which will ensure easier maintenance. 

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will carry over 30,000 passengers in 2018 and is looking forward to placing the #1309 into service sometime in 2019.  Steam locomotives excite the senses, creating sites, smells, and sounds that are unlike the average diesel locomotive traveling through downtown Cumberland everyday.  Railroad passengers and aficionados from all over the globe have been eagerly awaiting the completion of #1309 since her arrival at the Western Maryland Scenic 2015. The railroad has been without their iconic “Mountain Thunder” #734 since she was taken out-of-service pending a regulatory 15-year inspection and overhaul of the boiler and machinery. 

The generous support for this magnificent machine’s return to service continues to be appreciated.   Preserving historic railroad machinery is at times both challenging and rewarding for all.  Please take this opportunity to show your support by making a donation to the #1309 project at: https://www.wmsr.com/support-co-1309-restoration/ .

Thanks to all for sharing in our efforts and enthusiasm for #1309’s return to the rails.  

Thank you,

Diversified Rail Services & Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

1309's Whistle! (video)

Music to our ears! This Whistle is from a WM 1400 Potomac!

Western Maryland Scenic test fires 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 (article)

RIDGELEY, W.Va. — Chesapeake & Ohio No. 1309 is waking up.

Western Maryland Scenic and contractor Diversified Rail Services are stationary test firing the 2-6-6-2 today in the latest step toward returning to operation the last steam locomotive built for domestic use in the U.S. by Baldwin in 1949....

Continue reading by clicking this link: 

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/10/03-western-maryland-scenic-test-fires-2-6-6-2-no-1309

Look what's coming...(video)

We have partnered with Larry’s Truck & Electric out of Ohio to obtain an additional diesel engine to replace our aging GP-30’s. As you may have heard, our 501 is currently out of service with numerous and costly issues. And, our 502 cannot handle the mountain unassisted in our upcoming busy months. So, allow us to introduce you to our new F-40 PHR aka the LTEX/WM 450! She will be on our tracks soon!