WMSR Ridgeley Shop Tours (Photos)

On Saturday, May 6, join WMSR’s CEO John Garner and Curator John Hankey for a one hour in depth tour of the Ridgeley Shop and 1309 restoration. Tours are a 9 AM and 4 PM, and last a total of 1 ½ hours. Capacity is limited to 40 participants for each tour.

Participants will board a special one-car shuttle train at the Western Maryland Station in Cumberland for the short ride across the Potomac River to Ridgeley. Upon detraining, the tour will visit the main shop where the 1309 will be available for inspection. Participants will also visit the “New Shop” to see other restoration efforts, and will tour the site and see other WMSR equipment and projects.

The cost of the tour is $35, and all proceeds go directly to the 1309 restoration project. Participants must be at least 14 years old and able to negotiate uneven ground and a working railroad shop. Sturdy footwear, long pants, and glasses/safety glasses are required.

Garner and Hankey will describe how the 1309 came to the Western Maryland, explain the restoration process, and outline plans for its future operation. They will answer any questions you may have.

At the tour conclusion, participants will reboard a train for the return trip to Cumberland Station. There will be ample time if participants wish to ride either the 11:30 AM Cumberland Crescent or the 6:00 PM Evening Paradise Dinner Train.

This will be a very special opportunity to see a large steam locomotive in the process of restoration in a classic, mid-20^th Century locomotive shop.