Some of our faithful followers have been requesting an update on our railroad. I do my best to answer each inquiry on a personal level as time permits. One request that came in this week was for an update on the WM 1309.
Before I answer that request, I wanted to share a general update on operations as a whole. This year, WMSR will celebrate it’s 30th year of operations. WMSR started with the Allegany Central Railroad as a contractor utilizing Pacific-style locomotives of Canadian Heritage. Coaches used were ex-DLW commuter cars and other various historic passenger equipment. Jack Showalter’s vision of using ex-Western Maryland Main-line trackage as a heritage railroad became the foundation of what we offer: quality family heritage rail experiences. We have enhanced these experiences over the last 2 years by creating family-themed weekends for our day-time excursions and creating a more cozy experience for couples on the evening excursions. ( As I pen this, our staff is setting up the train for a sold-out Wine Tasting Train!) Our railroad offers something for everyone. Our food is prepped and cooked on board our moving train - something that Amtrak has recently stopped doing on many of their routes. Our food is based on historic recipes from America’s heritage railroad companies. In my humbled opinion, there is no better way to spend a Saturday night than on board our dinner train! It is more than just a train ride. For a schedule of events, check out our website: www.WMSR.com
We spent last year repairing our heritage equipment. From sheet metal replacement to interior repairs to repainting the fleet into what livery the Western Maryland Railway used. Our WM 501 received much needed maintenance and a repaint in WMRy heritage colors of the red-black-white. We had a busy mechanical year!
In 2017, we acquired one of two remaining 40-foot WMRy Heritage Boxcars. WM 26634 arrived on property a few weeks ago. Our force, including volunteers, spent several days going over the boxcar replacing the brake systems and overall general maintenance. Our goal is to use this boxcar as our bicycle transport car for those that wish to ride the train up the mountain, and bike back. Look for details to come! (And, a special thank you to our volunteer forces!!)
This year, our main goal is railroad tie replacement and acquisition of track maintenance equipment. Currently, our track department performs the job by hand - as our company does not have the appropriate and functioning track equipment. Our intent is to create a tie-replacement program for the entire line in anticipation of the WM 1309 Operations. A railroad tie is a rectangular support for the rails in railroad tracks. They are often made of wood and their lifespan is 20 years.
WMSR has many different facets that create the company. No one part is the company. The WM 1309 is one of the many facets that create the company. In late fall, WMSR’s contractor, “Diversified Rail Services,” ceased the restoration work as the funding for the project was depleted. This situation was very depressing for all of us! We knew that we could take operational funds to continue the restoration process. WMSR requires a certain amount of monthly capital to survive. Therefore, WMSR could not wisely make a decision to utilize operational money for restoration. WMSR would not have survived the winter months. The project was paused. In November, our staff started a letter writing campaign to solicit for WM 1309 donations. (Special thanks to Trains Magazine for the support!) WMSR was able to acquire $30K over the months of November and December - with much gratitude to YOU, our supporters!
Since we were able to raise additional funding, we sent the driving wheels to Chattanooga to be serviced. It is a small step but the WM 1309 project is moving forward albeit - slowly.
I am personally very thankful for those WMSR supporters that have donated to the restoration. It is the acts of kindness from people like YOU, that will complete the restoration process. I would graciously request that the donations continue to arrive in our mailbox for the Western Maryland 1309. Please consider donating today so that “Maryland Thunder,” WM 1309, will come to life and climb through the majestic mountains of beautiful Allegany County.
See you on the platform,
John
