Thursday, October 25, 2018

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. 













Friday, October 12, 2018

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: 


By Mail: 
WMSR 
13 Canal Street 
4th Floor 
Cumberland, MD 21502

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

“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 3rd 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

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

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

Monday, September 17, 2018

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!

Friday, August 24, 2018

“The Countdown Continues On Awe - Inspiring Western Maryland #1309 ”

Ridgeley, West Virginia, August 24, 2018:

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and Diversified Rail Services are very proud to share their continuing progress in the overhaul of Western Maryland 2-6-6-2 #1309. With boiler work complete, piping
and appliances are being plumbed into their final place as the back head of #1309 begins to take on the familiar appearance of a steam locomotive. Final installation of her super heater units has also been completed. The repaired exhaust nozzle and draft appliances for her massive compound engines have been installed in the smoke box. 

The high-pressure exhaust is the smaller diameter pipe that wraps around the low-pressure exhaust nozzle. Several key steam lines remain to be attached to the locomotive as of this writing. Jacks and a beam are supporting the rear of #1309 while the trailing truck is prepared for reinstallation following machine work to true journal surfaces. The tender has also been filled to verify
watertight integrity of the overhauled tender tank. Piping, delivery lines, and tender appliances are being tested prior to the tender being mated to the locomotive for the first time in over 2 years.
The generous support for this magnificent machine’s return to service has been humbling. Thanks to all for sharing in our efforts and enthusiasm for #1309’s return to the rails.

Thank you,

Diversified Rail Services





Friday, July 13, 2018

1309 Update: Machining and Fabrication Proceeds as #1309’s Reassembly Rolls Forward

Ridgeley, West Virginia, July 13, 2018: 

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and Diversified Rail Services are very proud to share their continuing progress in the overhaul of Western Maryland 2-6-6-2 #1309.  With the FRA hydro completed the momentum is building towards a test fire of her massive boiler. The checklist of appliances and parts, including boiler fittings and key portions of the stoker/firing equipment, becomes shorter each week. Clean up and replacement of boiler brackets continues. Over the Independence Day holidays the locomotive was jacked up to allow for removal of the trailing truck. The trailing axle has been sent for tread and journal trueing prior to reinstallation in the truck frame. The frame itself has been inspected and needed repairs attended to. As mentioned in our previous release the cab floor, stoker elevator tube and grate shaker levers are installed. With these components aboard the locomotive attention turned to the fabrication of 1309’s all-new welded ash pan. Utilizing the original as a template the new pan has been completed using .25” steel and joined to the original hopper bottom casting. Installation of the smoke box draft appliances has commenced and replacement grate parts are being cast.
Previously we had suggested clever donation opportunities using locomotive numbers…so we will add another number for this release: Casting of new grate parts - $3985, or individual grate fingers for $39.85!
We say an enthusiastic, “Thank you,” for your sincere compliments and generous financial support. Thanks for helping us rebuild the past for your enjoyment in the future.

Friday, June 22, 2018

1309 Update: Super Heaters And Appliance Installation Gains Momentum

“Western Maryland #1309 – Only the GOOD news here!”
#1309 Rolls Forward As Super Heaters And Appliance Installation Gains Momentum
Ridgeley, West Virginia, June 22, 2018: 
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and Diversified Rail Services are very proud to announce additional progress in the ongoing overhaul of Western Maryland 2-6-6-2 #1309.  Since the successful hydro has been completed an impressive checklist of appliances and parts have been reinstalled.
  • The top row of Type-A super heaters has been installed. There are a total of 36.
  • The cab floor, stoker elevator tube and grate shaker levers are installed.
  • The grate structure and ash pan are attached.
  • Steam and water pipes for the injectors are being fit up.
  • Steam lines for the blower and air pumps have been attached.
  • Grinding and cleaning up washout seats
With many specific needs in the pipeline, a creative solution to contribute to our progress is as follows:
$4,014 – Arch Brick and Stoker Screw Repairs
$4,449 – Boiler and Pipe Lagging
$4,501 – Steam and Water Pipes for Injectors
$4,960 – Boiler Jacketing

“Thank you,” to all concerned for your generous financial support. “Thank you,”  for your continued vision to see this project come to fruition. “Thank you,” for the many compliments on our completed progress thus far.













Special thanks to Diversified Rail Services, Gary Bensman and April Bush of Red Caboose Photography!

Friday, June 8, 2018

1309 Update: FRA Hydro Test & Inspection PASSED










More information: 
http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/06/08-western-maryland-scenic-restarts-work-on-1309-with-successful-fra-hydro

Monday, May 14, 2018

Garner's Switch - Railroad Update

 


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