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.
