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
