Nice to see the WMSR get some positive press from the Baltimore Sun. The photos posted by the Sun are the first detailed photo's I have seen thus far of the restoration efforts. Glad to see the progress being made in West Virginia. I'm really looking forward to seeing this locomotive operate next year. Thanks for sharing the link!

That's a really good feature. Good to see 2 of the good guys on WMSR; Mike McMarlin is one of the regular engineers for GP-30s 501 and 502, retired after 33 year career on B&O/Chessie/CSX. He ran trains over Sand Patch grade for about half his career, and has many stories and recollections.
Jim Montague has come up through the ranks, I rode with both men twice last year on the 501.

Just wish WMSR had more miles to operate the beast on, CSX certainly won't allow it on their tracks. The former WM is gone past Frostburg and below Ridgley, WV. Oh well, 16 miles of track is better than nothing.

Robert K posted:

Just wish WMSR had more miles to operate the beast on, CSX certainly won't allow it on their tracks. The former WM is gone past Frostburg and below Ridgley, WV. Oh well, 16 miles of track is better than nothing.

Once again, instead of being happy that something is going to run instead of rotting away, you complain that it's not to your satisfaction.  Guys like you are the reason railfans get a bad rap.  

That was harsh.  I read it as a wish and not a complaint.

Likewise when I posted I hope this is not the last year for 611 visiting Manassas.  Hoping not complaining.  

If you want more miles jump on a bike and climb the rest of the mountain from Frostburg to the village of Deal, that's through the Big Savage Tunnel.  You can down the other side to Myersdale, and probably back to Cumberland all in one day.  You don't need rails or a mallet. 

Resurrecting an old thread on this Mallet, a few days ago pictures of the restored loco popped up on Railpictures here:  https://railpictures.net/showp...oad_number=CO%201309

with the engine under its own steam power at the Western Maryland Scenic RR shop in West Virginia

I know very little about this beyond what the photographer(s) have stated, though I think my son and I saw this engine when it was still stuffed and mounted at the B&O museum in Baltimore.

The thing about the beast in operation on only her own mileage is some of it is steep enough to make her work. And you won't have to wait until someone has her on CSX or what ever for than once in a year run. You will be able to come to Cumberland watch the 1309 every weekend....or more.

Ed

@Ed Mullan posted:

The thing about the beast in operation on only her own mileage is some of it is steep enough to make her work. And you won't have to wait until someone has her on CSX or what ever for than once in a year run. You will be able to come to Cumberland watch the 1309 every weekend....or more.

Ed

Great Post Ed....The biggest problem with the Major Railroads is the ever changing Politics at the Top...It's seems to change as often, or more so than they change their under ware...?

Parts of the WM (now trail) parallel the Canal Path Trail.  Those riding bikes, often, opt to the WM, a wonderful paved trail, v. s. the Canal Path Trail, that has been greatly improved the last few years.