C&O 1309

That C&O H6 - B&O GEEP "double header"  is some of the best stuff shot in the last fifty years !  Hard to believe these events almost, but true !

That GP7 operating is news worthy itself. Last time I was at the museum, it was tucked well into a display track that would have required some serious switching to get it out and was "stored" and probably hadn't operated in many, many years. Seeing it operate is just as big as the H6 moving around. A vast majority of the diesels at the B&O are operable with only a handful, such as the red switcher (ex-Conrail), Chessie GP38, and B&O GP30 operate regularly. 

Such a great sight to see!  My Grandfather worked out of that car shop building, and it's great to see some railroad work still being done there.

May I suggest you send Scott a direct eMail request for one of those C&O H-6 O Scale models?

It was an attempt at being light hearted - forgive me.

Forgive you, WHY? Personally, I would love to have a CORRECT O-SCALE model of that C&O H-6.

If Scott makes this engine, i will buy one. it will be my first brass engine. I just love the way this engine looks!

No fanfare, no big send-off like the 611 or the 4014 got. Just hook-er up and go. Glad to see this engine is headed for rebuild!

We are experiencing a true renaissance of steam! Add one more engine to my list to see running again. It will be real nice if there's a Steam-fest on the East Coast once they're all running again... Maybe in Spencer, N.C....

Gilly

Trains magazine has a live webcam showing the loading of the engine/tender. The front engine/driver wheel set was just pulled out and they are lifting the engine onto the TTX cars now.....been live nearly all day. Fascinating to watch. I've "checked in" occasionally. 

See link here

Sadly no, but at least she will steam again, and for a good group of folks.

Not to late to help, here is the Western Maryland Senic Railroad Foundation website where where you can donate and buy 1390 swag. I just did both.

https://www.movingfullsteamahead.com

A 1309 would definitely get me to place a reservation if one were offered.

Just think, an articulated for the East Coast.

---PCJ

I was informed during my visit on 5/30/15 that the work on 1309 is about 50% complete, and will be top priority once the WMSR season is complete.

I was also informed that the former CMO is now with the  PM 1225 project in Michigan.
WMSR's CMO position is still unfilled, however Kevin Rice is acting CMO, assisted by Ray Larson.

I have a feeling that 1309 will be roaming a little from her home rails if at all possible after she gets back on her feet...

How would THAT be possible? Surely CSX will NOT her out on their trackage, just as they would NOT allow 734 to even be towed to a nearby Steam Festival event, some years ago. Remember, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is essentially "land locked" do to the CSX.

That's why I used the words, "If at all possible" in that people who want it and I'd bet others would look into if it was possible, NOT that it would (or even could) happen.

Cumberland is a long way from any NS rails or any other shortline/tourist outfit that might be inclined. Also the rebuild of #734 could take 2-3 years, during which time 1309 will be WMSR's only steam engine.

A bigger question might be, on completion, will 1309 become a WM (or WMSR) lettered engine, or will it stay "pure" C&O?

From what I read when this was first proposed, the 1309 will be lettered C&O for the first two years of operation and then relettered for WM.

Ken

That just ain't right!

Which would you prefer, a running articulated east of the Mississippi with not exactly the right tender lettering, or the same one cold, with badly peeling paint (albeit with the right lettering), rusting away slowly in a Baltimore parking lot?

To me, that's the very definition of a no brainer.

Don't like it? Grab your checkbook and get your own locomotive restored with whatever markings you want!

Its not a restoration by a preservation group, but an acquisition/rebuild of a locomotive by a working railroad.  Why shouldn't they have their name on it?

Perish the thought, what will the (mostly non-riding) fans say?

Heck, their locomotive 'WM 734' is actually Lake Superior and Ishpeming RR # 34 and I don't recall anyone making a fuss over that.

exactly !!!

Greetings all;

My apologies for the delay in responding, but I was in Jacksonville, FL.  Please allow me to provide an update and clarify some issues regarding 1309.  

Kevin Rice accepted the position of CMO of the WMSR on a part-time basis.  At the time when this response was posted, we were completing the signatures.  Mr. Larson is indeed supporting Mr. Rice, as is our shop crew, many of whom have been with the WMSR for many, many years.  The vast experience in our shop personnel provides for Mr. Rice to be here on the weekends to ensure 734 performs acceptably and that critical work on 1309 is progressing with our newly added second (weekend) crew.  For those that don't know Mr. Rice, he worked for the original NS steam team, 2100, and many other locomotives; his experience is welcome and much appreciated here at the WMSR.

Mr. Pluta, I understand, has been supporting PM 1225 in Michigan, but this is not first-hand knowledge.  I wish Mr. Pluta well in what ever he does; he has excellent knowledge and will be an asset to any organization with whom he works.  

Regarding 1309 and 734; 1309's rebuild is indeed nearing the 50% complete mark.  Both the locomotive and the tender are positioned in WMSR's main shop.  The tender is currently being rebuilt by our main shop personnel, while 1309's boiler is being mapped and Form 4 work being completed.  We will begin sourcing long-lead time parts and begin rebuilding major appliances with our partners within the next 30 days.  

#734 is performing well, and early indications are that Mr. Rice's valve and ring work are responsible for a 61% reduction in fuel use this year.  We are not done with 734's heavy maintenance, but she is running and exceeding performance expectations at this time.  While we have yet to test her with a maximum consist load, we are likely looking at 9-10 cars unassisted this year, versus 7-8 cars last year.   This will also help reduce operating costs through less use of our diesel pushers.  

Thank you for your interest in the WMSR, and we look forward to seeing you on board soon.

Mike

Michael Gresham

General Superintendent

WMSR

Thanks for the Reply Mike,

When 1309 is done I hope to get out there and get a ride behind her.  Awesome work by your team.