C&O 1309 Cab removal

thanks for sharing.

Drydoc,

Thanks for the link, can you or someone else post a brief history on just how it came about that this engine is being restored?  Specifically what are the agreements between B&O Museum and Western Maryland?

WMSR's large 2-8-0 is going to be removed from service at the end of 2015. They of course want to continue steam operations during the years their 2-8-0 is out of service. 

Another major factor - WMSR does a substantial part of business in the fall. It is not uncommon to see trains with the steam engine on the front, 13-15 passenger cars, baggage car, caboose, etc and 2 GP30 diesels pushing up the hill. With the 2-6-6-2, they can eliminate the diesel pushers saving fuel costs, crew costs, etc. 

It is not clear what the agreement between the museum and WMSR is. They say it was "transferred". Don't know if/any $$$ changed hands in the process as well. Regardless, for WMSR, it was a pure economic decision. They are one of the few tourist railroads that actually NEED an engine of that size. The B&O Museum also acknowledged the fact that they WON'T be getting around to fixing the 1309 up for display ANYTIME soon! I would not expect to see the WMSR "give" the engine back to the museum either! Hopefully one day, CSX will allow her to return for a brief visit and an excursion or two. Unlikely but one can only hope!

Videos of the move can be found:

HERE

HERE

HERE

HERE

AND HERE

I don't know much beyond what has been published, but what I do know is that the WMS is now the sole owner and operator of 1309, same as 734.  This was a straight buisness and economic move on the part of the WMS.  1309 will become the primary motive power of the WMS, with 734, once she returns to service, to operate as the light train and helper engine.

Thanks for the links and the bit of history regarding the "transfer" of the locomotive, very interesting.