Cass Scenic Railroad

Sounds like good news! I hope to get down there, but the 7 hour drive is a bit much for me by myself.

Well I haven't done it myself, but was told that you can get accomodations in some of the old Lumber camp housing in down town Cass! Besides you might have to travel backwards a few miles to get a room. Pre calling the Cass Railroad, no doubt they would know about the local lodging, and meals. Good friendly folks up in the Mountains.

You could make contact with AMC Dave on this forum, as he lives near Cass, and is a regular there!.......................................................Brandy!

There are BIG plans around Cass RR and the D&GV RR in West Virginia.

I got to talk to folks involved this summer and last week on a trip to Cass I had more opportunity to get new info. 

Durbin - Plans are underway to connect Durbin with Elkins and Cass......this will create a large loop and connect Durbin with Cass along the Greenbrier which saw passenger service last on a fan trip in the 70's.

Slatey Fork - They are looking at this track too. This is old C&O/CSX line that has lots of history. My Dad used the tracks to get to remote fishing streams when he was a kid. Watching trains drag loaded hoppers of coal. The track is in place now. It was all upgraded in 1980 just before CSX abandoned the line. It runs through some property own by family and they always talk about all the work that went into the line....just to have them end service! Sitting for 30 years it will need work....but much less than all new rails. I can't wait to ride this line. 

Overall.....lots of good things happening here.....and plans on making this THE railfan destination of the world!

PS.....if you want to visit the area....feel free to drop me a note if you have questions!

Yes, I have stayed in the town of Cass in the old company houses many times, and I love it.  Just visit the Cass Scenic website, or call, for a reservation.  It's a little pricey, but worth it.  When I first stayed there, they had no TV in the houses, just nice simple bedrooms, full-furnished kitchens, and comfortable living rooms.  No air conditioning, but at Cass, you seldom need it.  Now, they have satellite television, but I never use it.  Too much fun and a nice relaxing evening without it.

I highly recommend going to Cass.  A great ride with Shays that make a wonderful amount of sounds and are fun to watch too!  Also one operating Heisler locomotive, and the progress on the Climax locomotive the MSRLA group is working on is spectacular. Those engines are working very hard up those very steep grades, and the scenery is great too.  Also, the town history is fascinating to learn about, and touring the shop is a must.   

Last, but not least, some very good, talented, friendly, and hard-working folks!

Dave, I appreciate the info you gave above, as I knew that you would have the most up to date skinney on what's going on at Cass. What I didn't know was the old line running thru Slatey Fork was a defunct C&O/CSX Line that needs pretty much minor repair to reopen. That's tremendous in itself. They will turn Cass, Wva into a point of Vacation destination, as you said. We have lost way,way to much Heritage in this country of ours, and we need to slow down a bit. Do more preservation for future generations to come!.....Thanks again Dave.................... Brandy

Finally downloaded my pics from Cass.....mostly family as that's what the trip was...just a outing. But one pic of #5 about to leave for Whitaker Station.

Dave thanks for posting this pic and all the info on Cass. haven't been there since 1978 need to go as i haven't had a shay fix in too long a time..........

Is there any kind of schedule or anything, when they use the Heisler, or is that just

rare and occasional and they mostly run the Shays?

No real way to tell when the Heisler will be in service.  I did ride it last summer but I have not seen it in service yet this year....but only been up there 4-5 times.

WM #6 is on Bald Knob run 90% of the time as it can handle the run alone over the two needed otherwise.

No inside info....but it seems they keep 4 locos in steam on any day they are running. And it seems they do rotate 3 of the 4......WM in service almost every day.

Here she is last Fall running the free ride they do sometimes. The train runs up the C&O line next to the Greenbrier for maybe a mile....then backs down to the depot......but it's free so a nice ride.

Just looking around the Cass RR site........

September 14, 2014
Heisler Featured on Whittaker Trips
The Heisler is the featured locomotive on Whittaker Trips today at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Trip cost is standard Whittaker fare.
Click Rates for fares.
Reservations: 304-456-4300