Said goodbye to an old friend last Sunday Dec 20

Excellent pictures! Thanks for sharing. 

It's a bit sad to see 734 run for the last time until she gets recertified. Hopefully 1309 will be ready to run during the 2016 season.

Quite an experience several years ago.  A cab ride. 

Always a joy to ride in the cab. Done it a few times, as well as operate GP30 #502. 

Word around the internet (actually, pretty obvious) is that the 734 is booked for a photo charter or two this winter, then that is it! 

Yes, that is the word on the photo charters. I had hoped that they could arrange

a birthday party for her in April, as she came from Baldwin in April 1916.

A very handsome engine, and just right for the job.  Ed, thanks for all your fine photos of WMSR over the years, as well as for your Cumberland CSX photos.  I finally got to see Cumberland (briefly) as we rolled through on the Capitol Limited earlier this month.  I do believe it's worth visiting!

Ed, is that an oil burner?

Note that the Western Maryland Scenic RR is paralleled by a very good bike trail, (Great Allegheny Passage), along with the C&O Canal Path trail, connects Pittsburgh, PA with Washington DC.  My Grandson and I did a train ride to Frostburg and biked back to Cumberland.  Bikes were carried on the baggage car, still involves full round trip tickets.  

RJR posted:

Ed, is that an oil burner?

No, Sister consolidations from the LS&I (Lake Superior & Ishpeming RR) that went to the Grand Canyon Railroad were converted to oil burners, (even peanut oil).  

#29 at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

734 Tender picture from my cab ride.   The tender is not the original tender.  A larger tender was provided by the WMSR. capable of enough water and coal for the round trip to Frostburg.  I believe the auger stoker feeder was added at WMSR also.

Thanks, Mike.  Reason I asked is that on cab photo I couldn't see a firebox door, and couldn't see coal in tender

Last fall (2014) I wanted to take a weekend trip and do the Cass RR on a Saturday and then the WMSCRR on a Sunday. Maybe I'll carry out this idea in the future. Maybe, depending on what 611 does, I could do the WMSR and 611 in one trip.

Sam, FYI the roads in WVa aren't straight and wide.  If you take the all-day trip on the Cass to the top, which I recommend, it could be a tough drive to make Cumberland by the next morning.

Thanks for the photos. I kinda felt the same way when the pulled UP4014 out of the LA County Fairgrounds.

The big twelve wheel tender was built for a New York Central 4-8-2. The stoker was purchased

from China. Very few Western Maryland 2-8-0's had eight wheel tenders, so the big tender made

734 look very authentic. She is of course, a coal burner. The improvements in the valve gear

and better coal made her use and make steam a lot better. I was told Sunday they saved quite a bit in

fuel costs this last season, in the thousands of dollars.

Ed

One of the best drone videos I have seen is of the 2-8-0. 

And a regular video with the sounds of the 2-8-0... great fall colors.

Thanks, Jdaddy.  It takes nerve to fly an expensive drone that far from the operator.

Any idea as to when those charters will take place in January?

Ed Mullan posted:

The big twelve wheel tender was built for a New York Central 4-8-2. The stoker was purchased

from China. Very few Western Maryland 2-8-0's had eight wheel tenders, so the big tender made

734 look very authentic. She is of course, a coal burner. The improvements in the valve gear

and better coal made her use and make steam a lot better. I was told Sunday they saved quite a bit in

fuel costs this last season, in the thousands of dollars.

 

Ed

 

 

WM's H-9 class 2-8-0s; #801-850, had 6-wheel truck tenders, at 595,500 lbs among the biggest Consolidations ever built.
#734's coal supply comes from a mine in Western PA., I was surprised during my cab ride how hard the fireman works, even with a stoker. Note the coal load in the attached rear shot on the Frostburg turntable

Charter Info:

http://www.lerrophotography.co...aryland-734-charter/

Only a few tickets left..none for me, to rich for my wallet!

Borden Tunnel, I think you mean six wheel trucks, that is twelve wheel tenders.

Back in my high school days, in the late forties and fifties, the school was located at

Piedmont, WVa, and sat right between the B&O (math and study hall) and on the

other side, the Potomac River and the Western Maryland, (english and civics) 

Imagine, EM1's  on the B&O and H9's on the other!  A lot of difference in railroading, too.

B&O slam bang thru Piedmont making a run for 17 mile.

And the H9's with their huge boilers moving along with a long, long, string of empty

hoppers heading for the coal at Thomas and Bayard, at a steady 15 to twenty miles per hour

the stack noise very different from the B&O, a sound I've not heard for years.

A steady CHOP CHOP CHOP, mixed with the squealing and groaning hoppers,

the poor folks in Westernport waiting what must have seemed forever at the main street road crossing!

Great Gosh, old men do tend to ramble on.

Ed

Ed:  outstanding memories and description. I love reading of people's individual experience with steam.

Had the opportunity to ride 734's cab on a charter about 15 years ago. Was quite surprised by how rough riding the locomotive was. Brought to mind a quote from David P. Morgan, who asked the fireman of a Pennsy I1 decapod how it rode. The only answer received was "It doesn't" ! This contrasted with a cab ride in OC ex GTW 4-8-4 #6325, which rode like a Mercedes limousine!

Ed Mullan posted:

Charter Info:

http://www.lerrophotography.co...aryland-734-charter/

Only a few tickets left..none for me, to rich for my wallet!

Borden Tunnel, I think you mean six wheel trucks, that is twelve wheel tenders.

Back in my high school days, in the late forties and fifties, the school was located at

Piedmont, WVa, and sat right between the B&O (math and study hall) and on the

other side, the Potomac River and the Western Maryland, (english and civics) 

Imagine, EM1's  on the B&O and H9's on the other!  A lot of difference in railroading, too.

B&O slam bang thru Piedmont making a run for 17 mile.

And the H9's with their huge boilers moving along with a long, long, string of empty

hoppers heading for the coal at Thomas and Bayard, at a steady 15 to twenty miles per hour

the stack noise very different from the B&O, a sound I've not heard for years.

A steady CHOP CHOP CHOP, mixed with the squealing and groaning hoppers,

the poor folks in Westernport waiting what must have seemed forever at the main street road crossing!

Great Gosh, old men do tend to ramble on.

Ed

 

Thanks Ed....Too pricey for me as well!

Stay tuned to this coming week's 12/30  "Midweek Photos."

Kent in SD

<<Thanks Ed....Too pricey for me as well!>>

The price isn't out of line, but these sorts of things just don't have much appeal for me.  Most of the fun is picking my own spot, figuring out how to best light it, putting out the flash & solving problems on the fly,  and then sitting out there in the dark waiting.  The real thrill is hearing it coming and knowing everything you did has to go perfectly because you're only going to get ONE shot.   There's nothing else as exhilarating as spending up to an hour getting ready for that shot, and when the moment comes, you execute it perfectly!  

I do think it would be fun to shoot staged scenes in a roundhouse etc., but I would definitely want to be using a 4x5 camera, b&w film, and period correct lenses.  Don't see the point in doing it with a modern digital camera, myself.  But then I've turned more into an old camera foamer than a railfan lately.

Kent in SD

 1906 Century Camera No. 46, with Velostigmat 6 in.  lens in Volute shutter.

Comment on this picture.  With a mechanical stoker supplying most of the coal/fuel, why hand shovel.  The back two corners of the fire box are hard to feed with the stoker.  If the drafting punches a hole in the burning coal, it messes with the burn/boiler heat.  This shovel is a quick hook to the left rear corner.   There is an equal an opposite hook to the right rear corner.  There are adjusted steam jets that move the coal off the stoker to different locations in the fire box.   A good fireman knows his  box.  

Agreed, Kent. I've never participated in any of 734's photoshoots, but don't

disparage others from doing so. Just like "doing my own thing"!

Ed Mullan posted:

Agreed, Kent. I've never participated in any of 734's photoshoots, but don't

disparage others from doing so. Just like "doing my own thing"!

No "disparging," I think these fund raisers are great for the operation.  They need all the cash they can get.  I actually would participate in one if I could control the light (or use my own), and shoot some classic b&w film.  It's a unique opportunity.  I usually show up and pay extra for the special "railfan day" at the two steam RR in my state.  Sometimes I even donate more than they're asking.

Kent in SD

Just looked at the web site linked above.  All tix are sold out. Even at the $325 price,  that's understandable, since many will want to ride through the "Application Mountains"

Two23 posted:

Ed Mullan posted:

Agreed, Kent. I've never participated in any of 734's photoshoots, but don't

disparage others from doing so. Just like "doing my own thing"!

No "disparging," I think these fund raisers are great for the operation.  They need all the cash they can get.  I actually would participate in one if I could control the light (or use my own), and shoot some classic b&w film.  It's a unique opportunity.  I usually show up and pay extra for the special "railfan day" at the two steam RR in my state.  Sometimes I even donate more than they're asking.

 

Kent in SD

I'm not so much into photography as I am into movie making and videography. I hope one day once I have the funds for it to do some sort of railroad event.

You should come to the Western Maryland Scenic, then, Mike. The trail offers countless access to

the railroad, still photos or video. As far as the event, you can make your own movie of WMSR.

When they get 1309 running, you may have work to find an open spot!

Ed

Ed Mullan posted:

You should come to the Western Maryland Scenic, then, Mike. The trail offers countless access to

the railroad, still photos or video. As far as the event, you can make your own movie of WMSR.

When they get 1309 running, you may have work to find an open spot!

Ed

During the past month I talked to two other night foamers (from east coast), and both told me WMSR was not only uncooperative with them, but border line hostile.  They (someone) was demanding $800 to take photos and threatening to sue if anyone attempted to sell photos.  Both guys said they skipped going.  I'm not sure what the details were here, however.   The way I looked at it, 99% of the tracks run along public property and my brother the attorney assures me that's fair game.  If they were wanting to shoot inside buildings or on their property, that would be a different matter of course.  I'll say that in the two nights I was there I had no problems from WMSR employees at all, and in fact found each of the six my wife and I interacted with to be exceedingly kind and helpful.  The phrase "Southern gentlemen" comes to mind.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself here. 

Kent in SD

Two23 posted:

Ed Mullan posted:

You should come to the Western Maryland Scenic, then, Mike. The trail offers countless access to

the railroad, still photos or video. As far as the event, you can make your own movie of WMSR.

When they get 1309 running, you may have work to find an open spot!

Ed

 

During the past month I talked to two other night foamers (from east coast), and both told me WMSR was not only uncooperative with them, but border line hostile.  They (someone) was demanding $800 to take photos and threatening to sue if anyone attempted to sell photos.  Both guys said they skipped going.  I'm not sure what the details were here, however.   The way I looked at it, 99% of the tracks run along public property Not only public property , one of the premier bike rail trails in the US.  There are several access points.  Note the Rail Trail Map.  and my brother the attorney assures me that's fair game.  If they were wanting to shoot inside buildings or on their property, that would be a different matter of course.  I'll say that in the two nights I was there I had no problems from WMSR employees at all, and in fact found each of the six my wife and I interacted with to be exceedingly kind and helpful.  The phrase "Southern gentlemen" comes to mind.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself here. 

 

Kent in SD

Woodcock Hollow has limited parking, but with a long walk you can access Brush Tunnel and on the Cumberland side of BT, Helmstetter's Curve/Farm.    Closer to Frostburg, the trail accesses a couple of overpasses as the rails are laid on the #9 switch/siding that goes to Frostburg station.   

For some extended adventure you can hike/bike to the continental divide and down the other side of the mountain to Myersdale, PA.  The Big Savage tunnel is a great experience.     

 

"During the past month I talked to two other night foamers (from east coast), and both told me WMSR was not only uncooperative with them, but border line hostile.  They (someone) was demanding $800 to take photos and threatening to sue if anyone attempted to sell photos.  Both guys said they skipped going."

The rest of the story...what the photographers wanted:

- Permission to occupy WMSR property and right-of-way (not the public trail) to photograph.  This would require a WMSR employee to escort them by driving over the public access trail (where motorized vehicles are prohibited, but WMSR has permission to access) to take their equipment to the desired locations.  In addition, our employee would be required to ensure they were clear of the right-of-way while on our property (an FRA requirement), and be responsible for their actions while on WMSR (not public trail) property. 

- Permission to stop, hold or delay the train during our normal runs if they (the photographers) were running late or did not get their shot. 

- Permission to climb on WMSR structures to take pictures and/or mount lighting equipment without the ability to demonstrate a commercial liability insurance policy to protect the WMSR in the event of an accident or injury, nor the ability to indemnify and hold harmless the WMSR in the event of damage or harm caused by them to one of our customers.   

- Despite the fact that these were "professional photographers" who would make money off of our time, assets, and personnel, no offer of any compensation or donation was provided despite the fact that WMSR would have to provide personnel to support them. 

The WMSR works with many photographers to attain a mutually agreeable arrangement by which both parties benefit, and will continue to do so.  I hope this provides "the rest of the story".

M. Gresham

General Superintendent

WMSR

So hypothetically speaking here: If I were to railfan these charters at WMSR myself without paying the money for the charter and as long I was on public property I would be within my legal boundaries?

WMSR1 posted:

"During the past month I talked to two other night foamers (from east coast), and both told me WMSR was not only uncooperative with them, but border line hostile.  They (someone) was demanding $800 to take photos and threatening to sue if anyone attempted to sell photos.  Both guys said they skipped going."

The rest of the story...what the photographers wanted:

- Permission to occupy WMSR property and right-of-way (not the public trail) to photograph.  This would require a WMSR employee to escort them by driving over the public access trail (where motorized vehicles are prohibited, but WMSR has permission to access) to take their equipment to the desired locations.  In addition, our employee would be required to ensure they were clear of the right-of-way while on our property (an FRA requirement), and be responsible for their actions while on WMSR (not public trail) property. 

- Permission to stop, hold or delay the train during our normal runs if they (the photographers) were running late or did not get their shot. 

- Permission to climb on WMSR structures to take pictures and/or mount lighting equipment without the ability to demonstrate a commercial liability insurance policy to protect the WMSR in the event of an accident or injury, nor the ability to indemnify and hold harmless the WMSR in the event of damage or harm caused by them to one of our customers.   

- Despite the fact that these were "professional photographers" who would make money off of our time, assets, and personnel, no offer of any compensation or donation was provided despite the fact that WMSR would have to provide personnel to support them. 

The WMSR works with many photographers to attain a mutually agreeable arrangement by which both parties benefit, and will continue to do so.  I hope this provides "the rest of the story".

M. Gresham

General Superintendent

WMSR

 

 

 

I was wondering what the whole story was, and was guessing there were some big missing pieces.  For the record, I rarely need any of the above.  I certainly don't expect anyone to haul or set up my gear--I do that myself.  I also never expect a train to change its regular operations--that just seems beyond ridiculous when there are dozens of paying guests involved.  (A Midwesterner would never ask that.)  To get the shots -I- wanted, I arrived hour and half early, just as I would for a paid wedding.   I do work with my local railroads for projects they initiate (photos for marketing etc.),  and have the same professional photo liability I use for wedding & other commercial work.  For me, foamer shots are just for having fun.  Got to keep the "fun" in having fun!

Kent in SD

I never participated in any of the WMSR photo charters because I could not afford to do so.

But I chose not to take photos while a charter was taking place, because those folks, I figured,

paid their dime, so their time.

I live near enough I can visit any time. The advantage of a charter is the set up shots are usually

in good light, either during the day or set ups a night.

But in the early days, I did donate many photos to the WMSR to use as they wished. Many were

printed on tees and sweaters, used on puzzles and calenders and sold at the station shop.

I discovered the WMSR before the trail was built, and during that time a lot of folks involved

wanted to get rid of the scenic railroad, claimed it was to dangerous ride along next to a steam

locomotive and also having the trail run thru Brush tunnel. I think those who began to take

photos of the railroad, I and lots of others, and posted them on the internet helped in some

small way to make the railroad popular enough that the trail and the railroad have come

to coexist in a very nice way. I've met folks on the trail who did not know the rr existed!

Back then digital photography was coming into it's own and it was easy to post photos

to the internet of mighty 734 doing it's thing!

Anyhow, here's one I made of 734 eleven years ago, on my 69th birthday Nov 14, 2004.

Ed Mullan, RAILFAN.

That's what I figured too Ed. Considering there will be photographers doing their thing and PAYING to do so I will stay out of the way. I wanted to catch the 734 but oh well maybe next time. I'm only 21 so it is more than likely I will see her steamed up again. That being said I will try my best to see and shoot the 1309 if possible when she's ready next year.

PennsyPride94 posted:

So hypothetically speaking here: If I were to railfan these charters at WMSR myself without paying the money for the charter and as long I was on public property I would be within my legal boundaries?

If on public property, I don't see why not.  Rarely are these held on public property though.  I'll go on to add that running steam is very expensive and if we don't support it, it will be gone in our life time.   I've caught a couple of regional steam operations doing night runs with a stop for photos.  I wanted to do my own lights and pick my own spots, but still bought a ticket.  These are great guys and I want to support them.  You might actually be surprised how far a simple cash donation to the program might take you later, after everyone else has left. 

Kent in SD

@ PennsyPride94:

Two23 spoke very wise words when he wrote: "You might actually be surprised how far a simple cash donation to the program might take you later, after everyone else has left. ".  I can not speak for Mr. Lerro; he has chartered the railroad for the day and it's his operation.  But, following Kent's advice, it may be worth your while to reach our to Mr. Lerro, or other photographers and volunteer to assist them in return to getting to attend such operations and hone your skills.   WMSR's own company photographer Joe Goodrich is a wonderful teacher.  

Many of us in our current positions started out YEARS ago volunteering as apprentices for those who are now senior in the industry or retired.  It happens with photography, too; last week we hosted a photographer under contract to TRAINS magazine who started out photographing #611 and #1218 in the early 90's.  Keep your chin up...success doesn't happen overnight!

M. Gresham

General Superintendent

WMSR

WMSR1 posted:

@ PennsyPride94:

Keep your chin up...success doesn't happen overnight!

 

 

True.  I did some quick figuring and think over the past ten years I've put in just over a thousand nights.  I still consider myself to be only a "student of Light."   O.W. Link is still the master.

Kent in SD