May 2nd, 2017 by WCBC Radio
Grand plans for the debut of the fully restored steam engine 1309 on July Fourth weekend have been postponed by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Railroad officials say funding issues mean the locomotive will not make a July appearance as announced in January. John Garner, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's superintendent told Trains News Wire that while the railroad has spent $800,000 of its own money to push forward restoration of the giant articulated locomotive, reimbursements from the State of Maryland have been slow in coming. Garner says that railroad workers and its contractor, Diversified Rail Services, stopped all restoration work in early March due to the funding setback. The railroad has also had to furlough workers due to a shortage in cash flow. As recently as early March, during budget hearing before the Allegany County Commissioners, the railroad’s board of directors chair Mike Brant talked of the boost in ridership expected this year from having 1309 up and running for the summer and fall…
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