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Refurbished Scenic Railroad Steam Engine Debut Delayed

June 7th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Despite previously announced plans- the refurbished steam engine will not make it’s long awaited debut for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad on the July 4th holiday weekend- as necessary track repairs has led to yet another delay. Railroad Superintendent John Garner briefed the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday….

In order to get those repairs in order to have the steam engine ready sometime this summer- Allegany County as well as Frostburg and Cumberland will need to help fund the purchase and installation of new railroad ties and related materials. The request from the county will be for $45,000 with each municipality contributing $22, 500- and $60,000 coming from a public private partnership. County Administrator Brandon Butler…

Despite the additional cost,  Commissioner Creade Brodie said the county remains supportive of what many view as an anchor of the local tourism industry…

The commissioners took action during Thursday’s business meeting to approve the allocation.

7 Responses to “Refurbished Scenic Railroad Steam Engine Debut Delayed”

  1. June 07, 2019 at 5:50 am, mac said:

    This is no way to run a railroad.

    Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

    Reply

  2. June 07, 2019 at 11:17 am, kevin said:

    I expect we can just raise water rates again . . .

    Reply

  3. June 07, 2019 at 12:11 pm, mac said:

    Did those ties need replacing just this week or maybe this could have been attended to during the 3 or 4 years that they have been rebuilding that huge albatross, I’m sorry, locomotive?
    For all things there’s a right way and then there is the Western Maryland way.

    Reply

    • June 08, 2019 at 8:00 pm, Jay said:

      > Anchor of local tourism? I guess. I was told yesterday that the new locomotive won’t fit on the Frostburg turntable and will have to either go up or down the mountain in reverse since it can’t turn around. Awesome.

      Reply

      • June 09, 2019 at 5:41 am, mac said:

        > I can only assume that the powers that be at the WMSR either didn’t know or didn’t care that they were making the turntable unusable. That was part of the show, to watch the turntable at work. Now it will sit and a probably rust away while WMSR can brag about how large their engine is. Boys will be boys.
        And yes, just imagine the picture opportunities while watching the proud giant backing it’s way down the hill into Cumberland. It seems fitting as that is how most things are done around here.
        They won’t come to their senses until it’s determined that sales are down because the turntable was part of the magic of the whole ride. That will require another infusion of cash from the County/Cumberland/Frostburg to keep it afloat, yet AGAIN.

        Reply

  4. June 10, 2019 at 1:13 am, Ed Dodrill said:

    New management needed.

    Reply

  5. June 11, 2019 at 7:06 pm, Rick said:

    If all of you railroad gurus would just do your research you would know that the WMSR does not own the trackage from Cumberland to Frostburg. It is owned by Allegheny County. The county has failed to monitor and maintain the rails and ties. The county is responsible! Next, the locomotive is about 400,000 pounds. The rails must be in good condition. It was a recent inspection that determined the repairs to be made. Also, the locomotive WILL fit on the turntable. The turntable can handle the weight and length of the locomotive. Baldwin Locomotive Works originally certified the locomotive (in 1949), for 22.0 degree radius turns. The turn into Frostburg Station is 22.5 degrees. It is uncertain whether or not the Baldwin designers included enough “fudge factor” into those specifications to allow the locomotive to negotiate the turn. I’m a retired electrical engineer- and I would say yes. Engineers always allow for some leeway in maximum specifications. So… would I like to ride behind a 400,000 pound beast where the safety of the rails and train are uncertain? No! Do I appreciate that the WMSR and Allegheny Counrty, Cumberland, Frostburg, et al, are doing their homework to ensure a safe, fun and historic ride? You’re damned right I do! By the way, many scenic railroads operate their trains in reverse. The Strasburg Line in Pennsylvania is one of the most famous. If you’re going to bitch online, at least do your homework!

    Reply

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