image description

Shade Impressed with Scenic Railroad Despite Issues

January 4th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Although in many ways 2017 was a difficult year for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad- Allegany County Commissioners President Jake Shade was impressed with ridership numbers and still views the train as a key to the local tourism industry. The biggest blow for the railroad came in November when officials ordered a halt to their effort to repair a steam locomotive and return it to service. Essentially the railroad ran out of funds to continue the restoration of the steam engine. Railroad officials were trying to restore the Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 steam locomotive No. 1309. John Garner, scenic railroad CEO, was quoted last year as saying the continued pursuit of repairing the steamer would lead to “bankruptcy” for the scenic railroad. At this point it appears the steam engine project is somewhat in limbo. Commissioner Shade says given the fiscal challenges, the railroad has done a tremendous job…

Leave a Reply