September 27th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
With public funding sources apparently tapped out, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad board of directors is turning to the general public for help, seeking private donations. Funding issues are nothing new for the tourist train, but those problems grew dramatically in the past year as efforts to completely restore steam engine 1309. To date, the WMSRR and the state of Maryland have invested $1.8 million in the locomotive that will take over from our No. 734, which is now out of service for a federally required overhaul. A final $530,000 is needed to complete additional repairs to No. 1309 with the goal being to have it completed in time to celebrate the railroad's 30th anniversary in 2018. Railroad Superintendent John Garner says the price tag for the restoration project jumped significantly from the original estimates…
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