[4K] Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 1309 Steam Train

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 1309 begins regular operation on the WMSR in Cumberland, MD. The fully restored Mallet works on the 16-mile route on the mountain grade of the former Western Maryland Railway and Cumberland & Pittsburgh to Frostburg. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1949, the Chesapeake & Ohio 1309 was the last steam locomotive Baldwin built for domestic use on a Class 1 railroad in the United States. The 2-6-6-2 Mallet, with compound cylinders and articulated design, was primarily operated in coal and helper service in the Alleghenies of Kentucky and West Virginia until retired in 1956. Displayed as one of numerous large C&O locomotives at the B&O Railroad Museum from 1972 to 2015, the 1309 was acquired by WMSR to supplement the steam roster. Following numerous fundraisers and delays, the 1309 finally debuted to revenue service in 2021. The 2022 year marked the locomotive's first full season, and the 1309 put on a great show uphill. The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 whistle courtesy of the PRR T1 Trust. 0:00 Opening 0:30 Cumberland Station 3:17 Departure 5:42 The Narrows 7:06 Dakota Street 9:18 Helmstetter's Curve 10:56 Brush Tunnel 12:49 Woodcock Hollow 15:10 Baker Road 16:21 Trimble Road 17:19 Parkersburg Road 19:12 Frostburg Depot 21:28 Closing