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Western Maryland Railway Steam Locomotives

The classifications given by railroads to their steam locomotive fleets were as varied as the machines themselves with several different designations within a particular class! The Western Maryland Railway steam locomotives were likewise characterized by a wide range of classes from B to M. In any event, the information here is most certainly not a complete, all-time listing of WM's steam fleet and also is merely meant to list the general types of steam locomotives operated by the railroad.

The Western Maryland is an interesting line, particularly in regards to its steam fleet. While a relatively small Class I it rostered some massive articulated steam designs (no doubt used for the stiff grades of its main line in Maryland in West Virginia) including 4-6-6-4 Challengers, 2-8-8-2s, and 2-6-6-2s. However, on the other end of the spectrum the railroad also fleeted two, three (the largest of which was ever built, #6, still in operation on the Cass Scenic Railroad), and even four truck Shays.

Today, none of the WM's legendary articulateds remain preserved. However, two WM steamers do still survive; aforementioned 3-truck Shay #6 and 4-6-2 Mountain #202 which is to be returned to operational status if the monies can be secured (also, a 2-8-0 Consolidation #734 is painted in the WM "Fireball" livery and in operation on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad but is actually originally from the Lake Superior & Ishpeming). For more information about these preserved steamers please click here.

Class B

The WM's Class B included its fleet of 0-6-0 switchers ranging from Class B-1 to B-3.

Class C

The WM's Class C included its fleet of 0-8-0 switchers ranging from Class C-1 to C-2a.

Class D

The WM's Class D included its fleet of 4-4-0 Americans ranging from Class D-1 to D-8.

Class G

The WM's Class G included its fleet of 4-6-0 Ten-Wheelers ranging from Class G-1 to G-7.

Class H

The WM's Class H included its large fleet of 2-8-0 Consolidations ranging from Class H-1 to H-9.

Class I

The WM's Class I designated its fleet of 2-10-0 Decapods.

Class J-1

The WM's Class J-1 designated its fleet of 4-8-4 Northerns.

Class K

The WM's Class K included its fleet of 4-6-2 Pacifics.

Class L

The WM's Class L was its roster of massive 2-8-8-2 articulateds (the railroad fleeted 25 in all).

Class M

The WM's Class M was its roster of massive 2-6-6-2 and 4-6-6-4 heavy articulateds. Class M-1 and M-1a designated the 2-6-6-2s while Class M-2 designated the 4-6-6-4s.

For much more information about Western Maryland Railway steam locomotives please click here to visit the North East Rails website for detailed roster information (including photos).

For more reading on the Western Maryland Railway you might want to consider The Western Maryland Railway from Roger Cook and Karl Zimmermann. This book is extremely well done, has received excellent reviews, and will give you an in-depth general overview and history of the WM along with superb photography. Even if you are a historian and/or fan of the Wild Mary and have not seen this book you will likely very much enjoy it. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".

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