The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Keeping Alive The History Of The Western Maryland Railway

While the Western Maryland Railway, affectionately known as the Wild Mary was never a large carrier (only roughly a 700-mile system) although for those who followed it, it was a legendary line. The railroad was built over rough terrain and thus used numerous tunnels and bridges to achieve a manageable grade. While difficult to operate from a railroad perspective, the WM allowed for some of the most fantastic photography one could ever hope or wish for with everything from big 4-8-4s bursting from Knobley Tunnel and crossing the Potomac River to brawny 4-6-6-4s lugging freight through legendary Helmstetter’s Curve. To put it bluntly, what a fantastic scenic railroad the entire WM main line (especially through Maryland and West Virginia) would have made if it were all still intact today. It would easily rival anything offered today from other famous tourist lines like the Strasburg Railroad or the Durango & Silverton.

Prior to 1991 the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad had no steam locomotive to haul passengers to Frostburg. That year they acquired a former Lake Superior and Ishpeming 2-8-0 Consolidation Type steam locomotive from the Illinois Railway Museum. A year later the railroad had the steamer in service and while they repainted it into Western Maryland colors retained the locomotive’s original number, 734. Aside from the 734, below is a complete diesel roster of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad:

· Norfolk & Western Railway #41 – American Locomotive Company (Alco) T-6

· Western Maryland #501 – EMD GP30

· Western Maryland #502 – EMD GP30

Today, when boarding the WMSR you will do so from the Western Maryland’s former Cumberland Station, a beautiful three-story structure that has been restored and even still retains its original passenger overhangs. The railroad’s standard excursion takes you on a 4 ½ hour journey from Cumberland to the Frostburg Depot (where the locomotive’s are turned on the WM’s original turntable located in the town) and back again with a 1 ½ hour layover in Frostburg.

Aside from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s standard excursion they also operate specials like Murder Mystery Trains (which includes a full onboard meal) and holiday runs (the Polar Express and Santa Express). Other neat features include cab rides, caboose rentals, and even the Allegheny Highlands Trail for hiking and biking is located along the line (which for a small fee you can take your bike aboard the train).

All in all, the Western Maryland Scenic operates through some of the most beautiful parts of the Appalachian Mountain Range and if you’re ever in the western Maryland region or Cumberland in particular I would strongly suggest stopping by to see the railroad. Lastly, if you have the time please consider volunteering to help them with not only restoration work but also maintaining their railroad. I am sure they would very much appreciate the help!

For more information on tourist railroads like the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad you might want to consider the book Empire State Railway Museum's Tourist Trains 2006 from the Empire State Railway Museum. Given excellent reviews this guidebook covers nearly all of the tourist railroads and museums operating in the country in fine detail. So, if you’re interested in locating a tourist train or railroad near you, or simply want to know more about a particular one, you will certainly not be disappointed in Empire State Railway Museum’s guidebook to tourist railroads and museums. 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".