Maryland Midland Railway: Operating The Ex-PRR/WM
Published: July 30, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Maryland Midland Railway (MMID) is a short-line operating within central Maryland. Known for its pivotal role in regional freight transportation, the Class III maintains roughly 63 miles of ex-Pennsylvania and Western Maryland trackage and serves as a vital link for industries and communities within this region of the state.
The railway's operations stretch from Highfield, in the west to Emory Grove, in the east.
Additionally, it operates a line running from Woodsboro, in the south to Taneytown, in the north. The northern terminus is located just beyond Ferrellgas, a propane dealer situated near Angell Road.
Initially headquartered in the historic WM station in Union Bridge, the railway has since relocated to a modern facility nearby. Since 2008, the Maryland Midland has been a 100% subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming.
This article explores the history of the Maryland Midland, its evolution over the years, and its current operations.
Maryland Midland F7A #101 heads for the CSX interchange with a short train near Detour, Maryland on July 2, 1991. Wade Massie photo.Creation
Operations for the Maryland Midland Railway commenced in 1980 on a segment of the former Pennsylvania Railroad's Frederick Secondary line, running from Taneytown to Walkersville, Maryland.
In 1983, the railway greatly expanded by purchasing the ex-Western Maryland between Emory Grove and Highfield from Chessie System during a time when that system was rapidly shedding ex-WM and B&O trackage from its network.
The MMID's establishment was driven by the need to maintain rail service for local industries, particularly those in agriculture and manufacturing.
In late 1993, the company proposed an ambitious plan to rebuild the abandoned Frederick Secondary from Taneytown to York, Pennsylvania. This revitalization aimed to expand service and a secondary interchange with Conrail.
However, the project was ultimately deemed too costly due to high price demands from local landowners.
Early Growth and Expansion
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the railroad continued to invest in its proprety and focus on customer service. This effort led to a significant increase in carloads. Business jumped from 200 carloads during the 1980s to 18,000 by 2006.
Genesee & Wyoming
In 2008, the Maryland Midland was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), a global operator of short-line and regional railroads. This acquisition brought new resources and expertise to the MMID, facilitating further improvements in operations and service quality.
Under G&W's ownership, the MMID has benefited from strategic investments in infrastructure and technology. These investments have strengthened the railway's ability to serve its customers and compete in an evolving transportation landscape.
As of 2023, MMID operates 81 miles of track, which is fully compatible with 286,000-pound railcars, ensuring its continued importance in regional freight transportation.
Maryland Midland GP9 #202 is on the ex-PRR Frederick Branch toting a single hopper near Ladiesburg, Maryland on July 2, 1991. Wade Massie photo.Present Day
Today, the Maryland Midland Railway operates a total of 81 miles, serving central Maryland and extending into southern Pennsylvania. Its primary line runs from the CSX interchanges at Emory Grove and Highfield, as well as the previously mentioned ex-PRR between Taneytown and Woodsboro.
Key industries served include agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and energy. The railway transports a wide range of commodities, including grain, aggregates, cement, lumber, and chemicals.
Diesel Roster (All-Time)
| Model | Builder | Road Number | Serial Number | Completion Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS3 | Alco | 55 | 81356 | 9/1955 | Renumbered from 302 (1st); ex-Long Island #1555. |
| RS3 | Alco | 56 | 81357 | 9/1955 | Renumbered from 303; ex-Long Island #1556. |
| RS3 | Alco | 59 | 81359 | 9/1955 | Renumbered from 302 (2nd); ex-Long Island #1559. |
| FP7 | EMD | 97A | 10363 | 1/1951 | ex-Milwaukee Road #97A |
| FP7 | EMD | 97C | 10364 | 1/1951 | ex-Milwaukee Road #97C |
| F7A | EMD | 100 | 6600 | 3/1949 | ex-Metra #409; ex-C&NW #409; built as C&NW #4082A. |
| F7A | EMD | 101 | 8570 | 12/1949 | Sold to Fillmore & Western; ex-Metra #413; ex-C&NW #413; built as C&NW #4083A. |
| 65-Ton | Whitcomb | 102 | 60471 | 7/1944 | ex-US Army #8465 |
| GP9 | EMD | 200 | 23070 | 5/1957 | Sold to Corpus Christi Terminal; ex-N&W #793. |
| GP9 | EMD | 201 | 23071 | 5/1957 | Sold to Rail Link, Inc.; ex-N&W #794. |
| GP9 | EMD | 202 | 23265 | 5/1957 | Sold to Rail Link, Inc.; ex-N&W #812. |
| GP38/-3 | EMD | 300/2060 | 33349 | 10/1967 | Renumbered to 2060. ex-CSX #2031; built as B&O GP38 #3831. |
| GP38/-3 | EMD | 301/2061 | 33723 | 12/1967 | Renumbered 2061. ex-CSX #2092; built as C&O #3892. |
| GP38 | EMD | 302 | 33334 | 10/1967 | Transferred to Central Oregon & Pacific (#2062); ex-CSX #2016; built as B&O #3816. |
| GP38-3 | EMD | 303 | 34332 | 9/1968 | Transferred to Central Oregon & Pacific (#2063). ex-Conrail GP40 #3755; built as Penn Central GP40 #3155. |
| GP38-3 | EMD | 304 | 38575 | 11/1971 | Transferred to Central Oregon & Pacific (#2064). ex-D&RGW GP40 #3090. |
| GP38-3 | EMD | 305 | 36015 | 11/1969 | Transferred to Central Oregon & Pacific (#2065). ex-NS GP38 #2767; built as Southern GP38 #2767. |
| GP38-3 | EMD | 306 | 72735-3 | 2/1973 | Transferred to Central Oregon & Pacific (#2066). ex-Seaboard GP38-2 #2611; built as L&N GP38-2 #4103. |
| SD40M-2 | EMD | 3448-3449 | 33424, 32831 | 4/1968, 5/1967 | Renumbered from 3403-3404. ex-CEFX #2806 and #3134; built as UP SD45 #3615 and SP SD45 #8917. |
| SD40M-2 | EMD | 3450 | 34412 | 3/1969 | Renumbered from 3405; ex-CEFX #2313; built as SP SD45 #9044. |
| SD40M-2 | EMD | 3451 | 32843 | 5/1967 | Renumbered from 3406; ex-CITX 3148; ex-SP SD45R #7473; built as SP SD45 #8929. |
| SD50-3 | EMD | 5018 | 857080-6 | 1/1986 | ex-B&P #5018; ex-LTEX #7007; ex-KCS #7007; built as Conrail SD50 #6810. |
| SD50-3 | EMD | 5019-5020 (Buffalo & Pittsburgh) | 2/1986, 1/1986 | 857080-30, 857080-11 | ex-Conrail #6834 and #6815 |
| SD24 | EMD | 6244 | 25201 | 6/1959 | ex-Burlington Northern #6255; built as CB&Q #504. |
| SD24 | EMD | 6250-6252 | 25207, 25209 | 6/1959 | ex-Burlington Northern #6250 and #6252; built as CB&Q #510 and #512. |
| SD24 | EMD | 6255 | 25212 | 6/1959 | ex-Burlington Northern #6255; built as CB&Q #515. |
Maryland Midland F7A #101 shoves a string of covered hoppes down Farquhar Street in Union Bridge bound for the nearby Lehigh Portland Cement plant on July 2, 1991. To eliminate the street-running a new spur has since been constructed to serve the plant. Wade Massie photo.Conclusion
The Maryland Midland's journey from its early beginnings to its present-day operations reflects a legacy of adaptation, innovation, and commitment to service.
As a vital link in the transportation network of central Maryland, the MMID continues to play a crucial role in supporting regional economic growth and connecting communities.
Recent Articles
-
Wisconsin Central Diesel Roster (Soo Line Years)
Nov 01, 26 11:26 PM
Diesels built new for the Wisconsin Central in the Soo Line years. 97 locomotives, Alco 24 and Electro-Motive 73. These 97 are already inside the Soo Line roster of 786. -
Wisconsin Central Ltd. Diesel Roster
Nov 01, 26 11:22 PM
Wisconsin Central Ltd. diesels, 1987 to 2001. Thirty locomotives with a number fixed by another roster on this site or by a photograph. The fleet stood at 244 units. More than 100 were SD45s. -
Wisconsin Central Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Nov 01, 26 11:20 PM
Wisconsin Central steam locomotives built since 1900. The quantity column is 156. Consolidations, Mikados, Atlantics, Ten-Wheelers, Pacifics, and Mountains. The Soo 4-8-4s stay on the Soo roster. -
Wisconsin Central Railway: Map, History, Logo, Roster
Nov 01, 26 11:15 PM
Two railroads kept the Wisconsin Central name. The 1871 line was leased to the Soo on April 1, 1909 and merged January 1, 1961. Wisconsin Central Ltd. ran from October 11, 1987 until Canadian National… -
Watchmen Talks Extended at Los Angeles and Long Beach
Nov 01, 26 10:41 PM
Suggested meta description: The Pacific Maritime Association and ILWU Local 26 extended their contract through 5 p.m. Pacific Time on November 4, 2026, moving a November 1 deadline at the ports of Los… -
LIRR September Ridership Tops the 2019 Mark
Nov 01, 26 10:39 PM
The Long Island Rail Road carried 102 percent of its September 2019 ridership in September 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul said on October 28. Metro-North carried 323,423 riders on October 24 and 25. -
North Carolina Awards the Rogers Road Bridge in Wake Forest
Nov 01, 26 10:22 PM
NCDOT on October 28, 2026 awarded a contract to Blythe Construction for a bridge over the CSX S-Line on Rogers Road in Wake Forest. Work can start as early as November 30, with opening aimed at fall 2… -
Trinity Books 2,190 Railcar Orders in the Third Quarter
Nov 01, 26 10:17 PM
Trinity Industries on October 29, 2026 reported 2,190 new railcar orders and 2,030 deliveries in the third quarter. The company expects industry deliveries below 25,000 railcars in 2026. -
New York Central's Jade Green E Units
Nov 01, 26 09:25 PM
In 1961 the New York Central tried Century Green, called Jade Green, on E8As 4053 and 4083 and E7B 4107. Dark gray became the passenger scheme. The green stayed on freight cars. -
FRA Awards $1.24 Billion for Grade-Crossing Work in 37 States
Nov 01, 26 12:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration on October 30, 2026, awarded $1.24 billion for 91 grade-crossing projects in 37 states under the Railroad Crossing Elimination program. -
PATH Director Clarelle DeGraffe Will Retire at the End of 2026
Nov 01, 26 12:43 PM
Clarelle DeGraffe will retire at the end of 2026 after 37 years with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. James Sincaglia will succeed her as PATH director. -
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Suspends Trains After a Rockslide
Nov 01, 26 12:30 PM
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway has suspended all trains indefinitely after a rockslide near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, on October 31, 2026. Tickets through November 15 will be refunded. -
Georgia Marks the Opening of the Gainesville Inland Port
Nov 01, 26 12:06 PM
Norfolk Southern and Georgia Ports marked the Gainesville Inland Port on October 29, 2026. The terminal opened May 4 and can handle 200,000 containers a year at full build-out. -
BLET Members Ratify Five-Year Deal on the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern
Nov 01, 26 11:48 AM
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen members have ratified a five-year agreement with CPKC covering Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern lines. Engineers' hourly pay rises 41.42 percent over the… -
Canada Lists Roberts Bank Terminal 2 as a Project of National Interest
Nov 01, 26 11:03 AM
On October 30, 2026, Canada listed the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 container project at the Port of Vancouver as a project of national interest. The listing includes a widened causeway for rail. -
Amtrak Finishes the First Street Tunnel Work South of Union Station
Nov 01, 26 09:59 AM
Amtrak on October 26, 2026 finished nine days of work at A Interlocking in the First Street Tunnel south of Washington Union Station. Trains south of the station are back. -
CPKC Asks the STB to End the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Review
Nov 01, 26 12:23 AM
CPKC on October 30, 2026 asked the Surface Transportation Board to end its review of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, citing remarks by the Union Pacific chief executive. -
U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 7.8 Percent in the Week Ending October 24
Nov 01, 26 12:13 AM
U.S. railroads moved 538,503 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 24, 2026, up 7.8 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said. -
Schneider Will Shift Its Eastern Intermodal Freight to NS
Nov 01, 26 12:06 AM
Schneider said October 29, 2026 that Norfolk Southern will be its primary eastern railroad. The move from CSX begins next month, with official implementation on January 1. -
Union Pacific Dispatchers Will Vote on ATDA Representation
Nov 01, 26 12:00 AM
The National Mediation Board has authorized a representation election for Union Pacific train dispatchers. The American Train Dispatchers Association announced the decision on October 29, 2026. -
Wabash Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 31, 26 12:35 AM
Wabash diesel locomotives, each frame once, through the lease at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 1964. -
Wabash Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Oct 31, 26 12:30 AM
Wabash steam locomotives built since 1900. Moguls, Mikados, Mountains, and the O-1 Northerns. -
Wabash Railroad: Map, Rosters, History, Logo
Oct 31, 26 12:28 AM
History of the Wabash Railroad, from the Northern Cross of 1838 to the Norfolk & Western lease at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 1964. Follow the Flag. Steam and diesel rosters are separate pages. -
Court Clears $257.7 Million in Notes for Brightline Florida
Oct 31, 26 12:18 AM
A New Jersey bankruptcy court on October 29, 2026 authorized $257.7 million in notes for Brightline Trains Florida. The operating company is not one of the 17 debtor holding companies. -
Brightline West Still Waiting on a $6 Billion Federal Loan
Oct 31, 26 12:11 AM
Brightline West said October 27, 2026 that it is still working through a $6 billion federal loan and still talks about opening in 2029. The Florida restructuring is a separate company. -
BNSF Reopens the Gallup Subdivision After New Mexico Flooding
Oct 31, 26 12:06 AM
BNSF said October 28, 2026 that both Gallup Subdivision main tracks are back after flooding near Laguna, New Mexico. The El Paso Subdivision was still out of service. -
CSX Says Interchange Is Moving Again After a Technology Outage
Oct 31, 26 12:01 AM
CSX said October 29, 2026 that interchange with other Class I railroads is moving again after a technology outage that began October 27. Dispatching and positive train control stayed up. -
Baldwin "Baby Face" Locomotives: Specs, Photos, Roster
Oct 30, 26 11:01 PM
Baldwin's Babyface cab on the early road diesels: 50 short-cab units, 1946-1948, plus the related Centipede. Construction numbers, specs, and the sharknose that followed. -
California High-Speed Rail Chief Resigns
Oct 30, 26 08:36 PM
Ian Choudri resigned October 28, 2026 as chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The board named Joe Stephenshaw interim chief executive. -
The 1910 Portal Bridge Is Handed Over for Demolition
Oct 30, 26 04:03 PM
Amtrak handed the 1910 Portal Bridge over for demolition on October 29, 2026, during the final cutover to Portal North. Regular NJ Transit and Amtrak schedules are expected November 15. -
Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Review Runs to 2027
Oct 30, 26 03:59 PM
Union Pacific says the Surface Transportation Board's review of the Norfolk Southern merger gathers information through May 28, 2027. A closing still depends on board approval. -
Amtrak Board Will Hear Restructuring Comments on November 10
Oct 30, 26 03:41 PM
Amtrak's board will hear public comments on its restructuring on November 10, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern. Written comments were due October 30. A proposal goes to the board in December. -
Canadian Pacific Selkirk 5931 Restored in Calgary
Oct 30, 26 01:36 PM
Heritage Park in Calgary unveiled a cosmetic restoration of Canadian Pacific 2-10-4 No. 5931 on October 27, 2026. One of two surviving Selkirks. It stays on display. -
Gettysburg Railway to Host Steam for Lincoln
Oct 30, 26 01:18 PM
Northern Central Railway of York No. 17 will recreate Lincoln's arrival at Gettysburg on November 18, 2026, with public steam trips November 19-21. -
NC&StL No. 576 to Steam for the Public in Nashville
Oct 30, 26 01:00 PM
Nashville Steam will fire NC&StL 4-8-4 No. 576 for the public on November 7, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 220 Willow Street. Admission is free. -
Pennsylvania Railroad E8s Join the T1 Trust
Oct 30, 26 12:38 PM
The T1 Trust has acquired former Pennsylvania Railroad E8A diesels 5702A and 5761A from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. They are bound for Cumberland. -
Ligonier Valley Railroad: History, Roster, Timetable
Oct 30, 26 12:03 PM
The Ligonier Valley Railroad ran 10.5 miles from Latrobe to Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Opened December 1, 1877. Last day August 31, 1952. -
Toledo, Peoria & Western Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 30, 26 10:25 AM
Toledo, Peoria & Western diesel locomotives, each frame once. Thirteen Alcos, three Lima-Hamilton switchers, and 26 Electro-Motive units. -
Toledo, Peoria & Western Steam Roster
Oct 30, 26 09:14 AM
Toledo, Peoria & Western steam locomotives from the Rogers Consolidations of 1895 through the 4-8-4s of 1937 -
Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway: Map, Roster, History
Oct 29, 26 11:12 PM
History of the Toledo, Peoria & Western. The Peoria & Oquawka, George P. McNear, the Santa Fe and Pennsylvania years, and the railroad that came back in 1989. -
Cotton Belt Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 29, 26 07:58 PM
St. Louis Southwestern diesel locomotives, each frame once. Baldwin switchers, F units, and new Cotton Belt-lettered power through the GP60s of May 1990. -
Cotton Belt Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Oct 29, 26 06:52 PM
St. Louis Southwestern steam locomotives built since 1900. Consolidations, Ten-Wheelers, and twenty class L-1 4-8-4s. The quantity column is 297. -
Cotton Belt Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters
Oct 29, 26 10:56 AM
History of the St. Louis Southwestern, the Cotton Belt Route. The Tyler Tap, Paramore's silver spike, the Thebes Bridge, the Blue Streak, and Southern Pacific control. Steam and diesel rosters are sep… -
Pere Marquette Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Oct 28, 26 11:54 PM
Pere Marquette steam locomotives built since 1900. Consolidations, Mikados, Pacifics, and 39 Berkshires. The quantity column is 503. -
Pere Marquette Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 28, 26 11:48 PM
Pere Marquette diesel locomotives, each frame once. Two SW1s, 14 NW2s, three GE 70-tonners, eight E7As, and six BL2s delivered lettered Chesapeake and Ohio. The quantity column is 33. -
Pere Marquette Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters, History
Oct 28, 26 11:44 PM
History of the Pere Marquette Railway. Timber roads, the Prince years, the Van Sweringens, the Ludington car ferries, and the Chesapeake and Ohio merger of June 6, 1947. -
Nickel Plate Road (Railroad): Map, History, Rosters
Oct 28, 26 10:51 PM
History of the Nickel Plate Road, the New York, Chicago and St. Louis. The Seney syndicate, the Van Sweringens, the Berkshires, and the Norfolk and Western absorption at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 1964… -
Nickel Plate Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 28, 26 10:48 PM
Nickel Plate diesel locomotives, each frame once. Alco switchers and PAs, GP7s and GP9s, and the GP30s. The quantity column is 440. The 1950 fleet was 117. -
Nickel Plate Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Oct 28, 26 10:43 PM
Nickel Plate steam locomotives built since 1900, including the Lake Erie and Western, the Clover Leaf, and the Wheeling engines that took Nickel Plate numbers. The quantity column is 786. -
EMD "E9" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History
Oct 28, 26 10:37 PM
EMD E9 cab units and boosters, 2,400 horsepower, built April 1954 through January 1964. Gear ratios, specifications, and the production roster by owner, serial, and order.
