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
-
EMD "F7" Locomotives: Cab, Top Speed, Specs, Rosters
Oct 19, 26 12:27 AM
EMD F7 cab units and boosters, 1,500 horsepower, built February 1949 through December 1953. Gear ratios, specifications, and the production roster by owner, serial, and order. -
Harlem Transfer Company: An NYC Terminal System
Oct 19, 26 12:01 AM
Harlem Transfer Company, the Lackawanna's offline freight terminal on the Bronx side of the Harlem River at East 135th Street. Carfloats to Hoboken, boxcab No. 2, and GE 44-tonner 53. -
Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad: Roster, History, Photos
Oct 18, 26 11:44 PM
Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad, a Class III short line leasing about 46.9 miles of CSX track at Parkersburg since 2020. The Ohio River bridge, the Marietta Subdivision, and five GP38-3s. -
Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad: Map, Timetables, History
Oct 18, 26 10:57 PM
Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad, an Illinois line from Pekin and Peoria through Springfield to Madison. Chartered in 1853. Sold in parcels on November 20, 1924. The Pekin line is today the Illino… -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 18, 26 10:54 PM
All-time diesel roster of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. 951 parent frames, 72 Colorado & Southern, and 36 Fort Worth & Denver, each counted once. Serials included. -
Burlington Railroad (CB&Q): Map, History, Rosters, Photos
Oct 18, 26 10:49 PM
The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Burlington Route, ran from Chicago to Denver, the Twin Cities, and the Gulf. Steam built since 1900 and the diesel fleets are companion rosters. Burlington Northe… -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Oct 18, 26 10:33 PM
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy steam locomotives built or rebuilt since 1900. 429 Prairies, 383 Mikados, the Hudsons, and the O-5 4-8-4s. Drury's class grid. -
Virginian Railway's 2-6-6-6 Locomotives (Class AG)
Oct 18, 26 01:38 PM
Virginian Railway class AG. Eight Lima 2-6-6-6s, Nos. 900-907, built in 1945 for the east end. Billed at 753,000 pounds. Scrapped in 1960. -
Pennsylvania (PRR) Steam Roster: Post 1906
Oct 18, 26 01:05 PM
ennsylvania steam after 1906—H8, H9, and H10 Consolidations, 574 L1s Mikados, 598 I1s Decapods, 425 K4s Pacifics, 301 M1 Mountains. Drury’s grid. Last steam November 30, 1957. -
Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad: The "Roarin' Elgin"
Oct 18, 26 10:54 AM
The Chicago, Aurora & Elgin, the Roarin' Elgin, ran 600-volt third-rail trains from Chicago to Aurora, Batavia, and Elgin. Passenger service ended at noon on July 3, 1957. Freight ended June 11, 1959. -
Algoma Central Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters
Oct 17, 26 10:49 PM
Algoma Central Railway, Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst. Wisconsin Central on February 1, 1995. Fifty-nine steam locomotives and forty-two diesels. -
Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad: Map, History, Rosters
Oct 17, 26 05:49 PM
Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad, Mogadore to Delphos. The rails never reached Canton or Youngstown. Norfolk & Western control on October 16, 1964. Twenty-six diesels and the historical society's… -
Georgia Railroad: Map, History, Logo, Rosters
Oct 17, 26 12:59 PM
Georgia Railroad, the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company, Augusta to Atlanta, with the Athens branch and the Macon Road. Mark GA. The railroad properties were sold on November 4, 1982. -
West Point Route (Railroad): Map, History, Logo
Oct 16, 26 11:26 PM
The West Point Route was a trademarked name comprising the Atlanta & West Point and Western Railway of Alabama, which were controlled by the Georgia Railroad. -
Virginian Railway Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 16, 26 11:11 PM
All-time diesel roster of the Virginian Railway. 40 Fairbanks-Morse H16-44s, 25 H24-66 Train Masters, and one GE 44-tonner. Serials included. -
Virginian Railway Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Oct 16, 26 10:55 PM
Virginian Railway steam locomotives built since 1900. Mikados, 2-8-8-2s, the Triplex, class AE 2-10-10-2s, and the 1945 2-6-6-6s. -
Virginian Railway: Map, Rosters, History, Electrification
Oct 16, 26 10:51 PM
Virginian Railway, Deepwater to Norfolk. Combined in 1907 and completed in 1909. Electrified from Roanoke to Elmore. Absorbed by the Norfolk & Western on December 1, 1959. -
Baldwin "Centipede" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Oct 16, 26 03:58 PM
Baldwin DR-12-8-1500/2 Centipede—2-D+D-2, two 608SC engines, 3,000 hp. SAL 4500 from the 1943 test bed. 54 on the serial list, 52 sold. PRR BP60 then BH50. None preserved. -
Louisville & Nashville Class M-1 2-8-4s: The Big Emmas
Oct 16, 26 03:52 PM
Louisville & Nashville class M-1, 42 Big Emma 2-8-4s. Baldwin in 1942 and 1944, Lima in 1949. Coal trains from Neon to DeCoursey. No locomotive survives. -
Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway: Map, History, Rosters
Oct 16, 26 03:21 PM
Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway, Chattanooga to Gadsden. The May 1929 card is 91.7 miles. Southern stock control closed on a January 1, 1971 schedule. Five diesels and Prince's steam list. -
Railroad Museums In The USA (2026): State Guides & Collections
Oct 16, 26 02:29 PM
U.S. railroad museums—what they are vs tourist railroads, preservation history (R&LHS, NRHS, IRM, Steamtown), state guides, and destination collections. Confirm hours on each museum’s site. -
Wyoming Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 16, 26 02:26 PM
Wyoming railroad museums—the Cheyenne Depot, Burlington 5633 at Douglas, Big Boy 4004, and the Laramie depot. Confirm hours and which locomotive is on the property. -
West Virginia Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 16, 26 12:52 PM
West Virginia railroad museums—Cass Scenic’s geared steam, the Hinton C&O collection, and the Martinsburg B&O roundhouse. Confirm hours and which locomotive is assigned. -
Washington Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 16, 26 12:46 PM
Washington railroad museums—Snoqualmie, Elbe, Chehalis, Reardan, and the Northern Pacific depot at Toppenish. Confirm hours and which locomotive is assigned. -
Vermont Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 16, 26 12:42 PM
Vermont railroad museums—the Shelburne Museum’s 1890 station, Central Vermont No. 220, and the private car Grand Isle. Confirm hours on the site. -
Tennessee Central Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters, History
Oct 16, 26 11:32 AM
Tennessee Central Railway, Harriman to Hopkinsville. Reorganized January 26, 1922. Last day August 31, 1968. Thirty-one diesels and the railroad's steam roster. -
Southern Railway Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Oct 16, 26 09:40 AM
Southern Railway steam locomotives built since 1900. Ps-4 Pacifics, Ts Mountains, USRA Santa Fes, and the subsidiary grids for the CNO&TP, Alabama Great Southern, and New Orleans and Northeastern. -
Southern Railway (USA): Map, Locomotives, Logo, History
Oct 16, 26 09:28 AM
The Southern Railway, formed July 1, 1894 from the Richmond and Danville and the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. Washington. Norfolk Southern Railway on December 31, 1990. -
Seaboard Coast Line Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 15, 26 04:21 PM
All-time diesel roster of the Seaboard Coast Line. Inherited Coast Line and Seaboard locomotives, then 623 new locomotives in the printed orders, plus 28 acquired from other railroads. -
Seaboard Coast Line Railroad: Map, History, Photos
Oct 15, 26 04:17 PM
The Seaboard Coast Line, formed July 1, 1967 from the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line. Jacksonville. Family Lines, then the Seaboard System on December 29, 1982. -
South Carolina Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 15, 26 02:54 PM
South Carolina railroad museums—Winnsboro’s Rockton & Rion line, Spartanburg’s Hub City depot, Greenwood’s Baldwin No. 19, and the Best Friend replica. Confirm hours on each site. -
South Dakota Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 15, 26 10:55 AM
South Dakota railroad museums—the Hill City museum beside the 1880 Train, and Prairie Village at Madison. Confirm hours, and confirm whether Hill City is still open. -
Seaboard Air Line Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 15, 26 10:46 AM
All-time diesel roster of the Seaboard Air Line. 734 locomotives: E4s in 1938, Centipedes, Alco road switchers, and GP40s through February 1967. Serials included. -
Seaboard Air Line Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Oct 15, 26 10:39 AM
Seaboard Air Line steam locomotives built since 1900. Mikados, Russian Decapods, 2-10-2s, and the 2-6-6-4s sold to the Baltimore and Ohio in 1947. Drury's class grid. -
Seaboard Air Line Railroad: Map, Rosters, History
Oct 15, 26 10:34 AM
The Seaboard Air Line, chartered in the Portsmouth and Roanoke of 1832 and formed July 1, 1900. Inland route to Florida. Merged into the Seaboard Coast Line on July 1, 1967. -
Utah Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 15, 26 12:04 AM
Utah railroad museums—Ogden Union Station, Golden Spike at Promontory, the Helper mining museum, and the Heber Valley Railroad. Confirm hours on each site. -
Escanaba & Lake Superior Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 14, 26 10:44 PM
All-time diesel roster of the Escanaba & Lake Superior. 30 locomotives: Baldwin switchers and RS-12s, two RF16s, three GP38s, three SD40-2s, and the Reserve Mining units. Serials and order numbers. -
Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad: In Service Since 1898
Oct 14, 26 09:04 PM
Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad, chartered November 17, 1898, and still operating from Wells, Michigan. Logging line to Channing, the Milwaukee Road lines, and the diesel roster. -
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 14, 26 08:49 PM
All-time diesel roster of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac. 107 locomotives: 22 Alco S2s, one SW1, and an Electro-Motive road fleet from E8s to GP40-2s. Serials and order numbers. -
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Steam Roster (Since 1900)
Oct 14, 26 08:46 PM
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac steam locomotives built since 1900. Pacifics, Mountains, Berkshire-type 2-8-4s, and the named 4-8-4s. Last revenue run December 17, 1954. -
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad: Map, Rosters, Logo
Oct 14, 26 08:36 PM
The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, chartered February 25, 1834. A 113-mile Richmond–Washington bridge line. Named 4-8-4s, Potomac Yard, and the CSX sale of October 10, 1991. -
North Dakota Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 14, 26 08:29 PM
North Dakota railroad museums—Mandan’s state museum, the Railroad Museum of Minot, and Bonanzaville’s Northern Pacific 684. Confirm hours on each site. -
Oklahoma Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 14, 26 08:02 PM
Oklahoma railroad museums—the Oklahoma Railway Museum, Enid’s Frisco 1519, Waynoka’s Harvey House, and El Reno’s Rock Island depot. Confirm hours on each site. -
Oneida & Western Railroad: Map, History, Timetable
Oct 14, 26 06:47 PM
Oneida & Western Railroad, a Tennessee short line from Oneida to Jamestown. Chartered in 1912, opened to East Jamestown in 1921, and to Jamestown on December 10, 1930. Last revenue train March 4, 1954… -
Oneida and Western Railroad (Shamrock Coal Company)
Oct 14, 26 03:20 PM
Shamrock Coal's mint-green coal trains, 1979–1987. Eight EMD SD40-2s, OWTX 9950–9957, order 786246. Two 72-car gondola sets. Louisville & Nashville, then CSX. Sold to BC Rail. -
Rhode Island Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 14, 26 03:03 PM
Rhode Island railroad museums—the Friends’ museum in the 1875 Kingston depot, on the old New York, Providence and Boston. Confirm what is on view. -
Original Norfolk Southern Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Oct 14, 26 12:40 PM
All-time diesel roster of the original Norfolk Southern Railway. 59 locomotives: Baldwin switchers and AS-416s, three GE 70-tonners, 17 GP18s, and seven GP38s. Serials and order numbers. -
Original Norfolk Southern Railway: Map, Rosters, History
Oct 14, 26 10:09 AM
The original Norfolk Southern Railway, chartered in 1870 as the Elizabeth City & Norfolk. Norfolk to Charlotte. Merged into the Southern Railway on January 1, 1974. Baldwin diesels and the GP18s and G… -
Nebraska Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 14, 26 10:00 AM
Nebraska railroad museums—the Durham Museum, Kenefick Park, Cody Park, and the Golden Spike Tower over Bailey Yard. Confirm hours on each site. -
Nevada Railroad Museums (2026): A Complete Guide
Oct 14, 26 09:51 AM
Nevada railroad museums—Carson City, Boulder City, the Nevada Northern at East Ely, and the Virginia City depot. Confirm hours on each site.
