C&O 1309 Returns To The WMSR In April
Published: March 18, 2026
By: Adam Burns
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has announced that their famous Mallet, Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309 will once again head up excursions this April during three select weekends leading the "Allegheny Winter Express." The dates listed are April 11–12, April 18–19, and April 25–26. Departing from the railroad’s beautifully restored Western Maryland station in Cumberland, this seasonal excursion blends scenic beauty, vintage railroading, and a cozy onboard experience that captures the magic of winter in the Appalachian highlands.
Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309 storms up Helmstetter's Curve in Cash Valley, Maryland on September 16, 2022. Doug Kroll photo.About The Allegheny Winter Express
The Allegheny Winter Express typically operates during the colder months—often January through early March—when snow blankets the rugged terrain of western Maryland. The train follows the former Western Maryland Railway main line westward from Cumberland, climbing steadily into the Allegheny Mountains.
Passengers are treated to striking views along the route, including:
- Snow-covered forests and mountain ridges
- The winding course of the Potomac River
- Historic railroad infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels
- Remote stretches of track rarely accessible except by rail
The excursion usually travels to the scenic highpoint at Frostburg before returning to Cumberland, offering a round-trip experience lasting approximately just under 3 hours. The railroad notes that there is no layover with this trip and it is offered in two classes; standard coach or upgraded lounge service. Also consider checking out their “Brunch & Munch” menu. This year the excursion is being extended into April to allow for the big Mallet to pull these trains. For more information about this trip and purchasing tickets please click here to visit the WMSR website.
About The WMSR
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) is one of the premier heritage railroads in the eastern United States, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience rail travel through the rugged Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland. Operating out of the historic city of Cumberland, the railroad follows a portion of the former Western Maryland Railway’s Connellsville Subdivision, a line once vital to coal, timber, and general freight traffic.
Founded in 1988, the WMSR was established to preserve the region’s rich railroading heritage while boosting tourism in Allegany County. Excursion trains depart from Cumberland’s beautifully restored station and travel approximately 16 miles west to Frostburg, climbing more than 1,000 feet along the way. The journey is highlighted by dramatic mountain scenery, deep rock cuts, and the famed Helmstetter’s Curve—one of the most photographed railroad locations in the eastern U.S.
A defining feature of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is its combination of historic equipment and immersive experiences. The railroad operates a fleet of vintage passenger cars, including coach, first-class, and dining service options. Many excursions offer themed experiences such as dinner trains, murder mystery rides, and seasonal events like fall foliage trips and holiday specials.
The crown jewel is Chesapeake and Ohio 1309, a massive 2-6-6-2 Mallet-type steam locomotive built in 1949 by Baldwin. Notably, it is the largest operating steam locomotive in regular service in the eastern United States. After an extensive and challenging restoration completed in the early 2020s, No. 1309 now powers many of the railroad’s signature excursions, delivering an authentic steam-era experience with the sights, sounds, and power that defined mid-20th century railroading.
In addition to steam operations, the railroad also utilizes vintage diesel locomotives, ensuring reliable service year-round. This flexibility allows the WMSR to maintain a robust schedule of excursions, including its increasingly popular winter operations. One standout event is the “Allegheny Winter Express,” which showcases the beauty of the snow-covered mountains and has quickly become a seasonal favorite.
The route itself is steeped in history. Originally constructed in the early 20th century by the Western Maryland Railway, the line served as a key link between Maryland and Pennsylvania, facilitating the movement of coal from Appalachian mines to eastern markets. Today, while freight traffic has largely disappeared, the line lives on through the WMSR’s preservation efforts.
Beyond the train ride, the organization plays an important role in regional heritage tourism. Cumberland’s station complex includes a museum, gift shop, and interpretive displays that tell the story of the Western Maryland Railway and its impact on the region. The railroad also contributes significantly to the local economy by attracting thousands of visitors annually.
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