Western Maryland Scenic’s new leader is dedicated to restoring 1309 NEWSWIRE

CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will have a new General Superintendent going forward. The Cumberland, Md.-based railroad named John C. Garner as new superintendent after Michael Gresham publicly resigned in a post on social media on the evening of Feb. 17.

Gresham, who joined the Scenic Railroad in 2013, says that other recent opportunities have prompted the difficult decision to step down as the railroad’s top manager. In an interview with Trains News Wire, Gresham says he believes the railroad “has accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time,” citing the acquisition and restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, turning around the company’s customer service, and building a social media presence from 500 to 11,000 followers.

Gresham also says the railroad is well positioned going forward to handle the ongoing restoration of No. 1309 and other projects. No. 1309 is slated to roll out of the railroad’s Ridgeley, W.Va., shops in July 2016.

As Garner takes the helm as the railroad’s new top leader, he reaffirms that the “WMSR also remains committed to the return to service of Chesapeake & Ohio H-6 2-6-6-2 steam locomotive No. 1309, which received the Trains Magazine 2015 Preservation Award.”

In addition to the ongoing restoration, the railroad’s Feb. 18 news release says that under Garner’s leadership, the railroad hopes to expand offer new special venues this year and expand planning opportunities for its 2016 season.

Garner also says that looking forward, the scenic railroad has to improve on the natural appeal of the historic railroad and grow the success of its programs to both attract new visitors and repeat guests back to the railroad. According to the press release, this process will begin by gaining a better understanding of its passengers and its market. “There are about 10 million people living within 2.5 hours driving of Cumberland,” yet Garner noted “WMSR attracts only a small fraction of that number a year in riders.”

Garner has 28 years of railroad experience, including work as a Norfolk Southern conductor, and operator of multiple short line operations. Garner has spent the last year at the scenic railroad working to strengthen compliance, making improvements at the Ridgeley, W.Va., shops, and improving operations and community outreach.

Gresham says that as Garner takes the role as general superintendent, he will continue to support the railroad and serve as a consultant to the scenic railroad if the opportunity arises.