With the help of family and friends, Gray was able to raise $1,000 for the project.
“It’s incredible that such a young man would take on such an endeavor. We’re honored and humbled that someone can see the importance of the No. 1309 project,” Western Maryland Scenic Railroad General Manager John Garner says.
In celebration of his birthday, Gray, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, recently visited the railroad’s Ridgeley, W.Va., shops to experience No. 1309 up close. His visit coincided with the railroad’s open house and fire up, which afforded the boy and his family the chance to blow the locomotive’s whistle and experience the boiler in action.
The railroad also sent Gray home with souvenirs and a lifetime pass to ride the scenic railroad.
In addition to the funds generated by Gray’s generosity, the railroad is also spearheading a new fundraising initiative called the 1309 club. Debuted during the railroad’s Tuesday open house, Garner and team outlined details for the new club.
“We’re looking for 200 people to donate $1,309.00 and by doing that, we will almost have the complete cost to complete the locomotive,” Garner says.
The railroad estimates roughly $300,000 is needed to finish the project.
By joining the 1309 club, donors will receive one cab ride from Cumberland to Frostburg and return, two tickets aboard No. 1309’s inaugural dinner train, and a lifetime coach pass on the scenic railroad.
Garner says the railroad is seeking donors who are serious about big steam and want to make a difference in the preservation community.
In the meantime, Garner says work on No. 1309 will continue, but securing the additional funds will be imperative to keep the restoration from being interrupted.
My husband and I came across this article today. This is a wonderful article and we can not wait to show our son. He LOVES Trains Magazine. I can’t thank the folks below enough for all the kind words. It means the world to us. We are so proud of our son and will continue to support his passion for trains. WMSC made us feel apart of their train family and to that we thank them as well.
BRAVO Tristan! A train load of love and respect to you. May all the signals in your life always be set at High Green!
Is it possible to make a donation to Tristan’s parents to help them cope with the financial burdon they face in light of their son’s condition?
I’d try for 2000 people donating $130.90. It might be something local civic groups and merchants could get behind.
Love stories like this, what a GREAT kid.
Looks like this youngster should have been running the show there all along .
A1 young man!