Steam locomotive restoration specialist Gary Bensman was cutting out staybolts for replacement Tuesday during a visit. The work is expected to move forward with additional help.
“We’ll be putting in the tubes soon,” Bensman said. “And after that we’ll do the hydrostatic test.”
In 2016, the Maryland governor’s office set aside $400,000 in a matching grant to aid in the restoration of No. 1309. Scenic railroad General Manager John Garner told Trains News Wire recently that the grant program is designed to contribute to the locomotive’s restoration, but the railroad is required to match the state’s financial contribution and must first spend its own capital dollars before an approved reimbursement can be processed by the state. Garner said that raising $400,000 for a single project, while also trying to run the railroad has made it difficult for officials to maintain steady cash flow for the railroad. He says state officials are working to make railroad vendors approved state contractors and to also approve vendors’ invoices.
Garner said that contractors have about eight weeks of restoration work remaining before the locomotive is ready to go. Remaining projects include preparations for a hydrostatic test for the boiler followed by reassembly work if the test shows the locomotive will safely hold steam and water under pressure.
In January, the railroad set July 1 as the inaugural weekend for No. 1309’s trip into Cumberland and Frostburg, Md. There’s no word yet on a new expected completion date.
A reaaly cool way to enjoy the WMSR is to load your bicycle into the baggage car, ride to the top, explore Frostburg, then bike the parallel path back down to Cumberland. All downhill!
I read about the WM locomotive restoration delays. I figured they needed money. I went to their web site and could find no place to donate. I called their phone number and wound up with a mailbox that was full. Very unprofessional!
Ross, good to see you’re still in the game, and watching the resto scene! At the risk of broaching a sore subject is there any news on 614 and the Yellow ribbon tour project you’d care to share?
This is really good news, any time something depends on government funding largesse it is a reason for concern. Although I live far enough away that a visit is unlikely in the near-term, It’ll be great to at least see pics/video of a for real Mal-ley running in an Appalachian setting.
I hope for their sake that they refrain from announcing completion dates as there’s lots still to do and once she’s making steam again then comes the all important break-in runs to uncover what still needs fixing before she’s ready for reliable service.
I understand their need for revenues and wish them every success in beating the odds and getting her back in service this calendar year.
I’d guess that next spring is much more realistic but we’ll see.
Ross Rowland
Very glad to hear things are moving again.
Good news. Money is usually the answer.
Mr. Conaway,
The internet is your friend:
https://www.wmsr.com/route/
It’s 16 miles of curving mountain railroad from Cumberland up to Frostburg. Plenty of opportunity for 1309 to show her stuff.
Ok, i’ve asked this before, but where is this locomotive going to be ran? Surely not on some tiny round and round loop or back and forth in a straight line? How big is the Maryland Scenic?
Looking forward to this one!
Amazon Smile
WHOO HOO! The State of Maryland FINALLY did the RIGHT THING here and released the funds in a timely manner! The show can now go on! Thank you Lord… I was worried for a while…