On Sept. 26 to 28, the locomotive from 1949 will pull 14 to 18 freight cars, stopping at several locations on the 17-mile mountain railroad, including world-famous Helmstetter’s Curve as well as new locations. Participants will get to photograph the engine in both its new Western Maryland lettering as well as its historic Chesapeake & Ohio garb. The locomotive will be among the largest articulated engines in operation in North America when it returns to steam in July.
Also part of this event will be night photo opportunities, cab access, and an audio-visual program detailing the restoration of the locomotive, which was brought out of the B&O Railroad Museum in 2014. Only 80 tickets at $495 each will be available for the event.
“Trains made the 1309 its landmark project by awarding it the annual preservation award in 2015, and we’re delighted to play a part in bringing it to life as a freight hog, which it is,” says Editor Jim Wrinn. “Big steam locomotives like No. 1309 bring railroad history to life, and they’re one reason we are producing a special magazine, ‘Big Steam is Back’ and documentary video in June. We also will follow up with a documentary specifically on No. 1309 to appear late in 2017.”
For details and to buy tickets, call 800-TRAIN-50 or visit wmsr.com.
