CUMBERLAND, Md. — Gunnoe Media Group and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad are collaborating to raise funds, coordinate special access, and host the first photo freight event on the Georges Creek Railway, the short line leased by the Western Maryland Scenic.
Western Maryland Scenic announced in January it had signed a long-term lease to operate the line, dormant since 2019, as its Georges Creek Division, where it will pursue passenger and freight opportunities [see “Western Maryland Scenic to expand …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 15, 2024].
The fundraising effort will see Gunnoe Media sell a packaged ticket to photographers allowing them access to document the line’s rebuilding on select dates provided by Western Maryland Scenic, join a special outing for some of the first photos of passenger train on the line, and participate in the first photo freight. Track work is scheduled to begin this month; customers will additional details and event dates via email.
The first 30 tickets will be $345 per person and are available here; once those tickets are sold, remaining tickets will be $395. All events will be limited to 75 photographers.
“I recently re-started my rail charter business with my mailing list of loyal supporters after a decade-long hiatus,” Chase Gunnoe, who manages Gunnoe Media, said in a press release. “I am passionate about railroad investment and photography and I cannot think of a better project that combines these interests. We will develop a unique first-ever event for like-minded railroad fans to enjoy, all while generating money over the next few months that directly supports the WMSR’s efforts to repair this historic rail line.”
Wesley Heinz, Western Maryland Scenic’s executive director, said the railroad aims to diversify through the renovation and enhancement of the Georges Creek Division, and “seeks to offer unique experiences” through that expansion. “Funds raised from this partnership will assist in achieving this goal, while providing photographers an opportunity to experience this journey with us.”
