Steam locomotive restoration specialist Gary Bensman cuts out staybolts for replacement on Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 in 2017.
TRAINS: Jim Wrinn
Q: Can anyone provide a definitive status on whether Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 will be running in 2019? — Richard Eaton, Chevy Chase, Md.
A: Railfans and railroad preservationists are watching this closely. Having made and broken several restoration deadlines in recent years, Western Maryland officials decline to publicly announce any new completion dates. Like other, less prominent, restoration projects throughout the rail preservation community, the former Chesapeake & Ohio locomotive will be finished, when it is finished. — Trains staff
I guess the new management at WMSR is more that a bit scared to release any info on the restoration progress at this time. They have a new website and there isn’t even a link to the restoration efforts. If a person uses a search engine to find out something on 1309, you get directed to a blog that is over a year old. I have a bad feeling that this restoration is going to get moth balled and WMSR will not have steam on it in the next several years.
I am super hyped whenever they finish 1309. She looks beautiful from the recent photos of her, even if she isn’t complete. I really want to see her in action once she’s out and about at WMSR.
Patience, understanding, and whoever can do so, donations.