NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Rivanna  Chapter

Charlottesville, Virginia

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Excursion

CHARTER BUS TRIP TO RIDE THE WESTERN MARYLAND SCENIC RAILROAD ENJOYED BY ALL!

The Rivanna Chapter’s charter bus excursion to Cumberland, Maryland, on September 10, 2005, was a resounding success and enjoyed by all who participated. 37 intrepid voyagers gathered in the early morning to board our chartered bus in Charlottesville for a ride up the Shenandoah Valley and through a picturesque corner of West Virginia before arriving at the historic station in Cumberland, Maryland. Upon boarding the train we made our way to the combine coach that the railroad had reserved just for us...a nice touch! The ride up the mountain to Frostburg did not disapoint, featuring steam locomotive #734 (1916 Baldwin 2-8-0, former Lake Superior and Ishpeming) working hard on the grade (2.8% max), belching clouds of dark smoke and a constant shower of cinders! Upon arrival in Frostburg everyone enjoyed watching the engine cut-off from the train and move onto the turntable to be turned for the return trip to Cumberland...but there was a catch! Due to the train length (9 cars) exceeding the run-around passing track, #734 did a complete 360 degrees on the turntable just for show before backing back onto the train in the same position and orientation as when it had come up the hill. Again, due to the length of the train, vintage diesel GP30 #501 had helped push us all the way up the mountain from the rear of the train. WMSR's rule is that any train over 6 cars requires a helper, so #501 would now serve to lead us back down the mountain to Cumberland while #734 drifted on the rear of the train. Upon returning to Cumberland many of us made the customary purchases in the gift shop before boarding the bus for the return trip home. A fun day trip that left many looking forward to our next excursion!

Western Maryland #734 passes through Helmstetter's Curve.

Railroad management reserved a combine coach for the Rivanna Chapter's exclusive use!

Western Maryland #734 is turned on the turntable at Frostburg.

At the Frostburg station.

Our chartered motor coach on the return trip...train videos on the monitors during the entire ride!

A happy bunch after our return to Charlottesville...the bus call board says it all!

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Copyright © 2005 by National Railway Historical Society - Rivanna Chapter, Inc.