CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad launched its first trips for 2026 with four excursions from Cumberland to Frostburg, Md., on Jan. 3 and 4. The trips were powered by the railroad’s former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, which ran flawlessly.
Named the Allegheny Winter Express, the 10-car trains were well patronized, with two of them sold out and the other two booked at 90% capacity. Clear skies, sub-freezing temps and a light snow cover on the ground provided outstanding photo conditions for the small band of photographers who chased the trips.
The WMSR runs over the former Western Maryland Railway’s Connellsville Subdivision west from the Cumberland station through the Allegheny Mountains for most of its route. At switch No. 9, the WMSR transfers to the former Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad main and runs its last few miles over the C&P to Frostburg.
No. 1309 is the largest operating steam locomotive east of the Mississippi River. Nicknamed “Maryland Thunder,” it was built in November 1949 and was the last steam locomotive delivered by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for a U.S. railroad. Part of the C&O’s H-6 class, the Mallet-type locomotive was assigned to coal train duty until its retirement in 1956.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has a full schedule of steam and diesel excursions planned for this winter and spring. For details about the excursions and to purchase tickets visit the railroad’s website.
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