CUMBERLAND, Md. — A plaque added to the cab of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 honors the contributions of late Trains editor Jim Wrinn to both the restoration of that locomotive and rail preservation in general.
Howard Pincus, president of Connecticut’s Naugatuck Railroad and a friend of the Western Maryland Scenic operation, reports he added the plaque above the engineer’s window on Thursday. It reads: “In memory of Jim Wrinn, 1961-2022. This locomotive would not be in operation without his efforts, support, and enthusiasm. He will forever be a member of every crew that occupies this cab. Thank you, Jim, for all you have down for 1309, and every other project you have touched. You have left a permanent legacy on heritage railroading. May 6, 2022.”
Wrinn was instrumental in the selection of the 1309 restoration project as Trains’ first “preservation partner,” promoting fundraising efforts to complete the locomotive [see “Donations pour in to steam the last Baldwin,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 28, 2020]. The project had previously been awarded a $10,000 preservation grant from the magazine.
Jim Wrinn set an example for those that follow to strive for.
Nice touch!
I hope a) that Jim rode the cab of a white Big Boy through the (opened) pearly gates (with DPM the first to welcome him on the other side)
and
b) that I one day ride the WMSR pulled by the 1309 (I’ve twice ridden the WMSR behind the 734). RIP Jim and David.
RIP George Drury. Hope I remember his name correctly, been a while since he passed. Bay State native who moved to Wisconsin and loved trains, just like me. Died way too soon.
Very fitting and just. Taken too soon.
This is especially moving. I love the quote “He will forever be a member of every crew that occupies this cab.”
It’s like the guy had two full-time jobs and was extraordinarily successful at both: (1) TRAINS MAGAZINE editor and (2) a benign force in the world of actual trains.
First the 4014 has Jim Wrinn on the smoke box door and now the recognition on the cab of 1309. His legacy will live on forever and it’s a great tribute for him.
It has been wonderful to see the outpouring of appreciation and recognition for Mr. Wrinn.