Western Maryland Scenic Railroad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The WMSR Cumberland station in 2003
Overview
Headquarters	Cumberland, Maryland
Reporting mark	WMSR
Locale	Allegany County, Maryland
Dates of operation	1988–present
Predecessor	Western Maryland Railway, Allegany Central Railroad
Technical
Track gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length	16 mi (26 km)

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) is a special historic railroad in Cumberland, Maryland. It's known as a heritage railroad, which means it uses old-fashioned trains to take passengers on fun trips. You can ride on trains pulled by powerful steam and diesel engines.

The railroad travels on old tracks that once belonged to the Western Maryland Railway. The trip goes from Cumberland to the town of Frostburg. The railroad offers different types of rides, including special trips for holidays and fun "murder mystery" adventures.

History of the Railroad

The tracks used by the scenic railroad were once part of the Western Maryland Railway (WM). This was a major railroad that served Cumberland and nearby towns. In 1973, the WM became part of a larger company called the Chessie System, which later merged into CSX Transportation. After these changes, the railway line between Cumberland and Frostburg was no longer used.

In the late 1980s, people in Allegany County realized the old, abandoned tracks could be a great tourist attraction. The county and the cities of Cumberland and Frostburg worked together to buy the land. They also got the old train repair shops in Ridgeley, West Virginia, and historic train stations in Cumberland and Frostburg. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad began running its own trains in 1991.

The Train Ride Experience

Your journey on the WMSR starts at the historic Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumberland. This beautiful building was built in 1913. From there, the train heads northwest through the Cumberland Narrows, a stunning water gap between two mountains.

The train then climbs up the steep Allegheny Front, passing through another scenic valley. After passing near the town of Mt. Savage, the train arrives at the old station in Frostburg. Passengers get about 90 minutes to explore the town. During this time, the locomotive is turned around on a turntable for the trip back to Cumberland.

Sights Along the Way

• Helmstetter's Curve: A famous, wide curve in the tracks that is a great spot for photos.
• Brush Tunnel: The train passes through this 914-foot-long tunnel, which was built in 1911.
• Woodcock Hollow: The site of a sharp, hairpin turn in the tracks as the train climbs the mountain.

The Great Allegheny Passage, a popular bicycle trail, runs alongside the railroad tracks. Cyclists can book a spot on the train to carry their bikes up the mountain to Frostburg and then enjoy a fun ride back down to Cumberland.

Growing and Improving

In 2021, a new director, Wesley Heinz, began leading the railroad. Under his leadership, the railroad finished restoring the massive steam locomotive No. 1309. This led to more visitors and helped the railroad grow.

In January 2024, the WMSR announced it would be leasing the nearby Georges Creek Railway. The plan is to fix up these tracks and run more tourist trains, creating a new "Georges Creek Division." This will allow even more people to experience the history of railroads in the area.

Train Shops and Maintenance

The WMSR's main repair shops are located in Ridgeley, West Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Cumberland. These are the same shops the original Western Maryland Railway used. Here, skilled workers repair and restore the railroad's locomotives and passenger cars. The shops also do restoration work for other railroads and private owners.

The Trains and Cars

The WMSR has a large collection of historic passenger cars. Many have been restored and painted in the railroad's green and gold colors. The cars are often named after local towns or people who have supported the railroad. The railroad also has freight cars and cabooses that are used for special photo events and track maintenance.

Locomotives

These are the engines that pull the trains.

Locomotive Details

Number	Image	Type	Class	Builder	Built	Status
734		Steam	2-8-0 "Consolidation"	Baldwin Locomotive Works	1916	Under restoration
1309		Steam	2-6-6-2 "Mallet"	Baldwin Locomotive Works	1949	Operational
25		Diesel	GP9	Electro-Motive Diesel	1954	Stored, awaiting restoration
39		Diesel	GP9	Electro-Motive Diesel	1957	Stored, awaiting restoration
539		Diesel	B32-8	General Electric	1989	Operational
558		Diesel	B32-8	General Electric	1989	Operational
561		Diesel	B32-8	General Electric	1989	Operational

Passenger Cars

Gallery

• 

  The first WMSR Station is located at 13 Canal Street in Cumberland, Maryland

• 

  WMSR Nos. 501 and 734 crossing the Potomac River from Cumberland to Ridgeley

• 

  WMSR No. 450 at the WMSR station in Cumberland

• 

  A WMSR excursion traveling below Parkersburg Bridge

• 

  2-8-0 No. 734 crossing Helmerstetter's Curve

• 

  2-6-6-2 No. 1309 pulling an excursion into Frostburg

• 

  The second WMSR Station is at 18 Depot Road in Frostburg, Maryland

See also

• Canal Place (park complex which includes the railway station)
• List of heritage railroads in the United States