Scenic railroad excursion to Frostburg returns

CUMBERLAND — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s popular excursion train to Frostburg has resumed after landslides along the route forced the shutdown of the trip for more than a year.

“When you believe in something, you stick with it,” said Diana Howard, the scenic railroad’s human resource manager. “I believe Frostburg missed us as much as we missed Frostburg.”

The discovery of two landslides in January 2016 caused railroad officials to discontinue the leg to the Frostburg Depot. At Frostburg, passengers could watch the train’s engine be rotated 180 degrees on a turntable for the return ride to the Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumberland.

The railroad continued operating throughout 2016 by offering a shortened excursion to Woodcock Hollow at Mount Savage.

“We are looking forward to getting back to Frostburg,” said John Garner, scenic railroad general manager.

Spearheaded by Allegany County, repairs of the landslides were completed in March, and the green light was issued to resume excursions to Frostburg.

“All the landslides are cleared,” said Garner. “I’m happy for Allegany County. We couldn’t have done it without the encouragement from the people, county officials and the businesses.”

Railroad officials have planned a “Back to the ‘Burg” celebration excursion for May 6 at 11:30 a.m.

“This is one more way we can welcome the people in,” said Garner.

Howard said the celebration will include local elected officials and other speakers along with music and a ribbon cutting in Frostburg.

“I think it will be a great celebration for Allegany County that our passengers can visit Cumberland and visit beautiful Frostburg,” said Howard. “It’s a partnership between two communities and a great adventure.”

Garner said he expects the scenic railroad to draw nearly 40,000 riders for the 2017 season.

“We are excited and looking forward to a good, solid year,” said Garner. “The support of Allegany County is making it all possible, from the neighbors and the commission to the businessmen. Allegany County recognizes how important tourism and the railroad is to the region.”

Garner said runs to Frostburg on Saturdays and Sundays have begun in recent weeks.

“We have a new crew, so we need to get them up to speed for when the season starts rocking and rolling,” Garner said.

The railroad is currently using two diesel engines — Nos. 501 and 502 built in the early 1960s — to pull the five to seven cars used for excursions.

“For the special celebration we will have a double head,” said Garner. “It means we run both engines. We will have a nice couple-hour celebration for our return to Frostburg.”

The excursions have a capacity of about 300 riders.

Garner said passengers have been requesting the continuation of theme rides this year. He said murder mystery, wine and cheese and special dinner rides are popular. The railroad uses Herb Otter Productions, Baldwin, to produce the murder mystery excursions.

The scenic railroad is also partnering with the Gunter Hotel in Frostburg.

“We are working with the Gunter Hotel so people can stay overnight in Frostburg and have breakfast and then catch the train the next day back,” said Garner.

Railroad officials are planning to bring back the iconic steam engine by September. The railroad had been powered by steamer Mountain Thunder No. 734 for years before the engine had to be dismantled for a required overhaul.

Railroad officials are hoping to have Maryland Thunder No. 1309, a 2-6-6-2 Mallet steam locomotive, ready for duty in September.

The railroad will begin excursions Thursday through Sunday in the coming weeks.

For more information on the scenic railroad, including ticket availability for the May 6 celebration and other excursions, visit www.wmsr.com or call 1-800-Train50.

 

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