The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is hosting Maryland Railfest from September 12 to 14, a three-day celebration of railroading in the region. The highlight will be the former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2, the largest operating compound Mallet in the United States.
Festivities will begin on Friday, September 12, with a special “Sunset on the Mountain” excursion leaving from Cumberland. On Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, locomotive 1309 will lead the “Helmstetter Highball,” short trips between Cumberland and the famous Helmsetter’s Curve. On Saturday evening, locomotive 1309 will also lead the railroad’s only dinner train of the year. Afterwards, a night photo session will take place in Cumberland.
Besides excursions, railroad-related vendors, along with food and craft vendors, will be set up at the Canal Place Amphitheater in Cumberland.
“RailFest is our way of honoring the legacy of American railroading while offering something fresh for every visitor,” said Wes Heinz, Executive Director of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. “Whether you’re here for the trains, the food, or the music, there’s no better place to be this September.”