By M.T. Burkhart
CUMBERLAND, Md. – One of the East Coast’s favorite photo charter locomotives – Western Maryland Scenic 2-8-0 734 – will not return to steam anytime soon, but will be stabilized and evaluated, the railroad said.
“Our new mechanical team has found accounts and inspection forms that indicate the locomotive was performing well below peak efficiency during her final years in service,” the railroad said last week. “The locomotive was often pushed far beyond its normal operating capabilities, which has resulted in extreme wear and tear of many key components, particularly the running gear.”
The “Consolidation” type was built by Baldwin in 1916 for the Lake Superior & Ishpeming. Originally numbered 18 (and later 34) it served the LS&I until retirement in the early 1960s. After that, it initially went to a tourist railroad and was later on display at the Illinois Railway Museum before coming to Western Maryland Scenic and restored to service in the early 1990s.
The Cumberland to Frostburg run has been a favorite location for photo charters over the years, and 734 pulled numerous freight and passenger trips up the grade and around Helmstetter’s Curve. It last steamed in 2016 when the railroad turned its attention to Chesapeake & Ohio Baldwin 2-6-6-2 1309, which should enter service this summer.
Preliminary inspections reveal that 734 is in extremely worn mechanical condition and will need a lengthy and expensive overhaul, the railroad said. “If undertaken, it would also mean a significant investment in a locomotive that no longer meets the daily needs of the railroad, though this does not remove the possibility of 734 operating on the lighter, off-season trains and as stand-by power for 1309,” the railroad noted.
It added: “We cannot commit to an overhaul start date and timeline until this has been completed and we have determined a scope of work and estimation of cost. Once we have completed the 2021 season, we will be exploring more options for 734’s future, including initiation a fundraising campaign, but we do not anticipate beginning work in earnest at any time within the next few years.”
Western Maryland Scenic itself last ran in March 2020, shutting down tourist service in the wake of the global pandemic. Diesel service will resume on May 29.
