RailNews

Western Maryland Scenic Launches Campaign to Fund 2-8-0 Restoration

Western Maryland Scenic is partnering with the PBS program Great Scenic Railway Journeys to raise money to restore 2-8-0 locomotive 734. Photo by M.T. Burkhart.

Western Maryland Scenic Launches Campaign to Fund 2-8-0 Restoration

Western Maryland Scenic is partnering with the PBS program Great Scenic Railway Journeys to raise money to restore 2-8-0 locomotive 734, which last operated on the Maryland-based tourist railroad in 2016.

Baldwin Locomotive Works built the 2-8-0 type locomotive in 1916 for the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, an iron ore-hauling road in Michigan. The locomotive was used until the 1960s when it was sold to a tourist railroad and eventually to the Illinois Railway Museum. In 1992, WMSR acquired it and restored it to resemble a Western Maryland H-class locomotive. 

The locomotive will be restored to service on WMSR’s route between Cumberland and Frostburg, Md. The locomotive will join WMSR’s other steam engine, the former Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 1309. 

The railroad has not set a timeline for locomotive 734’s completion. As of this month, it is currently indoors at WMSR’s shop in Ridgeley, W.Va., where it will be prepared for a running gear evaluation, ultrasound mapping, and more. To help fund the restoration, Great Scenic Railway Journeys announced on February 1 that it would match every donation made to the effort up to $10,000. 

“I have been continually impressed with the work done by the new management and staff at WMSR,” said creator and producer Robert Van Camp. “Their vision for the railroad and infusion of fresh ideas, such as new venues and experiences, truly capture the essence of railroading’s glory days. It’s inspiring to see how they’re bringing new life to the railroad and making it an unforgettable experience for riders of all ages. I am proud to be a part of their mission to help preserve and present some of this nation’s historical railroad rolling stock and look forward to seeing the matching funds pledged by their fan base.”

For additional information, visit the restoration’s website at MountainThunder734.org. —Justin Franz 

This article was posted on: February 3, 2025