Delaware’s Wilmington & Western Railroad announced Wednesday that it was suspending operations for the 2025 season to repair its aging historic equipment. 

“As our historic trains continue to age, the time has come for us to take a proactive step in ensuring their long-term viability,” railroad officials said in a post on social media. “We’ve made the decision to pause our operations for the 2025 season to conduct important maintenance and repairs to our beloved equipment. While our historic trains have stood the test of time, it’s crucial that we focus on restoring and maintaining them for the future.”

Sources close to the railroad told Railfan & Railroad that one major issue is the reliability of its locomotives. Last year, some holiday excursions had to be canceled because no motive power was available. The railroad’s two steam locomotives, 0-6-0 58 and 4-4-0 98, are both out of service at this time.

The railroad said it did not know when regular service would continue. 

The W&W was established in 1966 to operate excursions on 10 miles of former Baltimore & Ohio trackage between Greenbank and Hockessin, Del. In the past, it also provided freight service. —Justin Franz