“Western Maryland #1309 – Only the GOOD news here!”

Machining and Fabrication Proceeds as #1309’s Reassembly Rolls Forward

Ridgeley, West Virginia, July 13, 2018:

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and Diversified Rail Services are very proud to share their continuing progress in the overhaul of Western Maryland 2-6-6-2 #1309. With the FRA hydro completed the momentum is building towards a test fire of her massive boiler. The checklist of appliances and parts, including boiler fittings and key portions of the stoker/firing equipment, becomes shorter each week. Clean up and replacement of boiler brackets continues. Over the Independence Day holidays the locomotive was jacked up to allow for removal of the trailing truck. The trailing axle has been sent for tread and journal trueing prior to reinstallation in the truck frame. The frame itself has been inspected and needed repairs attended to. As mentioned in our previous release the cab floor, stoker elevator tube and grate shaker levers are installed. With these components aboard the locomotive attention turned to the fabrication of 1309’s all-new welded ash pan. Utilizing the original as a template the new pan has been completed using .25” steel and joined to the original hopper bottom casting. Installation of the smoke box draft appliances has commenced and replacement grate parts are being cast.

Previously we had suggested clever donation opportunities using locomotive numbers…so we will add another number for this release: Casting of new grate parts - $3985, or individual grate fingers for $39.85!

We say an enthusiastic, “Thank you,” for your sincere compliments and generous financial support. Thanks for helping us rebuild the past for your enjoyment in the future.

Very happy to see them moving forward. Is going to be great to See that engine run again.

Good news here, too:

Can you tell us where the photos are from? Tried looking for them, but couldn't find them.

As I remember, there was track work that needed to be finished in the Frostburg area before 1309 went into service. Anyone know if that has been accomplished? I think it involved lengthening the siding and realigning the rails leading to the turntable.

Here's the newest update regarding #1309.

I'm so glad that progress is continuing to be made, and I can't wait to see her once she's finished and running.

https://westernmarylandscenicrailroad.b ... n-awe.html

Maybe I'm misinterpreting something, but those lines from the release suggest the road's been making progress on things like the damaged journal boxes for the drivers.

In any event, it looks like we'll see a running 1309 before too long--even though it's likely the management won't repeat the mistake of coming out with a specific date!!

“The Countdown Continues On Awe-Inspiring Western Maryland #1309”

Ridgeley, West Virginia, August 24, 2018:

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and Diversified Rail Services are very proud to share their continuing progress in the overhaul of Western Maryland 2-6-6-2 #1309. With boiler work complete, piping and appliances are being plumbed into their final place as the back head of #1309 begins to take on the familiar appearance of a steam locomotive. Final installation of her super heater units has also been completed. The repaired exhaust nozzle and draft appliances for her massive compound engines have been installed in the smoke box. The high-pressure exhaust is the smaller diameter pipe that wraps around the low-pressure exhaust nozzle. Several key steam lines remain to be attached to the locomotive as of this writing. Jacks and a beam are supporting the rear of #1309 while the trailing truck is prepared for reinstallation following machine work to true journal surfaces. The tender has also been filled to verify watertight integrity of the overhauled tender tank. Piping, delivery lines, and tender appliances are being tested prior to the tender being mated to the locomotive for the first time in over 2 years.

The generous support for this magnificent machine’s return to service has been humbling. Please take this opportunity to show your support by making a donation to the #1309 project at: https://www.wmsr.com/support-co-1309-restoration/ .

Thanks to all for sharing in our efforts and enthusiasm for #1309’s return to the rails.

Thank you,
Diversified Rail Services

Good, positive report. Thanks.

thanks for sharing