Maryland Area Steam and NW 611

[Simon0325]

NS's steam program has rarely visited the Maryland area. Could they get one of their engines in Baltimore or Washington DC? Why haven't they been doing a DC excursion? Think of steam in US's capital! This also brings up NW 611. The museum is taking 611 on only day trips because of the fact that people come from all around the world to see 611 at the museum. This brings up another question could 611 make it to DC and back to Roanoke in one day?

 

[simulatortrain]

As far as running steam that could be used, there's 734 in Cumberland, probably anything at Strasburg, and even some of the stuff down in West Virginia. I'm sure there's more that I can't think of right now. Maybe some of it would be a stretch. What needs to happen is to get WM 202 in Hagerstown running again. Her normal run was Hagerstown-Baltimore.

 

[Simon0325]

As far as running steam that could be used, there's 734 in Cumberland, probably anything at Strasburg, and even some of the stuff down in West Virginia. I'm sure there's more that I can't think of right now. Maybe some of it would be a stretch. What needs to happen is to get WM 202 in Hagerstown running again. Her normal run was Hagerstown-Baltimore.

How much money do you think it would take to get WM 202 to operating condition?

 

[Bhorton]

I would guess a lot.

 

[simulatortrain]

If the city of Hagerstown, who owns the locomotive, would let us (the volunteers) get back to work on her, we could be a lot closer to knowing the answer to that. Way back in October 2010 when they told us to stop working, we had most of the jacketing and piping removed in preparation for a hydro test. Of course there will be leaks, but the question is how bad. She's in great shape.

 

[jordon412]

Hate to rain on your party, but the Western Maryland Railroad is now part of CSX. Southern and Nickel Plate became part of Norfolk Southern. Do you think that Norfolk Southern would allow a locomotive whose railroad now forms part of a rival Class 1 to be part of their steam program?

 

[Simon0325]

I know that Western Maryland is a part of CSX. Yes I think they would add it, but I think they have to be invited.

 

[Simon0325]

I found a place they could take WM 202. The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. I think 202 would fit nicely with their WM deisels and also Cass Scenic Railroad's Shay 6. Think of 202 and 6 double heading! If they want to go anywhere they sould go here.

 

[simulatortrain]

But it isn't possible to TAKE 202 anywhere. 202 is owned by the children of Hagerstown and cannot leave a 50 mile radius of the city, as set up in the original donation by the Western Maryland. So day trips are doable, but nothing more.

 

[ekoslosky]

How much money do you think it would take to get WM 202 to operating condition?

All I could say to that question is a LOT of money.

 

[Simon0325]

Well that stinks. Will this ever change in the future?