Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: An Afternoon With "Mountain Thunder"

June 22,2013: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operates excursions on the former WM and Cumberland & Pennsylvania between Cumberland and Frostburg, MD, usually powered by 1916-built, former Lake Superior and Ishpeming, 2-8-0 'consolidation #734. Today was no exception. We see 734 on the trip towards Frostburg at the following locations: crossing the Potomac River from Ridgeley, WV into Cumberland, MD; rounding Helmstetter's Curve; Woodcock Hollow Road; pulling into Frostburg, MD and turning on the Frostburg turntable. When she's working her guts out getting her train up the grades of the Alleghenies, she definitely earns her nickname, "Mountain Thunder." After a layover in Frostburg, we see 734 bringing her train back down the mountains toward Cumberland with ease. The locations: Near Trimble Road (walked down to an old WM signal bridge), rounding Helmstetter's Curve again, and pulling into Cumberland Station. With permission, we also got to go down and see 734 being turned on the Ridgeley, WV wye at the end of the day. Enjoy! Special Thanks: Lukas Fols, Mr. Fols