Allegany Central Railroad

The Allegany Central Railroad was a steam excursion train between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland that operated between 1989 and 1991. Two Pacific class steam locomotives, numbers 1238 and 1286 were used, and for a short time, ran double-headed.[1] These engines were formerly used with the Alleghany Central Railroad in Alleghany County, Virginia from the late 1970s to 1983. Engine 1238 was used in the BBC mini series "Nancy" chronicling the life of Nancy Astor. It operated until 1991, when disputes with the owner of the track, the Scenic Railroad Development Corporation (SRDC), became insurmountable.[2][3]

Move to Staunton, Virginia

The Allegany Central equipment went to Staunton, Virginia. Here, a new excursion company was formed under the name Virginia Central Railroad, operating out of Staunton on CSX tracks. Increased insurance requirements led to the termination of the service. Most of the equipment is in storage in Staunton.

Sale of diesel loco

The ex-City of Cumberland EMD GP9 diesel locomotive (received by the City as a donation from CSXT for use on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad) [4] was in storage on the Shenandoah Valley Railroad as Virginia Central number 40. It was sold to the new Shenandoah Valley Railroad in 2006, and used in freight service.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Main article: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The line in Maryland is still in operation as the Western Maryland Scenic, using Ex-Lake Superior and Ishpeming 2-8-0 "consolidation" steamer No. 34, albeit renumbered 734 and permanently masqueraded as a Western Maryland locomotive.[5][6] The railroad has also restored Chesapeake and Ohio 2-6-6-2 "Mallet" No. 1309.

References
  1. Stakem, Patrick H. "A Railfan's Guide to the Allegany Central," privately published for Western Maryland Railway Historical Society's Cumberland Convention, 1989.
  2. Articles in Cumberland Times-News, and reprinted with permission in the Automatic Block, newsletter of the Western Maryland Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Box 1331, Cumberland, Maryland, 21502.
  3. Kirsch, Richard, and Rundle, John, "Scenic Western Maryland Railroad Travel Guide," 1990, Western Maryland Chapter, NRHS, Inc.
  4. http://home.comcast.net/~phstakem/rr/TQC/CC40.html
  5. http://www.wmsr.com
  6. Stakem, Patrick H. Railroading around Cumberland, Arcadia Press,2008, ISBN 978-0-7385-5365-8
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