After 15 years of rebuilding track and replacing bridges, the former C&O railroad line between Cass, WV and Durbin, WV has reached it’s much anticipated re-opening. The line was last used in 1985 before a flood washed out large amounts of the line and rendered it impassible.
The first engine over the new line was Cass Shay #5, pulling a single caboose containing crew members. At Durbin it retrieved Heisler #6, the main motive power for pulling the former Durbin Rocket, and brought it back to Cass. This is the first time since the 1985 closing that a train has travelled the entire length of the line.
Earlier this week, the Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad debuted the new logo for the Greenbrier Express service that will operate over the 15 mile line from Cass to Durbin. This train takes the place of the Durbin Rocket, which originated at Durbin and travelled part of the way over the newly restored route.
The railroad is currently restoring Buffalo Creek & Gauley 4, a 1926 Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive, to be the primary motive power on the line. You can learn more about #4’s restoration and make a donation at www.steamthe4.com. One of Cass’s geared steam locomotives will power the trains until the restoration is complete.
The railroad is expected to announce schedules and ticket information for trips over the line soon. Trip information will be able to be found at mountainrailwv.com
Learn more:
Facebook post by the Cass Scenic Railroad announcing the first train over the line
Logo announcement post for the new Greenbriar Express excursion with history of the line