The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR), based in Cumberland, Maryland, has announced that they have acquired the Georges Creek line in Allegany County, Maryland. WMSR will lease the line from the owner, Eighteen Thirty Group, LLC, and operate it as the WSMR Georges Creek Division. Both passenger and freight opportunities have been touted as the reasons for acquiring the line.
The Georges Creek Division is not directly connected to WMSR’s existing line between Cumberland and Frostburg, but instead connected to CSX. The two lines did previously connect, but there are no longer rails connecting the two and the right-of-way has had buildings built on it.
Two Western Maryland GP9 diesels have been purchased as well, numbered 25 and 30, both who have worked the line previously. They will need some restoration work, but the railroad plans to restore them to operation. In the meantime, WMSR is leasing 80-tonner No. 1957 from McHugh Locomotive and Equipment. The locomotive is painted in Western Maryland colors and will operate on the new line.
Image from WMSR website.
Learn more
Railfan & Railroad article
Article from WMSR on line acquisition
Article from WMSR on 80-tonner lease