The End For WMSR 734?

GTW Dude · **Joined:** Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:46 pm **Posts:** 150

Per the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Instagram page.

“The Western
Maryland Scenic Railroad was reliant on steam engine no. 734 for over two decades.Within the 23 years of service, the engine has built up a reputation of cultural significance in our community. We are excited to announce that we are now taking donations for an evaluation of 734 starting in spring of 2022. The wear and tear of Mountain Maryland has taken a significant toll on the overall state of the locomotive, and she will need a FRA-1472 overhaul from the railhead to the stack. WMSR is looking forward to giving Mountain Thunder another lease on life. The restoration will move as funds allow. We are excited to embark on another adventure with this time machine, and we cannot do it without your support. Please consider earmarking your donation to Fire Up the 734!
Donate at the link in our bio!”

The link to donate: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_ ... s/MTkzNTY=

Shane M · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 9:08 am

Not an update I was expecting by any means. It's gotten the hell taken out of it, but I guess they're willing to give it one more shot.

co614 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 11:04 am

Rode real hard and put away soaking wet. Nothing a complete wheels off rebuild can't address. All it takes is lots and lots of dollars.

Ross Rowland

BM765 · **Joined:** Wed Oct 02, 2019 2:06 pm **Posts:** 151

I wonder if the goal is to chip away at 734 so she'll be ready to step in when 1309 comes due for her 1472 or if there are economies is running 734 on lighter trains? Does it make sense to assign either 734 or 1309 based on the tonnage on a particular weekend or does the cost of keeping two locomotives operational more than offset any efficiencies of right sizing the power for the train?

wesp · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:06 pm

Quote:

I wonder if the goal is to chip away at 734 so she'll be ready to step in when 1309 comes due for her 1472

That sounds wise.

Wesley

Shane M · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 2:57 pm

It is wise. Steam always draws attention, it would guarantee that they always have a larger crowd. Based on their current 3-day-a-week plan for 1309, it will likely hit 1472 before the 15 year time expires.

Steamguy73 · **Joined:** Wed Dec 24, 2014 3:15 pm **Posts:** 635

Eh, I don’t really agree.

If it operates 3 days a week for say, 6 months (peak season + holiday trains + potential charters) that amounts to around 75-90 days per year. Which would be right on with around 15 years. I imagine it would still have many days left over.

Now I don’t know if they’ll do that for 6 months. But if they do it like that, you’d still have over 100 days left of flue time even if you ran 90 days every year.

R.L.Kennedy · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:37 pm **Posts:** 242

It might be smart to do a serious report on its condition and expected cost to bring up to a state of good repair. At the same time have a good look around the country for a replacement steam locomotive that may not need such an expensive rebuild. There are plenty of engines around and buying one might benefit both parties giving the present owner funds to do something they want to do. A lesser powerful loco than the articulated would have the benefit of lower coal cost as well and it could be dispatched on light traffic days.

EJ Berry · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 9:56 pm

Finding a repairable engine the size of 734 may not be easy. What is the ruling grade on WMSR?

Phil Mulligan

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 10:37 pm

One thing the post on Facebook does say, specifically is "The restoration will move as funds allow."

It sounds as though there's no specific timeline on this, and they won't be going to the state/county and asking for money. If we want this to happen, we have to fund it, or at least get the ball rolling on it...

QJdriver · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2022 10:48 pm

The ball is rolling...

scratchyX1 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 14, 2020 12:17 pm **Posts:** 159

p51 wrote:

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote:

Those who know what to listen for can judge for themselves.
[i]https://youtu.be/BccZ7UXvqUo?t=70

Man, you're not kidding. It's hardly the worst valve timing I'd ever heard but it's not good!

Reminds me of riding on Gettysburg in the 90s, and wondering why they sounded different from Strasburg or .. Wsmr.

Shane M · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2022 9:57 am

Steamguy73 wrote:

Eh, I don’t really agree.

If it operates 3 days a week for say, 6 months (peak season + holiday trains + potential charters) that amounts to around 75-90 days per year. Which would be right on with around 15 years. I imagine it would still have many days left over.

Now I don’t know if they’ll do that for 6 months. But if they do it like that, you’d still have over 100 days left of flue time even if you ran 90 days every year.

Ah right, for some reason I forgot to take into account that the trips are not year round haha. Thanks for the correction!

R.L.Kennedy · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:37 pm **Posts:** 242

EJ Berry wrote:

Finding a repairable engine the size of 734 may not be easy. What is the ruling grade on WMSR?

Phil Mulligan

CPR G5's had no trouble getting up there. Maybe 1246 could be acquired as it has sat for decades doing nothing.

YeOldeEnjine · **Joined:** Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:31 pm **Posts:** 329

R.L.Kennedy wrote:

EJ Berry wrote:

Finding a repairable engine the size of 734 may not be easy. What is the ruling grade on WMSR?

Phil Mulligan

CPR G5's had no trouble getting up there. Maybe 1246 could be acquired as it has sat for decades doing nothing.

Not pulling the size trains the WMSR does now. 1238 & 1286 were good for 4 coaches .... under ideal conditions 5 cars unassisted, anything above that, Geep #40 had to help.

Tim W.
Former Fireman for the Allegany Central