On March 5, 2022 Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and the McHugh family officially dedicated tank car No. 8959 at Cumberland, Maryland. The former DuPont car was recently acquired by Ann and JC McHugh and donated to WMSR to allow for more flexibility of the steam locomotive to operate in tourist service. The McHugh's also sent a crew to wire wheel the car to help prepare it for a fresh coat of paint. The car was dedicated in honor of the McHugh's late grandson J.J. Miller.

During a photo run-by at Helmstetter's Curve, some of the ashes of of the late Jimmy McHugh were passed through the firebox of No. 1309. Jimmy McHugh was a friend to preservation throughout his life. Jimmy provided manpower, cranes, rigging, and trucking to preserve many pieces of equipment in the early days of preservation. Ann and JC continue to assist with preservation projects six decades later.

Over the weekend the "McHugh Steam Special" was operated by WMSR to recognize the continued support that the McHugh's have provided to WMSR. In addition to the tank car, this encompasses no charge for labor, use of equipment, along with many diesel locomotive components including axle wheel sets and traction motors.

A fantastic time was had by all those lucky enough to have been there. Besides JC and Ms. Annie, I will never forget the hospitality of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and would like to take this opportunity to thank them over and over, again and again.

VIVA WSMR #1309 !!!!

Not much on YouBoob yet, Sammy. LOL

GREAT VIDEO !!! https://youtu.be/dOfw8-0exKk

Watched the video. Not a steam guy so I’m I’m not sure of what I’m hearing. Sounds like the timing is still a bit off and the rod clank seems excessive. Or am I showing my ignorance?

Yes and no, Eric. It's just teething pains. She's good power.

Thanks, Sammy. I was just wondering…

These cameras (maybe it's a damn cell phone) record sound in a lot beefier version than what we are used to from the old days, too. Engines with bar frames all waddle and clank to some extent. At Texas State, we used to get under there after every trip and adjust the shoes and wedges the best we could, but steam engines adjust themselves how they want to no matter how hard we try. And 1309 has about twice as many gadgets and gizmos to adjust as what I'm used to dealing with. She's got a long and distinguished career to look forward to, I'd bet my RRB annuity on it.

Good deal. This must be the car they were hoping to have running a couple weeks ago to provide extra water for 1309 but the FRA waiver hadn't came through yet.

Waiver? What is non compliant that a waiver would needed?

As I understand it, the waiver is required because it is over 50 years old. It's a welded tank, has friction journals, and titelock couplers. They want to be able to use it between the engine and a passenger consist, but not without official blessing.

OK, that makes Spence sense if over 50 years old. More of a “petition” under Part 215.203 than a waiver, but permission from FRA non the less.

Thanks for the clarification.

MDR

Wouldn't the "50 year" (or is it 40) restriction only apply to cars in interchange? If they're captive, that doesn't apply... right?

At the yard where I work, there is a contractor next door who does work on UP M-of-W equipment.

The oldest equipment I've seen running in and out of there are some 50 or 60' M-of-W flats... early 1960's vintage stuff. GSC cast steel frames.

There were some former C&NW 2 bay hoppers of 1950's vintage (converted from covered hoppers) in ballast service hanging around there... but I think they had a date with the track-hoe mounted shear and never left the place in one piece.

See 49 CFR Part 215 for further clarification regarding 50+ year old freight cars and restrictions. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/s ... I/part-215

MD Ramsey