In what has to be just a prelude of things yet to come, scrappers have been busy at the C&P Depot in Frostburg. This has to fall into the category of things done behind closed doors. I live here and this is absolutely the first I've heard of it.

http://www.times-news.com/articles/2005 ... /top01.txt

The cars being cut are B&O pasenger car and caboose that were used as a kitchen and storage facility when the station was a privately owned and operated restaurant.

I'm not sure which caboose was cut, but there was a B&O round top there.

Stuff like this makes me want to throw up.

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From Staff Reports
Saturday, April 23, 2005 9:16 AM EDT


(Photo credit: John A. Bone/Times-News)
Frank Bennett, contractor with Conservit, Inc., from Hagerstown, uses a propane air mix torch to burn the steel apart Friday morning as he dismantles train cars previously used for the kitchen and preparation area at the former Old Depot restaurant in Frostburg.

Approval by the Maryland Historical Trust cleared the way for removal of the deteriorated cars that were attached to the building to turn the depot into a comfort and information station for hikers and bikers on the new Allegheny Highlands Trail and passengers from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

What I find particularly irksome is when equipment is scrapped without any prior notification. While it may have been expensive to restore this equipment to operating condition, there may be buyers interested in it for stationary service (e.g. an office for a tourist railroad, a restaurant addition, residence, etc.). Instead, many buyers will buy complete equipment and proceed to strip them to a shell before installing their own interior. Wouldn't it make more sense to buy a gutted car in the first place. (enough of a rant)

Does anyone have any info (number, type, condition) of the B&O passenger car that was scrapped?

Tom Cornillie

Somehow I don't think they give a flying leap for Western Maryland Scenic passengers.

And boy, will they be surprised when all the railroad riders are gone and a couple of bikers drop by to use the restroom ...

One of the cars at Frostburg was named after the former governor - William Donald Schaeffer. He is currently the state controller, who gets a vote on every contract over a threshold amount which the Maryland DOT awards. He is reported to have a very good memory. I wonder how he will react to his namesake car being cut up?