Western Maryland 1309: The Maryland Thunder Experience (4K)

After 5 years of steamless summer excursions in the Allegheny Mountains, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is ready to showcase the fruits of their labor by introducing ex-Chesapeake & Ohio H6-class 2-6-6-2 Mallet #1309, known as “Maryland Thunder”, into regular passenger service. The engine had undergone an intensive 7-year rebuild that was completed in late Autumn 2021, and was featured as the star attraction of the railroad’s Polar Express runs that December. Now, spring of 2022 marks the return of regular steam-powered passenger excursions on the former Western Maryland Connellsville Extension between Cumberland and Frostburg. This video highlights these summer excursions through the mountains and valleys of Maryland, with scenes from trackside, onboard the train, and even on the engine, and the sounds of the Norfolk & Western and New York Central echoing off the mountainsides. Now, please enjoy this exciting video brought to you by Blue Comet Productions!

This video was filmed between June and August of 2022.

[TrainsOfTheCascades]

Showed this video to my grandpa who worked on the Illinois Central at the twilight of the steam era he started tearing up at 11:55 because of that chuffing he said it brought him back so many memories

[colapone]

Beautiful Camera Work, So Glad To See Her Running, Thank You

[fuscoproductions]

A nice comprehensive ride on the WMSR. Well done - I know how much work this was to get the variety of shots that you did! Nice tribute to Jim Wrinn at the very end.

[blazeiscrazy]

I was up in Cumberland yesterday looking around at the housing market and decided to pop by the train station with some friends. We were in a tour caboose and all the sudden this thing comes in and we got out and had a lovely look at it while it was refueling. We could walk right up to it, get close and literally feel the thing running. It took so many pictures. It was awesome.

[georgecrosby]

Great video!!!
For those not familiar....the Bike Trail along side the WMSR tracks is the Great Alleghany Passage a.k.a the GAP. It goes from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA.
When combined with the C&O canal towpath that goes from Cumberland, MD to Washington, D.C, it makes it possible to transit Pittsburgh to D.C on "rail" trails.

[Glaudge]

the sound of a really *crispy* hooter whistle with the reverbs off of the hillsides.. chefs kiss

[nathancorcoran]

Quite a cool video of Western Maryland 1309/Chesapeake & Ohio 1309.

[ToledoRails]

It amazes me how seamless this all came together. Great video as always!

[trainview]

The massive driving wheels thunder across the ground — truly a breathtaking sight.

[l.a.]

what a great outfit. I haven't been behind the 1309 yet, but had many great trips behind 734 all by herself too, (no assist.) I understand why they run the diesel on the shove, especially when the rails are wet.
what a beautiful piece of land, nice people . if you get the chance take a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. a great day out with with family or even by yourself. it's a lovely trip.
I heard 734's whistle in some of the clips and some of 1309's steamboat hooter. love the sound of both of them.

[jeffreyroy]

The locomotive is fantastic such in good condition from being left alone for so long and I hear two whistles 😂

[CrossOfBayonne]

It's hard to believe that this 2-6-6-2 mallet was once at the B&O museum I place I always go to and now it's running trips on the WM scenic.

[evanternent]

Wow. Great video! That narrows shot starting at 7:08 is awesome! Very nice collection of shots along the line!!

[kimcircagirl]

Thankyou from bottom of my heart this glorious video, My Grandad be proud

[trainmasterproductions]

Very nice I was on board back in August can’t wait to return to wmsr

[calvinwalters]

7471 looks great in the speed lettering scheme. With 1309 already wearing two whistles other than the hooter, I hope she gets to wear a true WM whistle. I'd like to hear her with one from a WM challenger since she looks so much like one.

[jimpeter]

Wow, what lovely sound and video! Regards from Baltimore.

[kimcircagirl]

Amazing, and Cumberland Maryland Amazing, Beautiful, Absolutely Beautiful!

[Geardproductions]

Had to go up into the library and view this in fullscreen 4k on my laptop with the good headphones. Phone doesn't do it justice. Great experience!

[kevp]

The Beast Is Back, Alright. The Beast Is Back. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐