1309

Hi, On December 18 I joined friends Bill and Don Kalkman, and Jim Kleeman for a trip to Cumberland, MD to see and photograph former C&0 2-6-6-2 #1309 pulling Western Maryland Scenic Railroads Polar Express trains. On this date four train operated every two hours beginning at 1:30 PM between the former Western Maryland station in Cumberland and Helmstetter's Curve. We photographed the first two.

Our first photo location was along Wills Creek in the Cumberland Narrows.

A quick exit allowed us to beat the train to a grade crossing off Cash Valley Road.

We then headed up to Helmstetter's curve where we arrived in time to photograph the train returning to the WM station. A pair of diesels were on the other end.

Many people were at the station inspecting the locomotive.

Our photography of the 3:30 train began on the Market Street bridge (above and below).

From Cumberland we drove directly to Helmstetter's curve and arrived just ahead of the train.

1309 posed briefly for a portrait

before it again backed down to Cumberland (above and below).

It was a really good day: good friends and my first look at a very interesting locomotive.

Thanks for looking.