Eastern Railroad Discussion > Questions about Georges Creek Railway

Anyone know what the future holds for Georges Creek Railway T6 No. 101 now that the Verso paper mill in Luke, MD has closed?  Also, what about the future of the Georges Creek Railway itself?  Do they serve other customers?  It is really upsetting that the closing of a large paper mill has such a huge impact on the area.  I wonder if state officials tried to intervene with funding incentives, lessening of environmental requirements, etc.  In speaking with a couple Luke residents they informed me a foreign buyer has expressed interest in purchasing the Verso plant.  Is this just a rumor?

Also, while driving through the Westernport, MD area a few weeks ago while on business I spotted this Alco FA near the intersection of Old Reynolds Road and Maryland Route 36.  Anyone know whose property it is sitting on?  Is it operable?  In checking the internet, after leaving the WM it served as a HEP car on the Long Island RR.  What kind of shape is it in now, does it have a prime mover? Thanks in advance.

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While others can offer much more detail, that locomotive is on GCK property.  WM303 on here can give you all the information there is.

As for the state of MD lessening regulations or taxes, highly unlikely.   Maryland is a very partisan state, while the governor would likely do what he could, the legislature in Annapolis is not going to do anything that the governor wants nor will they help the western part of the state as that is red and Annapolis is blue. 

seaboardc30-7 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone know what the future holds for Georges
> Creek Railway T6 No. 101 now that the Verso paper
> mill in Luke, MD has closed?  Also, what about
> the future of the Georges Creek Railway itself?
>  Do they serve other customers?  It is really
> upsetting that the closing of a large paper mill
> has such a huge impact on the area.  I wonder if
> state officials tried to intervene with funding
> incentives, lessening of environmental
> requirements, etc.  In speaking with a couple
> Luke residents they informed me a foreign buyer
> has expressed interest in purchasing the Verso
> plant.  Is this just a rumor?
>
> Also, while driving through the Westernport, MD
> area a few weeks ago while on business I spotted
> this Alco FA near the intersection of Old Reynolds
> Road and Maryland Route 36.  Anyone know whose
> property it is sitting on?  Is it operable?  In
> checking the internet, after leaving the WM it
> served as a HEP car on the Long Island RR.  What
> kind of shape is it in now, does it have a prime
> mover? Thanks in advance.


Still an empty carbody.... a prime mover for it is sitting across the street by the shop building.

Tim W.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/07/19 18:22 by DTWilson.

seaboardc30-7 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone know what the future holds for Georges
> Creek Railway T6 No. 101 now that the Verso paper
> mill in Luke, MD has closed?  Also, what about
> the future of the Georges Creek Railway itself?
>  Do they serve other customers?  It is really
> upsetting that the closing of a large paper mill
> has such a huge impact on the area.  I wonder if
> state officials tried to intervene with funding
> incentives, lessening of environmental
> requirements, etc.  In speaking with a couple
> Luke residents they informed me a foreign buyer
> has expressed interest in purchasing the Verso
> plant.  Is this just a rumor?
>
> Also, while driving through the Westernport, MD
> area a few weeks ago while on business I spotted
> this Alco FA near the intersection of Old Reynolds
> Road and Maryland Route 36.  Anyone know whose
> property it is sitting on?  Is it operable?  In
> checking the internet, after leaving the WM it
> served as a HEP car on the Long Island RR.  What
> kind of shape is it in now, does it have a prime
> mover? Thanks in advance.

As I posted back on 29 June 2019... Mr. Altizer had said the #101 will remain at Luke for the time being.

As for a foreign buyer to reopen the mill, Nine Dragon was the big rumour for a while but they have since made the comment that they will not be investing in anymore papermills in North America. There are lots of rumours and speculations around but nothing in the way of solid facts.... time will tell.

Tim W.