Eastern Railroad Discussion > Ridgeley, WV the weekend's Top Tourist Spot - 02 January 2021

Second day of testing for Western Maryland Scenic Railroads #1309.... Better weather allowed for a much larger local citizen turnout along with the railfans, making Ridgeley a "Top Tourist Spot" for the New Years weekend....LOL!

The days event had #1309 come to the edge of the approach to the bridge over the Potomac River and spending some time adjusting the whistle linkage and other minor details. The "Hooter" blowing caused more than one call to local public service agencies my concerned citizens...

1) #1309 in the shop complex at Ridgeley, WV before heading out.

2) Gary Bensman during his interview with Trains Magazine.

3) Taking your 2-6+6-2 for a walk......... Crews walk along the side of #1309 as the locomotive comes out of the shop complex.

... More to Follow ....

 

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1) With GP30 #501 in tow, the #1309 heads to the WV side of the Potomac River Bridge.

2) and 3) After spending some time at the bridge with the "testing" of the Hooter.... the Social Media posts started.

.... More to Follow ....

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Once done at the bridge approach, the #501 pulled the #1309 down the mainline and cutaway from the steamer. This move allowed the #1309 to make several "runby's" for the crews to work the locomotive.

1) #501 with #1309 in tow in Ridgeley, WV

2) #501 & #1309 eastbound thru Ridgeley.

3) #1309 pulling past citizens and railfans alike.

... More to Follow ...

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1) Another test run....

2) and 3) Running on the main past the WMSR Shop Complex.

... More to Follow ....

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Couple more of the several trips back and forth on the main.

... More to Follow ...
 

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Mr Bensman at the throttle of #1309 during the test runs.

Thank you for stopping by.

Tim W.

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Such a great set of photos!  Just curious,,,,,,,,,,,why haven't you posted all your excellent photos of 1309, on the "Steam Railroading" Discussion Board?

HotWater Wrote:
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> Such a great set of photos!  Just
> curious,,,,,,,,,,,why haven't you posted all your
> excellent photos of 1309, on the "Steam
> Railroading" Discussion Board?

Jack, I guess the best answer is I'm too damn lazy.....LOL!  Tim W.

Thank you so much Tim for all the photos and all the coverage that you continue to provide for all of us here on Trainorders.com, especially for many of us who cannot be there ourselves.  The photos and stories make belonging to Trainorders.com worth every dollar that we spend.  I sure hope that many reading this and seeing this rebuilt engine will in turn send in a donation to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.  Trust me, they still need additional money.
John in White Marsh, Maryland

I gotta see that thing run. 
But wow, I'd never focused on how much plumbing is attached to the front of that beast. 

great coverage Tim,

Randy Allard

I must say that when it comes to steam, I am partial to flying pumps!

Very nice..!!

Thank you so much for sharing your wondeful images.
John