Large Scale Central

Nearest steam train to Washington DC?

General Discussion
#1

I have to admit I’ve only ever seen a steam locomotive in action a few times. The Durango and Silverton, many years ago on a trip across the country. There’s a steam excursion train in New Hope. PA, not far from my home town. I can dimly remember the bicentennial train that ran through town–I was a loutish teenager and not paying attention.

Now I live just across the river from Washington DC. Where is the closest place to see a steam locomotive in action? I know East Broad Top is about 3 hours away. Anything closer? I’d really like to see a modern era, mainline steamer if possible

Anybody know?

When I was very young, maybe 5 or 6, we went to the Franklin Institute in Philly. I used to love Baldwin #60,000, the big 2-10-2 steamer. In those days, you could go up into the cab, so of course I did, by myself, and started touching everything I could reach. There was this big red valve wheel, and I grabbed it and turned it all the way–suddenly, the train started moving! I turned it the other way but the train kept going! I had visions of going through the wall and out onto Logan circle. I ran to the window and yelled “Mom!” Then it stopped, and went backward. Turned out it moved forward five feet or so every fifteen minutes

Hopefully I won’t repeat that experience. Mom’s earned a rest

#2

Mike,
The Western Maryland Scenic Railway in Cumberland Maryland would be the closest to DC. mainline steam in the mountains.
Karl

#3

The WMSR ( http://www.wmsr.com/ ) mentioned above and the Shays and Heisler at Cass, WesVirginny ( http://www.cassrailroad.com/ ) are the closest. Years ago they used to run big N&W steam excursion trips in NoVa but that was 20 years ago or so. The B&O museum ( http://www.borail.org/ ) has “Steam Days” Spring and Fall where they run some of their smaller steamers.

-Brian

#4
Karl Reichenbach said:
Mike, The Western Maryland Scenic Railway in Cumberland Maryland would be the closest to DC. mainline steam in the mountains. Karl
COOL - That's right on my route to Elkins & Cass, WV. Might have to stop.
#5

About 3 hours away is the Strasburg RR. Nice museum there as well.

http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

#6

Then there’s the Wilmington & Western RR about a half hour south of me, and about 2 hours north of DC… I’m ashamed to say I’ve never ridden it. Roanoke , VA has a nice museum, but I don’t think they have train rides.

http://www.wwrr.com/

#7

The Wilmington and Western has an 0-6-0 that they frequently run with three passsenger cars. They have a Christmas Train tha runs from Thanksgiving until New Years. A lot of the homes along the right of way decorate their back yards just for the train passengers to see.

#8
John Spehar said:
The Wilmington and Western has an 0-6-0 that they frequently run with three passsenger cars. They have a Christmas Train tha runs from Thanksgiving until New Years. A lot of the homes along the right of way decorate their back yards just for the train passengers to see.
Kewl. The only time I hear about it is when this bridge or that bridge got washed out from a storm and it wasn't running. Makes me leery of going down there cause it may not be running.
#9
John Spehar said:
The Wilmington and Western has an 0-6-0 that they frequently run with three passsenger cars. They have a Christmas Train that runs from Thanksgiving until New Years. A lot of the homes along the right of way decorate their back yards just for the train passengers to see.
I did not know they even existed before National Train Day at DC's Union Station earlier this year. They had an info table set up and I chatted with them for a while.

-Brian

#10

They did loose some track and a small bridge but most of it has been repaired. Our club rented a private car last year for a special run on Memorial day. They have a web site that gives information and schedules.