Uploaded February 2015 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In our third and final video featuring Western Maryland #734 renumbered as #729, we will witness the big 2-8-0 in a different kind of role. This time, we will see the engine in "pusher service". Instead of being on the front of the train, #729 will be simulating a helper engine for photographers.
The train will be led by Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's GP30 #502. #502 was built for the Reading as #3607, and later went to Conrail as their #2175. The Western Maryland never owned any GP30 locomotives. An interesting feature on the #502 is the split-manifold Leslie S3L horn. You may notice that two of the trumpets are mounted above the engineer's window, while only one trumpet is mounted about the fireman's window. As far as we know, this is one of the few locomotives in the US that operates on a regular basis with this type of air horn configuration.
Back to #729, we will see the engine "assisting" the train at various locations along the old Western Maryland line up to Frostburg. We'll even hop in the cab for a ride from the No. 2 Bridge up the steepest part of the grade going into Frostburg.
After our train takes the passing track in Frostburg, we'll catch the WMSR's regular excursion train leaving to head back to Cumberland with GP30 #501 in the lead. #501 was built for the Penn Central as #2249, and later became Conrail #2249.
Sit back an enjoy this variety of steam and diesel action on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad during the peak of the fall season.
In our third and final video featuring Western Maryland #734 renumbered as #729, we will witness the big 2-8-0 in a different kind of role. This time, we will see the engine in "pusher service". Instead of being on the front of the train, #729 will be simulating a helper engine for photographers.
The train will be led by Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's GP30 #502. #502 was built for the Reading as #3607, and later went to Conrail as their #2175. The Western Maryland never owned any GP30 locomotives. An interesting feature on the #502 is the split-manifold Leslie S3L horn. You may notice that two of the trumpets are mounted above the engineer's window, while only one trumpet is mounted about the fireman's window. As far as we know, this is one of the few locomotives in the US that operates on a regular basis with this type of air horn configuration.
Back to #729, we will see the engine "assisting" the train at various locations along the old Western Maryland line up to Frostburg. We'll even hop in the cab for a ride from the No. 2 Bridge up the steepest part of the grade going into Frostburg.
After our train takes the passing track in Frostburg, we'll catch the WMSR's regular excursion train leaving to head back to Cumberland with GP30 #501 in the lead. #501 was built for the Penn Central as #2249, and later became Conrail #2249.
Sit back an enjoy this variety of steam and diesel action on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad during the peak of the fall season.
