Re: NNG- but big steam

I believe this was the last engine built(1309). Yes its a 2-6-6-2. For those who are not familiar we did this line a couple of times, once in our first America By Rail video. Its about 15 miles long, and westbound is upgrade. A lot has changed in 20 years, but first I hope they get the mudslide area fixed so they can actually reach Frostburg. Chasing is a challenge since the line is kinda short and only 4-6 side roads connect to the line. If you want to ride and then chase suggest you go at a time they are running two days in a row. The way it looks to me is they run a day just once, and then sometimes the next day is 3 trips in one day.

Hard to believe this will be the largest operating steam loco in the US and its relegated to such short trackage, but hey its better than another stuffed and mounted steam engine, right. I hear they are lettering it Western Maryland, not C&O. Too bad, but if you pay the big bucks to the charter guys I am sure it will be redone for those photo deals!

Speaking of "Shooting when you got-em"-If you haven't seen N&W 611, then by all means treat yourself to at least catch it trackside a few times. It really performs, and there are only 4 weekends of trips this April and May. 611 is "THE BIG SHOW" of steam in the U.S. Nothing like mainline steam with a heavy train. I have always been partial to N&W since we live along the former N&W east of Cincinnati. Hopefully the 1309 will be around for several years but I am sure the WMS will appreciate any patronage.
Greg

PS Did Michael say something about charter train----we don't need no stinking actors and props!!!!