Western Maryland Scenic Railroad announces end-of-year fundraiser incentive, unveils new documentary film and vinyl record album

Following the restoration of its mammoth steam locomotive attraction in 2020, the resurgence of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has been made possible by a tight-knit and tenacious group of supporters who have endeavored to rebuild Western Maryland into a dynamic and sustainable railroad tourist attraction on the East Coast. 

Since the beginning of 2021, it has welcomed over 90,000 riders, reinvested in track maintenance, expanded its fleet of passenger car and diesel locomotives and recruited additional staff and volunteers. In 2023, the railroad will focus restoration efforts on a recently acquired New York Central dining car No. 456 and Western Maryland steam locomotive no. 734. 

Between now and the end of 2022, the Scenic Railroad is welcoming gifts and contributions to strengthen these efforts as part of its End of Year Campaign. Donations can be made quickly and easily online here. As part of the campaign, donations of $120 or more can select one of two special gifts. 

Earlier this year, the railroad commissioned a special documentary project to chronicle its renewal, and inspire a new generation of steam locomotive and railroad fans. 

Allegany Rails

Allegany Rails will feature a cinematic, behind-the-scenes look at the daily operation of the railroad and Western Maryland steam locomotive no. 1309 and features interviews with select members of its experienced and intrepid crew. With a run time of approximately one hour, the presentation will be available for sale on DVD and Blu-ray in Spring of 2023, and donors will receive their copies before the general public.

Maryland Thunder

As part of the documentary effort, professional sound engineers recorded No. 1309 in operation and captured a variety of recordings, including the whistles of various steam locomotives over several months as the 1309 operated photo charters, private specials, and regular passenger trains. In an homage to the vinyl record albums chronicling the “vanishing era” of steam locomotives in the 1960s, Maryland Thunder will first be released as a limited-run vinyl LP record. With a listening time of approximately 45 minutes in length, the record will be available for sale in Spring of 2023, and donors will receive their copies before the general public. 

Allegany Rails and Maryland Thunder are produced by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, FMW Solutions, and award-winning filmmaker and railroad preservation advocate Kelly Lynch.

*Not final artwork for Allegany Rails and Maryland Thunder