Historic E8A diesels will receive mechanical and cosmetic restoration through a partnership with the T1 Trust.
CUMBERLAND, Md. — Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will help write the next chapter for two historic Pennsylvania Railroad passenger locomotives, having been contracted by the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Steam Locomotive Trust to restore E8A diesel locomotives Nos. 5702A and 5761A.
Built by Electro-Motive Division in 1952, the streamlined locomotives are headed to WMSR for evaluation and mechanical and cosmetic restoration. The project continues a working relationship between WMSR and the T1 Trust that has supported preservation efforts at both organizations.
“We look forward to evaluating the locomotives to determine what the next steps might look like,” said WMSR Executive Director Wesley Heinz.
The T1 Trust acquired the pair from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, which helped safeguard their future following the collapse of previous owner Iowa Pacific Holdings. Once restored, the diesels are intended to operate alongside the Trust’s new-build Pennsylvania Railroad T1 steam locomotive No. 5550.