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How Your Donation Helps
Your generous donation helps us continue our mission of operating historic locomotives and railroad equipment in the mountains of Western Maryland.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corp. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our EIN is 52-1584622 and donations are tax deductible.
Spring Fundraising Appeal
This spring, your gift to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad helps bring four extraordinary preservation projects to life. Steam Locomotive No. 734 — the legendary Mountain Thunder — is deep into restoration, with full disassembly complete and new flues on hand, but the road ahead demands federally mandated inspections, precision-machined components, and the dwindling expertise of master steam technicians.
New York Central Dining Car No. 456 is being revived from the inside out, with a fully modernized stainless-steel kitchen and independent generator that will deliver first-class onboard dining for thousands of guests each year.
Baltimore & Ohio Office Car No. 905, newly in our care as of Fall 2025, will have its stunning mahogany interiors conserved and its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems upgraded — not to sit behind a velvet rope, but to actively haul passengers across 16 miles of mountain railroad every season. And underpinning it all, our Ridgeley Shop complex is being modernized with new lighting, tools, and a critical electrical grid upgrade — because every restoration depends on the strength of the facilities behind it. A donation today is an investment in living history that moves, breathes, and carries passengers into a world that would otherwise be lost.
Western Maryland #1309
In the past year, steam locomotive #1309, underwent running gear repairs that were intended to prolong the life of its 75-year-old pistons. The pistons were not part of the original restoration process. However, while it was operating in December, we discovered that the piston heads and rods needed to be fully replaced to keep the 1309 running. Although this was already in the works, the timeframe has become sooner than expected. Parts have been ordered, acquired, and are in the process of being machined and reinstalled.
Western Maryland #734
Mountain Thunder #734 has a storied history here in Cumberland. With thousands of trips up and down the mountain, she’s taken some wear and tear. #734 is in line for a full rebuild, and we’re anxious to bring her back to her former glory. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Great Scenic Railway Journeys up to $10,000 with all proceeds going to 734.
New York Central Diner #456
WMSR acquired Grill-Diner #456 in 2023 with the help of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. This car boasts a full kitchen which is an essential need to continue to grow our award-winning dinner trains. The 456 is being prepared for asbestos abatement and tear-down of the interior.
Donations can be sent by mail at 13 Canal Street, 2nd Floor, Cumberland, Maryland 21502.
All donations are tax-deductible and accompanied by an acknowledgment recipient letter for your tax purposes.