Friday Night Steam

 The 1309!

Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309

Last revised:  July 21, 2022

By: Adam Burns

The years 2013 and 2014 witnessed some incredible announcements in regards to steam locomotive restoration.  First, in early 2013 word came that Norfolk & Western J Class #611 would likely return to operation. 

This was followed by the biggest announcement of all, Union Pacific's blockbuster move to restore 4-8-8-4 Big Boy #4014.  Finally, in late summer of 2013 news broke that the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad was eyeing Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309 for possible overhaul and restoration. 

This was later confirmed during the following May.  The big compound Mallet, built for coal service, will be the largest of its kind in operation and only the third such type currently under steam.  The locomotive will be WMSR's primary power in excursion service.

Alas, the restoration of #1309 has not been the fast and efficient project of Union Pacific #4014, or even what the railroad had hoped. 

WMSR has dealt with setback after setback; after costs soared the railroad discovered a prominent employee stole twelve drive-wheel journal boxes off the locomotive, totaling an incredible $251,000. 

The big Mallet was test-fired by the railroad on June 29, 2020 and on December 31, 2020 moved under its own power for the first time in over 64 years.  Its restoration was officially completed on November 19, 2021.

She made her first revenue runs over the Western Maryland Scenic leading The Polar Express during the weekend of December 17 - 19, 2021.

A Baldwin Locomotive Works photo of new Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309 circa 1949.

:o)