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.