Back in the mid 1990s the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad was in a financial struggle. But the state of Maryland came through with a revitalization package worth nearly $2 million that included purchasing the right-of-way from Cumberland to Frostburg and money to upgrade passenger coaches.
The state’s investment paid off and today the railroad is coming off one of its best season’s ever.
Ridership was about 39,000 passengers in 2011 and is expected to top 40,000 this year.
Frank Fowler, the railroad’s superintendent, said the steam engine, Mountain Thunder, continues to be a great tourist attraction for the region.
He said out-of-area visitors continue to be attracted to the railroad and when they come to Cumberland and Frostburg they spend money.
Additionally, the railroad pays more than $500,000 a year in salaries to 17 full-time and 16-part-time employees.
Specialty trains have increased in recent years, drawing more riders. Marketing the train to the Baltimore and Washington areas via the Internet also has paid off.
Another boost has been the Great Allegheny Passage because many bike riders are buying one-way train tickets from Cumberland to Frostburg and then returning to Cumberland by bicycling the trail.
As a new season nears — most of the ridership is from May through October — the railroad is busy preparing for a Federal Railroad Administration inspection of the steam engine. Inspectors from Philadelphia will be here for two or three days before the new season kicks off to make sure all is ready for another year of steam train runs.
In 2015, a major inspection will take place and it may be necessary to replace the train’s boiler and other engine parts at that time.
The state’s support of the railroad, along with that of the local government, has been imperative for the railroad’s success. But it is also Fowler and his team of dedicated employees that are just as instrumental in keeping Mountain Thunder on track.
