GO! It is one of the better trips on the east coast. Add into it the geared locomotives and the grades...you are in for one great LONG day. btw, since you are going in spring it's not such an issue, but always pack a hoodie along with you. It can get cold on the trip. I went on the last trip they ran in october about ten years ago, and IT SNOWED on the top of mountain. It was so snowy and windy and cold, we didnt even stay up there for ten minutes. I was in an open coach and my face was raw from the wind for a week.
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
My husband and I did the combined Elkins to Cass trip in September and loved every minute. We stayed two nights in one of the company houses and truly got the feeling of going back in time: the sleepy little town, the sounds of the trains, the smell of coal smoke in the morning. Are there any other tourist railroads that can provide such an all-encompassing experience? We have ridden Durango and Silverton, and probably staying a night or two in Silverton could be similar - but are there any other suggestions out there? Thanks!
Hello well we made it back. We had a great time with the science club and we learned a lot. We did make it to Cass but were unable to catch a train in time. We did get to see one leave the station. So we check out the town and the museum lots of cool stuff there. I would go back just to do the ride and there are two more line's not to far from Cass I would also check out. All in all it was worth the 5 hour ride one way. Here are a few photos From Cass.
Have a nice day Frank
Hello thanks for all the info and photos. We are staying in Snowshoe and will be getting there on a Wednesday night its in the middle of are activities. We are going to GreenBank on thursday to see the radio telescope we have to be there at 1. We have to go though Cass to get there and back. But we will miss the train both times that day. But I plan to stop on are way back. Friday is are best chance to catch the train we have a hike in the morning 9am at Seneca Rock we should be done by 11. I think I can make it to Cass for the after noon ride. Saturday we have a reptile class and hike at cranberry glades this ends at 1 then we head home. I have the shay bug already so we will see how bad it gets now
Thanks for all the help and I will post my pohots and fill you in when we get back. Have a nice day Frank
yankee flyerA shot of Big 6 and the shop. Lee
I have not been there, but if they offer a shop tour, it should be a good experience. I have done the shop tour at both Steamtown and Strasburg, and would do it again if I ever get out that way in the future.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Neat trip.
It's been seven years ago for me.
We stayed in a B&B just down the road. Nice people.
A shot of Big 6 and the shop.
Lee
Well worth the experience, it's an awesome ride the wife and i both enjoyed every minute of it.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I did a railfan trip 20 years ago. We stopped for run by's and I got to ride in the cab for a little bit. When they open the firebox doors it's like looking into the furnace in hell. Nobody mentioned the switchbacks and the 10% grade.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Pass go...forget about the $200, just get there!! I have been there many times and actually worked there for three years (summers...1988-1990)....not in engine service, but playing in band on the Saturday evening dinner train. Take the modern vehicles away, lose the Bermuda shorts, one size fits all ball caps and cell phone carmeras, and you are back a century in time.
Accomodations and food are not great, but just a few miles north on rt. 28 are two decent motels. Pocahontas County is beautiful as is the whole Cass setting.
There are two train rides...one short hop to Whittaker station, then the four hour 11 mile trip to the top of Bald Knob mountain which is WV's second highest peak. Take warm clothes and be ready for cinders in your face. Then there is the Saturday evening dinner train which goes to Whittaker station for a cook- out and probably a concert from a local bluegrass or old timey band. I'm assuming they still do this as it was a big hit a quarter century ago.
Do try to avoid leaf specials usually run in late September. Unless you love fall colors, you'll not be happy as the trains are overloaded..not with railfans but families with little noisy kiddies there to see the leaves turn.
Shay fever is quite easy to catch. My first foray to Cass in the mid 80's resulted in me stoppng at a train show on the way home and where I then purchased my first shay.
HZ
Frank,
If you are close, be sure to visit Cass. My wife and I went years ago, on a "railfan" weekend. I would encourge purchasing tickets is advance. Not only is the railroad a must ride, but the restoration of the company town is worth the trip alone. Have fun and give the list a full report.
Ya' gotta go, Frank. I haven't been yet but I will one of these days.
IIRC, aren't there lodgings in some original company houses and/or restored cabooses?
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Frank,I've been there and really enjoyed riding behind a Shay and enjoyed just watching the money motion of the drive shafts.A gotta see.. Not to mention they sound like they're highballing but,moving around 10-15 mph.
Its well worth the visit.
BTW..Becareful! Watching Shays in action could cause a severe case of Shay fever which can only be cured by modeling a logging or mining railroad with Shays.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Hello me and my daugther are going to West Virginia for a school feild trip in June. We live in Ohio. And will not be far from Cass and I seel they have a scenic rr. From what can find on there web site it looks cool. I was just looking for some first hand experience. Has anyone been there and what did you think. Thanks Frank