Trouble on the Western Maryland Scenic aka "Mountain Thunder"

[Anonymous]

The Trains May, 2005 issue, features a great shot of Western Maryland Scenic's 734 on the cover of the Guide to Recreational Railroading. Anyone who
has visited the WMSR knows this route features throttle to the roof mountain
railroading at its best.

Can you imagine "Helmstetters Curve" devoid of rails?
Would you like to see a dramatically shortened run, or even no run at all?
Imagine never again hearing 734's whistle echo around the mountains.

This may be the final year for the WMSR. The May, 2005 Railfan & Railroad article (p. 23) about constructing the hiking trail along the old Western Maryland RR right of way between Frostburg and Cumberland, MD is scary. Not to cry wolf, but the future is not clear.

Take away the WMSR, or even shorten the route to Frostburg and we've lost a treasure.

Please take action to insure the operation of the WMSR. Write area leaders and let them know we travel to reach Cumberland for the experience of "Mountain Thunder." Tell them why it is important to keep this steam operation intact. Then
get your friends and family to do the same.

Here are links to cut and paste in your browser.

For more information see:

http://www.whistlestopcafe.biz/id27.htm

To sign the petition (and let us know what city you write from) see:

www.petitiononline.com/rr2fburg

There's probably 45 more days left to take action before the local governments
make a possible wrong choice for fans of hard working steam and Alco diesels.

Thanks,

chuck miller
atlanta