Chesapeake and Ohio Locomotive #1309

In  1948, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad was in desperate need of locomotives to replace its aging fleet of coal hauling steam engines for use in West Virginia and Kentucky.  While many other railroads were opting to convert their motive power to diesels, the C&O turned to the Baldwin Locomotive Works and ordered ten 2-6-6-2 H-6 Class articulated Mallet locomotives.  Mallet locomotives used the steam twice, first in the high pressure cylinders powering the rear set of drivers.  Then the lower pressure steam was reused in the low pressure cylinders powering the front set of drivers.  This was a method used successfully in many Mallet locomotives. 

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1309 in service on the Western Maryland Scenic RR

The 1309 was the last steam locomotive constructed by the Baldwin Works for domestic railroads.  It was put on display at the Baltimore and Ohio RR museum and was on display until 2014 when it was purchased by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad which operates excursions from Cumberland, MD.  Upon completion of its restoration, 1309 made its first revenue run to Frostburg, MD in December 2021.​

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1309 being moved to the Western Maryland Scenic RR

Check out the videos below to view some of the restoration and trips powered by the largest steam locomotive used in regularly scheduled service.  Additional information can be obtained on the WMSR website at:  https://wmsr.com/our-locomotives   

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