Published: July 06, 2008 01:01 am      

Steam train to Elkins

History is about to be made as a group of passengers will become the first to make the 12-hour, 67-mile excursion over some of the most rugged and photogenic mountain railroad in the East, riding the restored Western Maryland Shay steam locomotive called “Big 6” between Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and Elkins.

Also of historic importance is that the acquisition and return to service of the “Big 6” steam engine marks the first time that six working Shay engines have been put into operation at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park at the same time.

• On Thursday, the train will start from Cass and pass through miles of Cheat Mountain wilderness, past old logging and coal towns, along the Shavers Fork of Cheat River and ending its run in Elkins. It will be the first steam passenger run over this former Western Maryland Railroad trackage. The trip is limited to 175 passengers.

• Saturday and Sunday will feature short steam trips from Elkins to the Kelley Mountain Tunnel and back, and from Elkins to Belington and back.

• July 13 features the inaugural trip from Elkins to Cass on the Big 6 steam locomotive, featuring rugged wilderness views, serpentine curves, steep grades and plenty of wildlife. The trip is also limited to 175 passengers.

“I can’t stress enough the historical importance of these inaugural trips, as this will be the first time passengers will be able to view the rugged wilderness areas and train operations that had only be available to logging train workers in the past,’’ said Fred Bartels, trainmaster at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

“These historic trips will provide many opportunities for photographs and for passengers to get a taste of what it was like to live and work in logging areas during the early twentieth century.”

These excursions are sponsored by Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Mountain State Railroad and Logging Historical Association, and Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Tickets for these specific events are sold by Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Call toll-free for reservations (877) 686-7245.