July 17th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad officials are optimistic the tourist train will be open for business and can begin to schedule rides as early as next month. Railroad representatives met with city, county and state officials at the Allegany County office complex on Wednesday to discuss the fiscal health of the operation. The meeting was requested last month after it was revealed that the scenic railroad offices at the Western Maryland Railway Station had closed- relocating operations to Ridgeley. At that time railroad general manager John Garner acknowledged losses in excess of $650,000 since the coronavirus forced the closure of the popular tourist attraction. County Commissioner David Caporale called it a good meeting, with assurances being offered that the Cumberland Rail Station and ticket office will be utilized once adequate safety measures are put into place and riders return to the train…

 

While railroad officials are still working feverishly to restore steam engine 1309- Caporale is quick to point out that the train has proven successful with or without steam…