Western Maryland Ry. - Ridgeley and Cumberland - 10-19-1974
Here are a few more shots taken on the “Wild Mary” around Ridgeley before Chessie abandoned most everything.
1. WM Fs and a N&W GP9 and GP38-2. 10-19-1974 (A Saturday I believe.) WM Ridgeley WV.
2. WM Ridgeley WV. Another view.
3. F9b 404 and GP7 22. Oct 20, 1974. Even at this date late in their careers, first generation WM power didn’t look worn out! WM Ridgeley WV.
4. These two GP35s were the dirtiest WM engines I ever saw. WM 3576-3580 originally 501-505. 10-20-1974. WM Ridgeley WV.
5. Nos. 233-410-196 arrive Maryland Jct. on the main line with a westbound freight. WM Ridgeley WV.
6. WM 196 and others. Ridgeley WV.
7. The power cuts off in Ridgeley Yard and returns to the engine terminal. WM Ridgeley WV.
8. WM 233 being spotted for servicing. WM Ridgeley WV.
9. Nos. 7447-3578-3799 (SD40-GP35-3799) make their way through Ridgeley Yard to take the freight on west. WM Ridgeley WV.
10. Leaving town for Connellsville and the connection with the P&LE and N&W. This is in the “Narrows” through which Wills Creek, US 40, and the B&O main line also run. WM Ridgeley WV.
11. 7495-403-404-3580-3576 are mid-train helpers. I regret we didn’t follow this train further, but we had a long drive back to Pikeville. In those days we had to go to work the next day! WM Ridgeley WV.
Train images used by permission of Everett N Young