"Mountain Thunder", Ex-LS&I 2-8-0 34, now numbered as Western Maryland 734, romps up the mountain all the way from Cumberland to Frostburg in fall colors. In-cab footage included.
This is probably the greatest video of the WMSR. These were days when they crew loved the engine and cared about their railroad. These days a long gone, but what I wouldn’t give to go back to them.
Joshua Connor That whistle gives me chills every time I hear it. There is something about the low moan of that whistle that just hits my emotions. It’s beautiful.
Excellent video! 👍😉🚂 I assume that this train video will be one of the oldest on CZcams, since you published it in 2006 and CZcams in 2005. Greetings my friend 👋 and LIKE. 👍
What I would do to get certified and have that job year round!! Pay or no pay. That was the job back in the REAL railroading days!!! Awesome video and a definite favorite!
734 was originally built as Lake Superior and Ishimning 34. 34 operated coal trains on the LS&I until being retired. After 34’s sister 33 was bought by Jerry Jacobson, 35 remained at a place. Meanwhile, 34 was purchased by Western Maryland for excursions. 34 was renumbered to 734 and operated excursions as 729. However in the 2010’s, 734 was retired AGAIN. Today, 734 is waiting for a restoration.
one of your best videos joe,thanx for posting it.734 is just a wee bit bigger then the 40 up here at new hope dont ya think.he he they do a hell of a job down there in maryland,keep up the good work men!!!
I keep coming back to this one Joe!! Love it and I'm planning a trip this summer out to Cumberland... Some really wonderful shots in this... enjoyed, Twilight Myst
734 is a beautifully proportioned 2-8-0. A chunky beast! I believe one of her sisters is at Ohio Central-- #33. Long live steam and the people who support it!
You are correct the Ohio Central 33 ex Hocking Valley 33 is her sister would be nice to see both of them running together when they get the 734 done with its 15 year inspection
I might get docked for this but when was the last time this locomotive had the chineese whistle on. I like both of them but the chineese is a quite interesting one that I can always replay in my head.
I think that this whistle describes the term 'howling whistle' the best. (5.02 and at the end) Very beautiful, something I will never see here in Holland.
The 2 GP30's at the end of the train were there because the train was 14 cars long! The steamer could have easily handled this load, but the run-around track at Frostburg can only handle about 10 cars.
Excellent video. I highly recommend anyone from outside the area to visit the WMSR. It's a great experience, plus there's plenty to do in the area if you like outdoor activities. Since NS ended their excursion program (at least for now), I really appreciate the steam operations that WMSR, Wilmington & Western, and Cass offer. Let's keep 'em all going'!
i finally found what it was it was an Illinois Central Steamboat whistle. the 7 cars on that train were 3 NRHX (Horseshoe Curve Chapter NRHS) cars 103-105, heavy weight coaches 707-709, and WM caboose # 10.
You can contact the WMSR to get cabrides, or become freinds with the crew... all nice guys. If you get to known 'em, you'll find yourself in the cab most of the time you're there!-Jeffrey
Actually they have the same whistle, 844s is superheated and is 300 psi compared to 200 psi and saturated steam. I agree with you that this one sounds much better.
According to some recent news on the western Maryland Facebook they haven't forgotten about 734 and they will indeed rebuild her once 1309 is done which isn't that far from now. The only disappoint when she returns is that the passenger cars are all now repainted and the trains are often pulled by an f40 which makes me a bit sad since some of the passenger cars came from the Norfolk Southern.
Just last night Western Maryland revealed on their Facebook that they've retired 734, so it looks like mountain thunder will sadly not be returning to steam as LS&I/WM 734 is officially retired and 1309 is replacing it.
HAHA... I only had one weekend! I rode the train (the cab) the first day and chased what I could the second day. I couldn't get EVERYTHING... I try though... ;-)
It may be $125 for a ride in the cab, but there not to many people who have had a ride in a Steam Locomotive cab. It is well worth the money for a ride in any locomotive cab. well worth it!!!
Hopefully this fall or in early 2020 the Western Maryland will start their work on restoring 734 back to service since were just weeks away from seeing 1309 being operational and hopefully in maybe 3 to 5 years from now 734 will be back hauling trains and photo sessions on the Western Maryland in no time and will her new running mate 1309
SPECTACULAR! :) Great videography, both run-by's & in cab! Question - noticed what looked to be a pair of GP-35's (?) at the end of the train; would you know if they doing helper duty, dynamic braking, or both?
I noticed when I was watching the video, that it appeared that there was a stoker worm on the locomotive. does this still have a operating stoker or was the firemen just shoveling for effect of the video. That is definately not an easy job.
@JoMiFu Most locomotives on the east coast burn dielse fuel or biodiesle. However, most steam locomotives on the east coast burn coal because of its easy availability.
Riley Sanesh kind of a tradition. No real reason to blow the whistle on the bridge except to put on a show for the people about to board the train in Cumberland.
Cabrides are $200 dollars for steam, and $150 for diesel. You must be 12 or older to ride in the cab. Helmsetters curve is accessible by car if your traveling on Cash Valley Road Northwest. Your best bet to get to brush tunnel would be by bike on The Great Allegheny Passage.
EvanF1293 Couldn’t agree more. In my opinion, it’s the best sounding whistle this engine has ever worn. In fact, it is my favorite of all the “deep 3 chimes” of you will. Takes me back to standing at the cemetery at Helmstetter’s Curve with my grandfather, listening to the whistle for what seemed like miles before the engine reached our location. He loved the whistle too. He was not a whistle fanatic but this one stood out to him, too.
Enginer12, what do you know about firing a steam locomotive? I dont see anything wrong with how its being operated. Smokey isnt always bad. Sure its incomplete combustion but if your bank firing before you go up a hill....its how you do it. And i've done it.
I still wonder to myself why it was reletted to 734 in the 90s in the first place maybe because it could almost a direct copy of their original 734 they owned back in the steam era
This is probably the greatest video of the WMSR. These were days when they crew loved the engine and cared about their railroad. These days a long gone, but what I wouldn’t give to go back to them.
Joshua Connor That whistle gives me chills every time I hear it. There is something about the low moan of that whistle that just hits my emotions. It’s beautiful.
@@trevorjosephmedia1550 same and memories of my childhood
I personally think he does a wonderful job at the cord ( lever) i like his style!
Absolutely brilliant video! There's something so amazingly romantic about these American Railroads!
Excellent video! 👍😉🚂 I assume that this train video will be one of the oldest on CZcams, since you published it in 2006 and CZcams in 2005.
Greetings my friend 👋 and LIKE. 👍
Thx so much for the excellent video---;loved the whistle & the fireman(?) really gets a workout.
Love that whistle. 734 is being taken out of service for her FRA inspection. She'll be missed while she's out of service.
Yeah she will be but at least we'll be getting 1309 very soon and then 734 will return to service and eventually 1309 will be her running mate
This sure brings back memories
I love that Whistle. Hancocks are Gods of 3 chimes
What I would do to get certified and have that job year round!! Pay or no pay. That was the job back in the REAL railroading days!!! Awesome video and a definite favorite!
734 was originally built as Lake Superior and Ishimning 34. 34 operated coal trains on the LS&I until being retired.
After 34’s sister 33 was bought by Jerry Jacobson, 35 remained at a place. Meanwhile,
34 was purchased by Western Maryland for excursions. 34 was renumbered to 734 and operated excursions as 729.
However in the 2010’s, 734 was retired AGAIN.
Today, 734 is waiting for a restoration.
It was retired in 2016 not in 2010
Excellent in cab footage. Very nice. I also like seeing GP30's, though there nowhere near as cool as steam.
one of your best videos joe,thanx for posting it.734 is just a wee bit bigger then the 40 up here at new hope dont ya think.he he they do a hell of a job down there in maryland,keep up the good work men!!!
This whistle sounds so good
I keep coming back to this one Joe!!
Love it and I'm planning a trip
this summer out to Cumberland...
Some really wonderful shots
in this... enjoyed,
Twilight Myst
734 is a beautifully proportioned 2-8-0. A chunky beast! I believe one of her sisters is at Ohio Central-- #33.
Long live steam and the people who support it!
You are correct the Ohio Central 33 ex Hocking Valley 33 is her sister would be nice to see both of them running together when they get the 734 done with its 15 year inspection
I love that whistle. I wish 844 had that whistle it would make it sound better.
I'm surprised I never complimented this. Great video, nice whistle, great sound. The in-cab footage was wonderful too.
I might get docked for this but when was the last time this locomotive had the chineese whistle on. I like both of them but the chineese is a quite interesting one that I can always replay in my head.
I think that this whistle describes the term 'howling whistle' the best. (5.02 and at the end) Very beautiful, something I will never see here in Holland.
The 2 GP30's at the end of the train were there because the train was 14 cars long!
The steamer could have easily handled this load, but the run-around track at Frostburg can only handle about 10 cars.
Excellent video. I highly recommend anyone from outside the area to visit the WMSR. It's a great experience, plus there's plenty to do in the area if you like outdoor activities. Since NS ended their excursion program (at least for now), I really appreciate the steam operations that WMSR, Wilmington & Western, and Cass offer. Let's keep 'em all going'!
i finally found what it was it was an Illinois Central Steamboat whistle. the 7 cars on that train were 3 NRHX (Horseshoe Curve Chapter NRHS) cars 103-105, heavy weight coaches 707-709, and WM caboose # 10.
Great video Joe... gotta love that 'sound'!!
I need a new digi camera...
Twilight
Great footage! Gotta love steam
Hancock 3 chime is one of my favorite whistles
Cool. #734 has a whistle lever exactly like the #4449.
Almost all steam locomotives have a lever whistle
You can contact the WMSR to get cabrides, or become freinds with the crew... all nice guys. If you get to known 'em, you'll find yourself in the cab most of the time you're there!-Jeffrey
Watching the vid... Ray looks exactly the same trip after trip after trip after..
:) -Jeffrey
Actually they have the same whistle, 844s is superheated and is 300 psi compared to 200 psi and saturated steam. I agree with you that this one sounds much better.
Sorry to tell you the 734 does indeed have superheaters
According to some recent news on the western Maryland Facebook they haven't forgotten about 734 and they will indeed rebuild her once 1309 is done which isn't that far from now. The only disappoint when she returns is that the passenger cars are all now repainted and the trains are often pulled by an f40 which makes me a bit sad since some of the passenger cars came from the Norfolk Southern.
-Thanks for the compliments!
-Joe
Just last night Western Maryland revealed on their Facebook that they've retired 734, so it looks like mountain thunder will sadly not be returning to steam as LS&I/WM 734 is officially retired and 1309 is replacing it.
@JoMiFu Yes, you can still purchase cab rides; I rode in it yesterday with my father.
It was awesome, but a really rough ride.
HAHA... I only had one weekend!
I rode the train (the cab) the first day and chased what I could the second day. I couldn't get EVERYTHING... I try though... ;-)
It may be $125 for a ride in the cab, but there not to many people who have had a ride in a Steam Locomotive cab. It is well worth the money for a ride in any locomotive cab. well worth it!!!
you HAVE to hear that whistle in person its beutifle! :D
Hopefully this fall or in early 2020 the Western Maryland will start their work on restoring 734 back to service since were just weeks away from seeing 1309 being operational and hopefully in maybe 3 to 5 years from now 734 will be back hauling trains and photo sessions on the Western Maryland in no time and will her new running mate 1309
SPECTACULAR! :) Great videography, both run-by's & in cab! Question - noticed what looked to be a pair of GP-35's (?) at the end of the train; would you know if they doing helper duty, dynamic braking, or both?
I noticed when I was watching the video, that it appeared that there was a stoker worm on the locomotive. does this still have a operating stoker or was the firemen just shoveling for effect of the video. That is definately not an easy job.
I agree wholeheartedly.
Nice vid! How much are cabrides and what are the age restrictions? Also, is Helmsetters Curve of that tunnel accessable by car?
thats a heavy looking engine. you would think its a mike! what happened to all the WM consolidations?
HOW DID U GET THE CAB RIDE?
When it showed cab ride shots why is the engineer pulling the whistle handle on 734
Whats the whistle in this video?
i should say its now on the SP&S 700
@JoMiFu Most locomotives on the east coast burn dielse fuel or biodiesle. However, most steam locomotives on the east coast burn coal because of its easy availability.
ok.. thanks
how come the bell has a air clapper now? what happened to it being hand rung?
Well They Wanted the Automatic Bell Because It Clears Animals and People if they are on the WMSR Track. I like the Automatic Bell on 734.
do you remember the whistle that 734 was wearing back in 1995? i can't tell what it was .
When 734 was departing the Yard Why was 734 blowing her whistle when she was crossing the bridge
Riley Sanesh kind of a tradition. No real reason to blow the whistle on the bridge except to put on a show for the people about to board the train in Cumberland.
Joseph Fusco and I know what it means it means it’s doing that to make the people know that it’s here
Haha, I think somebody's started an inside joke! ;-)
Take care,
Joe
It's a Hancock 3-chime.
Is this WM "Potomac" #1400 whistle that C&O 1309 will be wearing?
Cabrides are $200 dollars for steam, and $150 for diesel. You must be 12 or older to ride in the cab. Helmsetters curve is accessible by car if your traveling on Cash Valley Road Northwest. Your best bet to get to brush tunnel would be by bike on The Great Allegheny Passage.
Anyone know what kind of whistle that is on 734???
An Hancock 3 Chime whistle
Actually the hancock isnt on the 49 anymore, its not on the SP&S 700.
Hell there whistles of God's! :p
Nice vid, the locomotive would be more realistic if it was in th 800, the 700's series 2-8-0's looked way different.
Anyone know what whistle that is on her?
EvanF1293 Hancock 3 chime. I believe this one in particular is of UP heritage.
@@fuscoproductions its beautiful and i love it and I think it matches her
EvanF1293 Couldn’t agree more. In my opinion, it’s the best sounding whistle this engine has ever worn. In fact, it is my favorite of all the “deep 3 chimes” of you will. Takes me back to standing at the cemetery at Helmstetter’s Curve with my grandfather, listening to the whistle for what seemed like miles before the engine reached our location. He loved the whistle too. He was not a whistle fanatic but this one stood out to him, too.
Hancock 3 chime
bring work boots and be ready to hold on, its bumpy enough ride in the cars with shocks, the loco has nothing...so its very bumpy...but awesome :)
734 burns coal, as do most locomotives on the east coast.
Enginer12, what do you know about firing a steam locomotive? I dont see anything wrong with how its being operated. Smokey isnt always bad. Sure its incomplete combustion but if your bank firing before you go up a hill....its how you do it. And i've done it.
LS&I 2-8-0 No. 34 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.
Not really.
The 34 was renumber and letter Western Maryland 734.
I still wonder to myself why it was reletted to 734 in the 90s in the first place maybe because it could almost a direct copy of their original 734 they owned back in the steam era
I have to disagree. GP30s are the most cool looking locomotives around IMHO.
So wrong! Give me a five or six chime any day!