Hello:
I just returned from a too-short visit to Cumberland MD (via Amtrak, of course) for a wedding.
I had little time to watch the current CSX railroad, and any B + O railroad remnants there (except for a real quick drive-by the Western Maryland Scenic RR depot VERY early in the morning...no trains running). I definitely plan to visit this city again.
A question: Is Cumberland where the B + O line split, one line to Chicago, and the other to Cincinnati/St. Louis? Is the current "Western Maryland Scenic RR" the former B + O mainline to St. Louis, via Oakland MD, Cincinnati, OH, etc.? If so, beyond where the steam train excursions end, is the line abandoned, or used? If used, by CSX?
Also, I have an old book that shows the Pennsylvania RR had a branch down to Cumberland. Where did it enter town? Did it share a depot with the B + O, or have its own?
Also, was the B + O's Cumberland depot located in the same spot where the current "Amshack" is?
Any answers on this most fascinating city's RR past and the B + O, would be appreciated. But seeing this city for just a day has gotten me "into" the B + O, and its history, big time!
Thank you,
-John K.
I just returned from a too-short visit to Cumberland MD (via Amtrak, of course) for a wedding.
I had little time to watch the current CSX railroad, and any B + O railroad remnants there (except for a real quick drive-by the Western Maryland Scenic RR depot VERY early in the morning...no trains running). I definitely plan to visit this city again.
A question: Is Cumberland where the B + O line split, one line to Chicago, and the other to Cincinnati/St. Louis? Is the current "Western Maryland Scenic RR" the former B + O mainline to St. Louis, via Oakland MD, Cincinnati, OH, etc.? If so, beyond where the steam train excursions end, is the line abandoned, or used? If used, by CSX?
Also, I have an old book that shows the Pennsylvania RR had a branch down to Cumberland. Where did it enter town? Did it share a depot with the B + O, or have its own?
Also, was the B + O's Cumberland depot located in the same spot where the current "Amshack" is?
Any answers on this most fascinating city's RR past and the B + O, would be appreciated. But seeing this city for just a day has gotten me "into" the B + O, and its history, big time!
Thank you,
-John K.