Photo Freight to Benefit John Helmstetter - Nov. 9

Photo by Otto M. Vondrak

ANNOUNCING...THE JOHN HELMSTETTER FARM FUND and a Western Maryland 734 Photo Freight Special Excursion on Nov. 9, 2009

Helping a True Friend of the Railfan Community - Following the July 12th fire that destroyed the historic barn at Helmstetters Curve near Cumberland, MD, many people have asked - “How can we help our friend, John Helmstetter?

Friends of John Helmstetter have established the JOHN HELMSTETTER FARM FUND to serve as a central point for collecting donations and organizing fund-raising events to aid John in getting back on his feet. His surviving cattle need shelter and food, and John lost many pieces of equipment in the fire. He was burned in an unsuccessful effort to save his some of his livestock and his best friend, Teddy, his black-and-white border collie. You can show your appreciation for John's past efforts of supporting the railfan community by:

• Buying a ticket on the Helmstetter Farm Fund November 9, Photo Freight Charter
• Buying a signed copy of one of our Farm Fund Photos
• Making a check or credit card donation to the John Helmstetter Farm Fund
• Purchase a copy of the DVD - “Photo Freight” featuring WM 734
• 100% of the proceeds of these efforts go to the John Helmstetter Farm Fund
• Go to our web site: http://www.helmstetterfarm.org to purchase a train ticket, a photo, a DVD or to make a donation. (Note: the web site will be modified shortly to include additional photos and the DVD)

Helmstetter Curve and the John Helmstetter farm were the centerpiece of many classic photos of Western Maryland steam. More recently, fans have headed to this Cumberland landmark to photograph “Mountain Thunder” tourist trains or participate in more than 50 photo freight charters. John Helmstetter has been an integral part of the success of these efforts by providing complete access to his land and buildings and allowing us to remove large trees and brush from his land to return the curve to its 1940's appearance. He has also helped us to create great photo locations by using his tractor and brush hog to manicure the railroad right-of-way. In other words, all we had to do was ask John, and it was done.

Highlight of the 734 Steam Photo Freight Special, November 9, 2009

• John Helmstetter will be the guest of honor on the train
• Numerous stops along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, including Helmstetter's Curve
• Limited capacity due to available space at photo locations
• Photo locations will be trimmed of brush
• Numbered, commemorative tickets will be issued
• The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is operating the train at a very reduced rate as its contribution to John
• Trip departs Cumberland, MD for Frostburg at 8:00 AM; returns about 5:00PM
A trip flier with motel data, food options, etc., will be available shortly

PURCHASE A SEAT TODAY, THIS TRIP IS SELLING OUT VERY QUICKLY!

Visit http://www.helmstetterfarm.org

Questions or Additional Information:
Call Steve Barry at 973-383-3355; or e-mail him at: [email protected]
Call Carl Franz at 240-720-8686; or e-mail him at: [email protected]

Posted by the John Helmstetter Farm Fund Committee, Steve Barry, Carl Franz and Bill Larduskey