The world’s largest Mallet, or steam-powered locomotive, in operation was placed into service last week in Allegany County.

Maryland Thunder will be part of a regular rotation for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s (WMSR) 16-mile excursion from Cumberland to the Frostburg Depot. It was constructed in 1949 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and was built to handle the heaviest coal trains until it was retired in 1956. The 643,100-pound engine was stored at the B&O Museum in Baltimore until the WMSR purchased it in 2014. The restoration took 8 years and cost nearly $2.5 million.

Experience Western Maryland via railway! The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a variety of excursions and experiences aboard first-class vintage trains powered by a historic diesel or steam locomotive.

Conduit Street Fun Facts: Trains and Transportation
Fun Fact: Which County Is Really ‘Going Places’ With the Longest Escalator in the Country?
Fun Fact: Which Maryland County Has the Most Covered Bridges?
Fun Fact: One of the World’s Oldest Railroad Bridges Is in Maryland – Where Is It?
Fun Fact: Which Maryland Counties Were Once Connected by a Ferry?
Fun Fact: Only Three Counties in Maryland No Longer Use Railroads. Do You Know Which Ones?

Do you have a fun fact to share about your county? If so, please send it to Allison Valliant to be featured in MACo’s weekly Fun Fact on Conduit Street.