Western Md. Steam Train Gets Hollywood Role

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is playing a part in an upcoming Hollywood film.

Railroad officials said Thursday that Meg Ryan, directing her first movie, shot the railroad's steam locomotive at various points along its route between Cumberland and Frostburg this week.

The scenes are for the movie "Ithaca," set during the World War II era. Ryan plays the widowed mother of a 14-year-old bicycle telegraph messenger who is the film's protagonist.

Other notable actors in the movie include Tom Hanks, Sam Sheppard and Ryan's 22-year-old son Jack Quaid.

"Ithaca" is scheduled for release in 2015.