Western Md. Tourist Train Ridership Climbs

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is reporting a 22 percent ridership increase last year.

The Cumberland Times-News reported Tuesday that the numbers were included in the railroad's recent budget request to the Allegany County Commissioners.

Superintendent Frank Fowler says the steam-driven tourist train carried more than 38,000 passengers in calendar year 2010.

He says the railroad will face an unusual expense of about $400,000 in 2015 to repair or replace the boiler on its 95-year-old Baldwin locomotive.

The 1916 steam engine pulls the train on 32-mile round trips between Cumberland and Frostburg.

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