A trail-side portrait. Here's a trail-side portrait of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's recently restored Mallet Locomotive #1309, posing at the west portal of Brush Tunnel (MP 172.2). This night scene was arranged during a November, 2022 photo shoot organized by Trains Magazine. Although the primary shot that the organizers planned was on the non-trail side of the tunnel, there were a few opportunities to shoot this side as Photographer Casey Thomason was experimenting on the trail side as groups of participants were shifting positions on the other side. Although it includes the bike trail, I actually like this angle, because the trail lighting in the interior of the tunnel actually lights up the passenger consist inside. Although she is a C&O Locomotive, the big compound articulated looks great in the Western Maryland Fireball paint scheme. After several years of difficult times, it is great to see steam operating once again on the run from Cumberland to Frostburg, MD.
Thanks to Casey Thomason for lighting this side of the locomotive, as an alternative view of this impressive scene.
