Inaugural Steam Trip between
Elkins and Cass
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Elkins
to Cass, W.Va.
This is the Inaugural Steam Excursion
between Elkins and Cass. The 12-plus hour, 67 mile trip reverses the
route of the July 10 trip from Cass to Elkins. The views and lighting
on this trip, limited to only
175 passengers, will be totally different from the July 10 trip, with
never before
photographed scenes of the Big 6 steam locomotive at work. The
adventure is unique; see mountain railroading in the extreme: rugged
wilderness, serpentine curves, steep grades and plenty of wildlife.
The trip will originate in Elkins and return to Elkins.
Sunday,
July 13, 2008 at 7:00 AM the trip begins at the Elkins
Depot with a hearty breakfast. Then, leaving at 8:00, the train will be
pulled out of Elkins and up through Kelley Mountain Tunnel by diesel to
avoid any discomfort from the steam locomotive smoke. The first
photo-runby will be at the east portal of the tunnel with morning light
catching Shay 6 as it makes its way out of the tunnel. We will continue
down grade to Bowden for a service stop, and change motive power. The
train will be pulled by steam for the rest of the trip.
After Bowden, we continue up grade past
Woodrow, through Bemis, and on to Elk River Junction, The train will
unload passengers for the impressive photo-runby across the High
Trestle over the Cheat River. We will then continue to High Falls for a
service stop and photo opportunity.
Leaving the High Falls we will travel
through this remote rugged wilderness, passing Harper Mine, and on to
stop at Linan Mine for locomotive servicing, lunch, and photo
opportunities. We will pass two rare remaining Western Maryland section
houses as we continue up river for photo-runbys at locations never
used before. Keep an eye out for the Bald Eagles as we make our way to
Cheat Bridge and a locomotive servicing stop. Getting underway again,
we will travel past Hopkins Mine, Beaver Creek, and on to Spruce, where
we will take water and service the engine at the old ghost town before
we start our descent down the mountain.
After we arrive at Cass restroom-equipped busses will
transport us back to Elkins where a hot buffet dinner will await us.
Fares
July 13: Elkins to Cass, limited to 175 passengers:
$190.00 per ticket
Night Photo Sessions
Night
photo sessions will be held at the Elkins Depot starting at about 8:30
PM on July 10th, 11th and 12th. The set ups will feature Shay 6 with a
different diesel every night. We will use over 20,000 watts of quartz
lights to provide spectacular photo opportunities. Bring your camera,
tripod, and a cable release if appropriate. We will supply the lights
and suggest exposure settings. The use of quartz lights will allow
great results by videographers and digital, as well as traditional 35mm
cameras.
Tickets
for all trips are sold by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley
Railroad
Elkins
Depot, Elkins WV 26241
Call
for toll free for reservations: 1-877-686-7245 (1-877-MTN-RAIL)
All
major credit cards accepted. When ordering, please specify the trip or
trips you want.
Policies: Please
allow two weeks for ticket delivery,
No refunds after June 15, 2008. Trains run rain or shine. Schedules and
equipment are subject to change due to availability and weather
conditions. The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical
Association (www.MSRLHA.org)
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All proceeds go toward historic rail and logging preservation and
interpretation projects. This event is sponsored by the
MSR&LHA,
the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, and the Cass Scenic
Railroad State Park.
Notes:
- These excursions run in a
rugged
mountainous area; be careful of your footing. Although it is July,
showers can cool the air quickly; come prepared for changes in the
weather. The train has an EMT on board for your assistance if needed,
and carries a satellite phone.
- Trains run rain or shine,
schedules and
equipment are subject to changes due to availability and weather
conditions.
- There is drinking water on
board the train
offered free for your convenience.
This
trip includes:
1. Round trip Elkins to
Elkins bus and train transportation.
2. Three(3) meals per trip.
3. Complimentary water and snacks.
4. Commemorative brass tag.
5. Excursion trip guide.
Trip time is approximately 12 hours +
