Western Maryland 1309: The Helmstetter's Highball

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, I returned to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for their 2025 Railfest event, which had been on hiatus for several years. While there were many vendors, a car show, and even Ridgley Shop tours (which I did), perhaps the biggest highlight was the Helmstetter's Highball train excursions. These hour-long trips featured the famous 2-6-6-2 #1309 on a trip from Cumberland, MD to Helmstetter's Curve and return for only $13.09 a person!

Throughout the day, five trips would take place, allowing railfans such as myself to obtain shots that would typically be inaccessible (or not ideal) for their longer excursions to Frostburg, MD. One of these shots was 1309 crossing the Western Maryland Railroad Bridge, which has been a location I have wanted to film at since my last visit in 2022.

Another major highlight of these trips was the inclusion of diesel locomotive #561 on the rear of the train, which led the consist from Helmstetter's Curve to Cumberland on each trip. The locomotive and its new paint job were unveiled to the public on this day, and it goes without saying that the staff and volunteers at WMSR did a fabulous job!

Now, without further ado, please enjoy this excellent adventure to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad during the 2025 Railfest!

0:00 Intro
0:25 Early morning through the Narrows
2:45 1309 pulls into the station
3:54 1309 prepares for departure
4:41 1309 departs Cumberland
6:27 Traveling through Cumberland
7:42 Through the narrows
9:46 Western Maryland Railroad Bridge
10:38 Helmstetter’s Curve
13:42 561 begins the return at Helmstetter’s Curve
16:56 Dakota St.
17:46 Cumberland Narrows
19:14 Cumberland
21:03 Canal Place and Outro

Music in this video:
Song: Tropic Fuse
Artist: French Fuse
Licensed to YouTube by: YouTube Audio Library