Can Locomotive 202 Ever Run Again in Hagerstown? Unlikely, but that Shouldn’t Stop Us from Dreaming

Hagerstown, Maryland residents are presented with two potential futures for the iconic Locomotive 202, a steam engine central to the area’s railway history. Following the city’s decision to withdraw its donation to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, there are two distinct possibilities for its future. The most feasible option appears to be a cosmetic restoration, focusing on its external appearance for static display, while a full operational restoration, allowing the engine to run on a the remnants of the old B&O Line, would present significant financial and logistical challenges.

Based upon Tuesday’s City Council vote, the “Save Locomotive 202” group and the Hub City Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will likely be tasked with securing the locomotive’s long-term preservation. The most achievable goal, given the anticipated costs in the “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” is a cosmetic restoration. This process would involve repairing and repainting the locomotive’s exterior to its original condition, addressing rust and dents, and applying historically accurate colors and lettering. Essential missing external parts, such as brass fittings or a new smokestack, would be fabricated or sourced. A key component of this restoration would be stabilizing the locomotive to prevent further decay, which could include sealing openings to protect the interior from environmental damage and rectifying any structural weaknesses. Furthermore, a significant portion of the cost for such a project often includes preparing a suitable display environment. This could involve installing new track sections, establishing safe public viewing areas, and potentially constructing a shelter to shield the locomotive from the elements, as the presentation suggests.

The advantages of pursuing a cosmetic restoration are numerous. Financially, although still a substantial undertaking, it represents a more attainable fundraising target for a community-based organization compared to the immense costs associated with an operational restoration. Such a project would provide residents and visitors with a tangible connection to Hagerstown’s rail heritage, serving as an educational exhibit and a source of local pride. Moreover, a static display significantly reduces the regulatory burden, as it would not be subject to the stringent safety standards mandated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for operational trains, simplifying the project’s execution. However, challenges remain, even for a static display. The logistics of relocating the locomotive, both for restoration work and to its final display site, would require specialized heavy-haul services, permits, and potentially temporary rail access, all of which incur considerable expense and complexity. Ongoing maintenance, though less demanding than for an active engine, would still involve periodic cleaning, touch-ups, and inspections to preserve its appearance and integrity. The task of finding skilled artisans, including historical preservationists, painters, and fabricators experienced with steam locomotive components, also presents a hurdle, although modern 3D scanning and printing techniques may help make things a bit simpler. Ultimately, a cosmetic restoration would ensure Locomotive 202 stands as a proud monument to Hagerstown’s railroad past.

Conversely, an option Save Locomotive 202 did not present (and would have likely been laughed out of the council meeting room had they proposed it) is the prospect of a full operational restoration, enabling Locomotive 202 to operate on the remaining five miles of the old B&O line to Conserv-It, which would be far more ambitious undertaking, fraught with significant obstacles. But let’s entertain that idea for a moment, and look at what it would entail. An operational restoration necessitates full compliance with FRA regulations, including a complete teardown and inspection of all mechanical components, a process that can cost millions of dollars, with similar projects for comparable locomotives exceeding $3-5 million – which is probably the minimum that WMSR would have spent on Locomotive 202 if the donation would have been approved. This would involve meticulous work on the boiler, including ultrasonic testing and potential replacement of sections, followed by a hydrostatic test to confirm its integrity. The running gear, including wheels, axles, and bearings, would require thorough inspection and precise machining or replacement. Modernization of the brake system to meet current FRA standards would also be essential. Not to mention Hagerstown would need a facility for storage and maintenance, and more than a weather shelter like Locomotive 202 has now. And while this might sound like a daunting task, it’s important to realize that if Cumberland can pull together the funds to accomplish such a feat, with its population half the size of Hagerstown, then Hagerstown and Washington County can do it too if we rally together.

The challenges associated with operating on the Conserv-It spur are substantial, with permission from CSX being the primary barrier, even if funding was available to restore the locomotive to operational capacity, and even if a facility existed for the storage and maintenance of an operational steam locomotive. CSX maintains a restrictive policy against steam operations, viewing them as high-risk. The liability associated with a steam locomotive, including the potential for boiler incidents, fires, or derailments, is a major concern for the railroad. CSX would likely demand an exceptionally high Railroad Protective Liability (RPL) insurance policy, potentially in the tens of millions, which would be financially unfeasible for a local group in Hagerstown. Even with FRA certification, coordinating special steam movements on an active freight line like the Conserv-It spur would disrupt CSX operations, require dedicated dispatching, and necessitate the employment of costly flagging crews. Furthermore, the condition of the track on the spur itself could be problematic, as a heavy steam locomotive might stress the rails and roadbed, increasing the risk of derailment or damage, another significant concern for CSX – although considering its usage for transportation of scrap metal, that’s probably not as significant a concern. Logistical and infrastructural requirements are also considerable. Operating a steam locomotive demands constant access to fuel and water, for which no facilities exist on the Conserv-It spur, necessitating a complex support system. Transporting the locomotive to the spur would likely involve specialized heavy-haul trailers or dead-in-tow movements by diesel locomotives, both of which are intricate and expensive operations. The ongoing costs of operation, including fuel, lubricants, parts, and a skilled, FRA-certified crew, are also substantial. Considering the immense cost of restoration, CSX’s stringent policies, liability concerns, and logistical complexities, running Locomotive 202 on the Conserv-It spur is highly improbable. Even if a hypothetical entity could fund a full operational restoration, securing the necessary approvals and insurance from CSX for limited operation on an active industrial spur would be an exceptionally difficult, if not impossible, feat. It might possibly be cheaper and more feasible for Hagerstown and Washington County to build new track somewhere than try to get CSX permission – even though such a track would cost millions of dollars per mile. However, with Locomotive 202 in Hagerstown instead of Cumberland, at least the possibility still exists that it could maybe someday operate in Hagerstown, although that possibility seems very unlikely.

Of course, a bigger question is, even if the funding were available, should Locomotive 202 be restored beyond cosmetic restoration? Locomotive 202 currently presents an exciting, up-close experience with a steam locomotive. A locomotive you can walk up and physically touch, without worrying that hot metal will burn the skin of a child. For some reason, history feels just a little more real when you can reach out and touch it – a unique experience you can hardly find anywhere else. And that seems to be the local sentiment, that residents are perfectly happy being able to walk up and touch history.

The future of Locomotive 202 now hinges on the efforts of local enthusiasts, with a cosmetic restoration appearing to be the most realistic and impactful way to preserve its legacy for Hagerstown’s heritage. But who knows, maybe someday Locomotive 202, or another locomotive perhaps, will once again pull passengers from Hagerstown, even if only for a short round trip of ten miles. Dare to dream I suppose.

After all, if Cumberland could do it, why can’t we?

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from FRA Regulations, CSX Transportation Policies, and Restoration and Preservation Groups such as the HeritageRail Alliance.

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