Published: June 28, 2008 01:48 pm      

UPDATE — No. 6 Shay engine to carry passengers

CHARLESTON — Steam-powered train trips between Cass and Elkins will be available for rail fans and scenery lovers on July 10 and 13, when the Cass Scenic Railroad’s recently restored Shay No. 6 will carry passengers through 67 miles of high-country wilderness each way.

The trips, a joint venture of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and the Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad, will be the first steam-powered passenger excursions to travel from Cass to Elkins following the old Western Maryland Railroad line over Cheat Mountain.

On July 10, the train will depart Cass, switchback to the top of Cheat Mountain, and make a stop to take on water at the abandoned town site of Spruce. The train will make another stop at a bridge over Shavers Fork for a photo opportunity, stop for more water at Cheat Bridge, roll past two rare Western Maryland section houses, and take additional water stops at Coal Rock and Bemis. Other points of interest include the High Falls of Cheat, where Shavers Fork drops over a 12-foot ledge, possible bald eagle sightings and passage through the Kelley Mountain Tunnel.

The trip ends at the restored Elkins Depot, where an evening meal will be served. A breakfast buffet will be available at Cass and lunch will be served on the train. A bus will be available to shuttle passengers from Elkins Depot to the starting point at Cass.

The train will return to Cass along the same route, with the same stops, on July 13. Each trip will be limited to 175 passengers, and take about 12 hours. Tickets are $190 each.

On July 11 and 12, short steam trips powered by Shay No. 6 will travel from Elkins to Kelleys Mountain Tunnel and back for a fare of $20. Daily round trips will also be made from Elkins to Belington for $50 a ticket.