Hagerstown City Council approves donation of locomotive 202 to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The City of Hagerstown is set to donate its historic locomotive, frame 202, to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for just $1, a decision made during the recent Mayor and Council Work Session. This agreement aims to facilitate the full restoration of the locomotive, which will be used for scenic railroad tours in Western Maryland.

The locomotive has been a part of City Park for years, but previous attempts to restore it faced significant financial hurdles. Initial estimates for a cosmetic restoration project reached approximately $800,000, but bids for the work came in much higher, with one bid exceeding $3.3 million. Faced with these costs, city officials explored various options, including seeking additional funding or revising the restoration plans.

In September 2024, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad proposed a new plan for the locomotive, which sparked renewed interest from the city. Under the terms of the donation agreement, the Scenic Railroad will cover all costs associated with relocating and restoring the locomotive. The project is expected to be completed within ten years, although the railroad anticipates finishing sooner.

Additionally, the agreement includes a provision that offers Hagerstown residents a 25% discount on ticket purchases for any excursions operated by the Scenic Railroad, ensuring that the community benefits from this partnership.

City officials are now inviting questions and comments from the public regarding the donation agreement, which represents a significant step toward preserving a piece of local history while enhancing tourism opportunities in the region.