Highball at Number Nine Curve. After stopping briefly for trainmen to inspect a finicky hopper, Western Maryland 734's Engineer receives the highball and opens the cylinder cocks and throttle. Accelerating a heavy freight from a dead stop on this grade requires a deft touch on the throttle to avoid spinning the tires and this experienced hogger is more than up to the task. The interval between the locomotive's barks seems like an eternity at first, but within seconds, the pace quickens. As as steady draft takes hold, the Fireman gooses the stoker and the volcanic plume that 734 is known for is soon blackening the sky. In less than a minute this freight will be back up to track speed and heading for its next stop in Frostburg.
