Running the Greenbrier River. The former Moore-Keppel Co. Climax #6.....now Cass Scenic Railroad #9, hauls a demonstration coal train up the old C&O main, on the shores of the Greenbrier River, headed for Durbin. Although the track she's on is hardly level, has a more than a few rotted ties and lacks much ballast, it's still in a lot better shape than what this type of locomotive typically ran on back in the day. For although Climax Locomotives were really good mountain climbers, they were also known for their ability to run on really shaky track.....which was a real asset to logging companies that frequently built their lines along river valleys. Often, the rivers would rise during rainy seasons, flooding the track and washing away ballast. Such track could be rendered almost unusable by most types of locomotives, but Climaxes could handle it. There are historic photos of Climax engines running on track that was virtually awash in a swollen river. It's been said, only half jokingly, that a Climax engine will track anything.....including two scratches in the dirt! LOL!
For aficianados of geared steam engines, it's "almost heaven." Here are some scenes from the park's annual Railfan Weekends, as well as some private charters.
