This website has been archived from TrainWeb.org/roundhouse to TrainWeb.US/roundhouse.
[Information Updated September 19, 1996]
CSX and MARC are in the process of signing a five year agreement to continue running commuter rail in the Maryland - Washington, D.C. area, particularly the Camden and Brunswick lines. However, MMTA is also negotiating the operation of "special trains" on CSX rails. A negative decision on this point could have the effect of ending the Orioles Baseball trains, Fall Foliage excursions, and fundraising excursions for local rail groups. A negative CSX decision may not carry the initial impact comparable to NS's decision to halt steam trips, but would nevertheless be a substantial blow to railroad commerce in the entertainment and historic areas.
As a particular example, the National Railway Historical Society Hagerstown chapter could suffer with this decision. For the past six years, excursions from Hagerstown, MD to Gettysburg, PA, to Cumberland and to Washington, D.C. have been primary means to bring rail travel into the public eye and bring in operating funds for equipment restoration.
Past trips have used the MARC equipment in several different configurations, allowing local citizens to experience commuter rail firsthand. Trainsets have included coaches from the Pullman era up to modern Japanese cars, while motive power has covered several generations from F units to Budd cars (as cab control) to Geeps. This has helped the NRHS chapter and the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum in efforts to raise support for commuter rail arriving in Hagerstown.
In January of 1996, the Hagerstown NRHS applied for the opportunity to run three excursions. In July, after advertisements were distributed, it appeared that the opportunities had been withdrawn. Now, we have been offered a chance to run two excursions before the end of 1996. These trips will be during the weekends of October 26 and December 7, and details are given below.
Saturday, October 26, will feature a Halloween Special running from Hagerstown, MD, north and east through Gettysburg to New Oxford, PA. There should still be fall foliage to brighten the scenery, and the spectacular views from the top of Jack's Mountain will be enjoyable.
This train will leave Hagerstown at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Gettysburg at 11:00, where passengers may detrain for 3 hours. The train continues to New Oxford, arriving at Noon, where passengers will have two hours to shop, stroll through the town, and visit the depot. Upon return, passengers will be picked up in Gettysburg, and arrive back in Hagerstown with time to visit the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum.
Saturday, December 7, will see the last CSX-trackage passenger excursion to originate from Hagerstown in the forseeable future. The Santa Claus Special will run from Hagerstown, MD, north and east through Gettysburg, through New Oxford, to Hanover, PA.
This train will leave Hagerstown at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Hanover at Noon, where passengers will have time for holiday shopping, and exploring the town. Unlike the earlier trip, no stops are planned in Gettysburg, nor in New Oxford.
Join Santa on this final furling of a fallen flag, on the last passenger run on the Western Maryland "Dutch Line."
More information on both trips - prices, mail order forms, hotel accommodations, etc. - can be obtained by contacting the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum at 301-739-4665.
Here are brief timetables for the excursions October 26
and December 7:
Schedules are subject to change - please call 301-739-4665
for up-to-date information
Halloween Special
Eastbound
Depart Hagerstown 8:30 a.m.
Arrive Gettysburg 11:00 a.m.
Arrive New Oxford Noon
Westbound
Depart New Oxford 1:30 p.m.
Depart Gettysburg 2:00 p.m.
Arrive Hagerstown 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40 Adult, $35 Senior (60+), $25 child 12 & under.
Santa Claus Special
Eastbound
Depart Hagerstown 8:30 a.m.
Pass Gettysburg 11:00 a.m.
Pass New Oxford 11:30 a.m.
Arrive Hanover, PA Noon
Westbound
Depart Hanover 1:00 p.m.
Pass New Oxford 1:30 p.m.
Pass Gettysburg 2:00 p.m.
Arrive Hagerstown 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40 Adult, $35 Senior (60+), $25 child 12 & under.
