Shay #4 at the Cass Scenic Railroad.
The Ride
As your train departs Cass the ringing bell and unique sounds of the geared steam locomotive give you only a hint of what's to come on this one of a kind mountain railroad journey. The Cass Railroad was built as a logging railroad, so geared locomotives were chosen to push the trains up the steep grades of Cheat Mountain and bring logs back down to the town of Cass. The remains of the logging mill will come into view, shortly after you depart Cass. Next will be the Cass Shop, where the locomotives are rebuilt and maintained. Cass has the largest fleet of operational geared steam locomotives in the world, and the skilled shop crew at Cass are the reason for that! Keep your eyes out for locomotives under steam just outside the shop, they may be ready for a later departure, or just kept under steam for stand by.
As your train departs Cass the ringing bell and unique sounds of the geared steam locomotive give you only a hint of what's to come on this one of a kind mountain railroad journey. The Cass Railroad was built as a logging railroad, so geared locomotives were chosen to push the trains up the steep grades of Cheat Mountain and bring logs back down to the town of Cass. The remains of the logging mill will come into view, shortly after you depart Cass. Next will be the Cass Shop, where the locomotives are rebuilt and maintained. Cass has the largest fleet of operational geared steam locomotives in the world, and the skilled shop crew at Cass are the reason for that! Keep your eyes out for locomotives under steam just outside the shop, they may be ready for a later departure, or just kept under steam for stand by.
Shay #5 brings a train down the Switchbacks on the Cass Scenic Railroad.
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After the Cass Shop, the train continues to follow a creek until it begins it's ascent up the mountain towards the switchbacks. Switchbacks were common on logging railroads since they allow the train to gain elevation quickly. As the train is being pushed up the mountain, you will pass a switch allowing the train to reverse directions onto another track and continue to climb the mountain. Switchbacks are now extremely rare and that is one of the many reasons a trip to Cass is a must for all Train Chasers.
During the climb through the switchbacks, the grades are extremely steep, as steep as 11% in some places. This puts a tremendous strain on the locomotives, and you will hear them giving it all they have. Geared locomotives were not built for speed, they were built for this very reason, pushing and pulling trains up steep mountains. The Cass is the steepest adhesion (non cable or cog) railway in the USA. For a comparison, the steepest mainline railroad grade in the US is 3.3%. After the switchbacks the train continues to climb before reaching Whittaker Station. There is an open field here, and all trains stop here allowing passengers to step off to explore a recreated logging camp, and to visit the snack bar. Whittaker station is 4 miles from Cass. The Whitaker Station excursion takes approximately 1.5 hours round trip including the stop. |
Cass Trains operating to Bald Knob will continue to climb up the mountain after the stop at Whittaker Station. Keep an eye out for "Old Spruce" where a switch allows trains to travel down the old "main line" to the long abandoned town of Spruce. A mile up from the Old Spruce switch, Trains will stop at "Oats Run" to take on water. Take a look at the water tank system, it was created from parts of former steam locomotives that operated on this line. It is filled from the natural stream flowing down from the mountain.
Listening to the steam locomotive continue up steep and steady grades, don't forget to watch for scenic overlooks of the valley below and mountains in the distance. Also watch as the forest type changes as the train climbs in elevation.
When the train reaches Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, passengers may step off and walk to a breathtaking overlook into the valley below. On a clear day you can see mountains of West Virginia and Virginia.
The overlook is at an elevation of 4,700 feet. The town of Cass is at 2,438 feet.
The route from Cass to Bald Knob is 11 miles one way, and takes approximately 4 1/2 hours roundtrip. A box lunch is served on board the train.
Listening to the steam locomotive continue up steep and steady grades, don't forget to watch for scenic overlooks of the valley below and mountains in the distance. Also watch as the forest type changes as the train climbs in elevation.
When the train reaches Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, passengers may step off and walk to a breathtaking overlook into the valley below. On a clear day you can see mountains of West Virginia and Virginia.
The overlook is at an elevation of 4,700 feet. The town of Cass is at 2,438 feet.
The route from Cass to Bald Knob is 11 miles one way, and takes approximately 4 1/2 hours roundtrip. A box lunch is served on board the train.
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The Equipment
Cass Scenic Railroad is one of the few railroads that operates steam exclusively. They have the world's largest fleet of operating geared steam locomotives. Since they usually operate trains to both Whittaker Station and Bald Knob, the railroad will typically have two steam powered trains in operation and a third locomotive fired up as a stand by. The passenger cars are actually modified logging cars. Hard Bench seats are available, but most passengers stand for the majority of the journey and enjoy the fresh mountain air, the scenic views, and the sounds and smells of the coal burning steam locomotives. All of the Steam Locomotives at Cass burn coal that is hand fired into the firebox of the locomotives. The Steam Locomotives Shay #2 - Built by Lima in 1928. Weighs 93 tons. Shay #4 - Built by Lima in 1922. Weighs 80 tons.* Shay #5 - Built by Lima in 1905. Weighs 90 tons.* Shay #6 - Built by Lima in 1945. Weighs 162 tons.* Shay #11 -Built by Lima in 1923. Weighs 103 tons. Heisler #6 - Built in 1929. Weights 100 tons. *Notes the locomotive spent all of it's working life in the state of WV. |
Shay #11
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Down by the Station
The Cass Scenic Railroad is more than just a train ride. It's a State Park that was created to preserve the entire town of Cass as living history.
The town of Cass is available to explore and Company Houses have been restored and can be rented for lodging. Many historic buildings still stand including the Company Store that now houses a gift shop and the full service Last Run Restaurant. There is also a diorama, and a museum in and near the Company Store building. If time allows, guided tours are available of the town of Cass, and also the Cass Shop where you can see how they maintain the locomotives. All of the walking tours are scheduled and free of charge.
The Train Depot sits trackside and houses the railroad ticket office. All trains depart from the platform next to the depot.
The Chase!
The layout of Cass makes it a difficult railroad to chase in the traditional sense. If you follow "Black Mountain Road" past the town of Cass it does parallel the first mile or so of railroad. And there are a few nice photo opportunities along the creek and at the grade crossing; however, Cass follows the mountain railroad tradition of having locomotives push the trains up the hill, meaning the locomotives are never turned forward facing and pulling the train. If you want to seriously photograph the Cass Railroad, we suggest you visit during a railfan photography event.
The Cass Scenic Railroad is more than just a train ride. It's a State Park that was created to preserve the entire town of Cass as living history.
The town of Cass is available to explore and Company Houses have been restored and can be rented for lodging. Many historic buildings still stand including the Company Store that now houses a gift shop and the full service Last Run Restaurant. There is also a diorama, and a museum in and near the Company Store building. If time allows, guided tours are available of the town of Cass, and also the Cass Shop where you can see how they maintain the locomotives. All of the walking tours are scheduled and free of charge.
The Train Depot sits trackside and houses the railroad ticket office. All trains depart from the platform next to the depot.
The Chase!
The layout of Cass makes it a difficult railroad to chase in the traditional sense. If you follow "Black Mountain Road" past the town of Cass it does parallel the first mile or so of railroad. And there are a few nice photo opportunities along the creek and at the grade crossing; however, Cass follows the mountain railroad tradition of having locomotives push the trains up the hill, meaning the locomotives are never turned forward facing and pulling the train. If you want to seriously photograph the Cass Railroad, we suggest you visit during a railfan photography event.
Shay #6 sits outside the Cass Shop.
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Things to Know
Cass Scenic Railroad operates open air cars. Some are covered, and some are completely open air. Dress for the weather and be prepared for weather and temperature changes as your ride progresses. Since all of the cars are open air, you'll be able to hear the locomotive from just about anywhere on the train. The car closest to the locomotive can be quite loud, but exciting for steam fans none the less. Cass WV is in a very remote location, cell phone service is weak to none. Plan ahead with printed directions. Restored company houses can be rented in the town of Cass through the State Park. If you have the time to visit Cass for multiple days, it is well worth it. Watching and riding multiple steam locomotives and taking the guided tours of the Shop and Town are all very worth a rail fans time. Lodging is limited directly around Cass. A few locally owned hotels are available in surrounding towns. The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park operates the town, the lodging, and the tours. Their website has alot of history on the town, rail line, and equipment. Their website is www.CassRailroad.com The Cass Scenic Railroad train tickets and schedules are available at the website of the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. www.MountainRailWV.com |
Other Railroad Attractions
The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, operators of the Cass Scenic Railroad, also operate other scenic railways in close proximity to Cass.
The Durbin Rocket departs from Durbin WV and operates with the unique Climax Steam Locomotive along the Greenbrier River.
The New Tygart Flyer, and Cheat Mountain Salamander both depart Elkins WV with a Diesel Powered train that operates along a very scenic line.
Explore their website to find out which trains are operating during your visit. Check out their website - www.MountainRailWV.com
Photos of my Visits to Cass Scenic Railroad -
The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, operators of the Cass Scenic Railroad, also operate other scenic railways in close proximity to Cass.
The Durbin Rocket departs from Durbin WV and operates with the unique Climax Steam Locomotive along the Greenbrier River.
The New Tygart Flyer, and Cheat Mountain Salamander both depart Elkins WV with a Diesel Powered train that operates along a very scenic line.
Explore their website to find out which trains are operating during your visit. Check out their website - www.MountainRailWV.com
Photos of my Visits to Cass Scenic Railroad -
