WESTERN MARYLAND SURVIVORS is engaged in negotiations with CSX Real Property for the purchase of the former WESTERN MARYLAND RAILWAY site known as Maryland Junction. Included with this parcel is the Knobmount Yard acreage. CSX wants to sell it as one parcel.

The Maryland Junction site consists of approximately 75-100 acres. It includes the triangular area from a public street crossing west of the mouth of Knobley Tunnel and follows the old right-of-way directly west to the Potomac River, from there northeasterly to the south end of the property occupied by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and from there in a southerly direction to the point of origin.

At the present time, there are two structures. The diesel shop is 150’ by 50’ with two tracks running the length of the shop with full length inspection pits on both tracks. The building is cement block construction from the ground to the eaves. From there, steel trusses support large rectangular panels.

As could be predicted, decades of negligence have rendered much damage due to the elements and vandals. However, what remains is sturdy and can be easily renovated. Basically, the roof needs patched in a few places and every window needs replacement. All doors are still in place. With an effort by our members, we could quickly transform it into a shop to perform our restoration projects. It is approximately one quarter mile from the shop to live rail. The only rail that remains is the track to the wye that the Western Maryland Scenic uses to turn 734.

The Commissary Building, or the beanery as it was referred to, is a three story structure; a full basement with two floors above ground. Although the interior is a mess and the basement is full of water, the structure is solid. It is a steel framed building with brick fascia. When renovated, the basement will be utilized for office, control, security and storage services and the upper two floors will be the display area for the WESTERN MARYLAND RAILWAY MUSEUM.

The foundation of the roundhouse and back shop is still there. A shelter can be constructed utilizing the existing foundation to house the locomotive collection. The turntable pit has been filled with earth and can easily be excavated.