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In October of 1950, the American Locomotive Company,
commonly referred to as "ALCO", began production of a series of 1600 horsepower
Cab type locomotives with 12 cylinder series 244 diesel engines known as model FA-2.
291 units were built by June of 1956 when production ceased in favor of the newer
models, including the FPA-4. 
Four of Alco's FA-2's were purchased by the Western Maryland Railway in January of 1951. These units served long useful careers before being sold to General Electric in 1972. GE in turn, sold the units to the Long Island railroad where several were modified for commuter service. One unit, Long Island 610, escaped severe modification and was purchased from that railroad by a local chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, who in turn has sold the unit to the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, Inc. That unit, is former Western Maryland Railway class DF-19 Alco FA-2 number 302.
Help
bring 302 Home!
The cost of acquiring the unit has been a challenge, but that challenge has been met. The next obstacle is to bring 302 home. This 180 ton unit must be shipped from Albany New York at great expense, and then the job of restoring the 302 to her former glory will be at hand. Your financial contribution will ensure that the 302 is obtained, restored, and preserved for future generations. There are not many examples of Alco's FA-2 in existence on the east coast. Many similar FPA-4's have been saved, but our 302 is rare. Also, there are only a few examples of WM power in existence anywhere.
Update!
As of July, CP Rail has indicated that it may donate the cost of moving the unit to Selkirk via special train, sometime this fall. This movement type is cost prohibitive, but if their donation comes through, this barrier will be removed. We thank CP Rail and look forward to seeing 302 begin its return home.
Update: We are still optimistic that the above may be true, although the timeline has moved back. This page will be updated when new information becomes available.
February Update: CP has tentatively committed to move 302, and donate the cost as a charitable contribution. Possible time frame is this April! Thanks CP!
August Update: Due to continued challenges facing CP, we have no further information on when 302 might come home. An update will be posted when more information becomes available.
Project 302 is made possible by our good friends at
and
With special thanks to Mark Thistel.
Please direct your donations to:
WMRHS, Inc.
c/o Project 302
P.O. Box 395
Union Bridge, MD. 21791
Your generosity is appreciated.
If you are not currently a society member, but would like to be, please click here.
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