There was almost 25 years of successful steam operation between 1989-2016, there have been 4+ years with diesel operations. AFAIK, the ridership behind diesels has never matched that of the steam, except in the fall season. #734 made a lot of friends for the WMSR over 22 years, why do you think there were documentaries and TV commercials.
With diesels, this trackage is just a nice ride through the Alleghenies, with steam, it becomes a sight and sound experience for 16 miles of steep mainline grades, and brings back the days when the Western Maryland Rwy. ran its huge 2-8-0s, 2-10-0s, 4-8-4s, and 4-6-6-4s up these grades.
The state of Maryland and Allegany County are investing in this operation in the belief that a healthy WMSR is a vital part of potential tourism spending in what is arguably the poorest section of the state.
This uncredited photo was originally posted in RYPN Interchange.
