This year’s event will continue many of the traditional favorites of railfans, including many photo run-bys, tours of Cass, Saturday evening Whistle Blow, Community Dinner, and a night photo session.

In addition to riding behind the Shay geared locomotives to Spruce and down Shavers Fork of the Cheat River on Saturday and to Whittaker Camp #1 on Sunday, this year’s event will feature some extras. On Saturday, a Shay-powered log train with log loader will make the trip to Spruce where a log loading demonstration will be held. Also, Shay #5 which will be making its first run since 1995 following extensive shop work.

The featured speaker during a Friday evening program in the Engine Shops will be David Dunn, Director of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, PA.

Upon making the joint announcement, George Collins noted that this event, which draws railfans from throughout the country, is not only an important fund-raiser for the Association, but showcases what is certainly a historic site of national importance. Superintendent Thomas said, “The staff works very hard all winter to prepare the railroad, equipment, and Park for our regular season which opens to the general public on May 26. They all are very proud of their work and appreciate the response of railfans. We also appreciate the work of Mountain State in helping to preserve and interpret the Park.”

George Collins also stated, “This is not an event for the leisurely rider. We run regardless of the weather and there is a lot of getting on and off trains in rough terrain. The railfan community is very dedicated to Cass and they appreciate the work that goes into operating this park.”

For those dedicated railfans, tickets can be obtained by contacting Railfan Weekend, c/o Bob Hoke, 6304 Kaybro St., Laurel, MD 20707.

The Mountain State Railroad and Logging Historical Association, a non-profit volunteer organization, was founded in 1982 for the purpose of preserving and interpreting the railroad and logging history of West Virginia with particular emphasis on Cass.

Since its founding, it has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and over $175,000 to the Cass State Park. Among its many projects are the construction and staffing of Whittaker Camp #1 - a reconstruction of a 1940’s logging camp with equipment - and installation of a visitor orientation display in the Depot. Its current projects include construction of a Restoration Shop with plans to restore Climax Engine No. 9 and restoration planning for several Cass community buildings.