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Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

"Down through the Trough, where Eagles Fly"

Moorefield, WV / Jul 2020 / RWH

pesx_inset It was a state Public Service Commission study that first suggested that a scenic excursion train would be successful on the South Branch Valley Railroad. From that study members of the Romney Business and Professional Organization began their effort to make the idea a reality. A few years lapsed before the Potomac Eagle became the company in charge of making the dream of a few a source of pleasure for many. And by coincidence that time frame was also when a few American bald eagles decided to make the Trough, a narrow passage the train tracks and the river share, a permanent home. In the fall of 1991, the Eagle Canon Passenger Car Company began operating the Potomac Eagle from a siding named Wappocomo Station just north of Romney.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

pesx_state egyptian he Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is a scheduled tourist operation based in Romney, West Virginia, in the northeast corner of the Mountain State. The railroad operates seasonal excursion trains over a former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad branchline that runs between Green Spring and Petersburg. The West Virginia State Rail Authority owns the line and operates regular freight service with its South Branch Valley Railroad. In 1989 the state began efforts to attract an excursion operator, and tourist operations commenced in 1991.

The Potomac Eagle Scenic excursion trains run from a depot siding just north of Romney south to Sycamore Bridge, a 35 mile round trip. Occasional longer excursions travel south to Petersburg, a 76 mile round trip. All excursions use first generation diesel locomotives, although there are plans for steam excursions in the future. A fleet of heavyweight and streamline vintage passenger cars provide carriage and dining facilities for tourists. A highlight of all trips is passage along the South Branch Potomac River through "The Trough", a stretch of scenic line noted for bald eagle sightings. Locomotives and cars are kept in Wapocomo, north of Romney, in between runs. Equipment is serviced at a maintenance siding south of Romney, or at the South Branch Valley shops in Moorefield.