Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad
The Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad was created in 1966. Otto, the railroad's 0-4-0 tank locomotive was brought over from Germany that year to St. Marys. The engine was steamed up in 1971. In 1986 the rail line was completed, creating a loop almost a mile long. The line is very impressive, it may sound small, but there is an 11% grade and some of the sharpest curves I have ever seen. The railroad continues to collect rolling stock and has quite a fleet built up already. The railroad is also expanding its main line. In 2001 the railroad laid down a rail line on the old St. Marys and Southwestern Railroad grade, a 1300 foot extension. They now have two different mainlines to offer train rides on. The Bucksgahuda and Western is not open regularly, but just two weekends a year, if you get the chance to see this railroad, take it!
I have been here many times, and I never get tired of this railroad. It is small but has a lot of character. The line's extremely sharp curves and grades up to 11% really give the engines a workout. In 2004 I finally had the chance to see their shay run, but my camera malfunctioned and I didn't get many pictures of it. I will be back though. The railroad is only open to the public two days a year, but I still seem to make it there once a year.
