View source for Wilmington and Western Railroad

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox rail 
| railroad_name = Wilmington and Western Railroad
| logo_filename = WW Logo rollover.png
| logo_size   = 125px
| image       = WW engine98-1.jpg|caption = No. 98 preparing to haul an excursion train in May 2006
| marks       = WWRC
| locale      = [[New Castle County, Delaware|New Castle County]], [[Delaware|Delaware, USA]]
| start_year  = 1872–1877<br/>1966
| end_year    = present
| gauge       = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| length      = {{convert|10.2|mi|km}}
| hq_city     = [[Marshallton, Delaware]]
{{Infobox NRHP
| name        = Wilmington and Western Railroad
| embed       = yes
| nrhp_type   = hd
| nocat       = yes
| image       =
| caption     =
| location    = 2201 Newport Gap Pike, [[Wilmington, Delaware]]
| coordinates = {{coord|39|44|17|N|75|37|58|W|display=inline}}
| locmapin    = Delaware#USA
| built       = {{Start date|1867}}
| architect   = Wilmington & Western Railroad Co.
| added       = September 8, 1980
| area        = {{convert|73|acre}}
| refnum      = 80000932<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
}}
|website = [http://www.wwrr.com/ wwrr.com]
}}
{{Wilmington and Western Railroad}}
The '''Wilmington and Western Railroad''' {{reporting mark|WWRC}} is a [[freight railroad|freight]] and [[heritage railroad]] in northern [[Delaware]], operating over a former [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] (B&O) [[branch line]] between [[Wilmington, DE|Wilmington]] and [[Hockessin, DE|Hockessin]]. The {{convert|10.2|mi|adj=on}} railroad operates both [[steam locomotive|steam]] and [[diesel locomotive]]s. It was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] as a national [[Historic district (United States)|historic district]] in 1980.<ref name="nris"/> Wilmington & Western serves one customer for revenue service, and interchanges with [[CSX Transportation]] at [[Landenberg Junction, Delaware]]

Wilmington & Western's [[General Motors]] [[Diesel locomotive|Diesel-Electric]] [[EMD SW1|SW1]] locomotive no. 114 is the oldest diesel locomotive in routine scheduled service, having been built in February 1940.<ref>{{ Cite web|url=http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locopicture.aspx?id=56832|title=Pictures of WWRC 114|access-date=2023-05-05}}</ref>

==History==
The '''Delaware and Chester County Railroad''' was incorporated in February 1867 to build from Wilmington in the direction of [[Parkesburg, PA|Parkesburg]] or [[Atglen, Pennsylvania]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/lawsstatedelawa00delagoog/page/n205 <!-- pg=195 --> An Act to incorporate the Delaware and Chester County Railroad Company], passed February 5, 1867</ref> and was renamed the Wilmington and Western Railroad in March 1869,<ref name=ICC>[[Interstate Commerce Commission]], 42 Val. Rep. 1 (1933): Valuation Docket No. 1068, The Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company and its Leased Lines</ref> opening the line to [[Landenberg, PA|Landenberg]] on October 19, 1872.<ref name=WWRR-history>[https://www.wwrr.com/about/history.aspx Wilmington & Western Railroad: History], accessed February 2009</ref> A [[foreclosure sale]] in April 1877 produced the '''Delaware Western Railroad''', which was incorporated in June 1877 and merged into the [[Baltimore and Philadelphia Railroad]], a B&O subsidiary, in February 1883.<ref name=ICC/>

The B&O cut back the line to Southwood in the early 1940s and to Hockessin in the late 1950s. Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc. began operating steam tourist trains on weekends in 1966,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://railfan.com/wilmington-western/|title=A Visit to the Wilmington & Western Railroad|last=Barry|first=Steve|date=2019-03-25|website=Railfan & Railroad Magazine|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref> reusing the old W&W name, and in August 1982 the W&W bought the branch from the [[Chessie System]] for $25,000, which included Ex-B&O SW1 #8408 as a part of the purchase.<ref name=WWRR-history/><ref name=nrhpdoc>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=80000932}} |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Wilmington and Western Railroad|author=John C. Rumm |date=1978 |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NRHP url|id=80000932|title=accompanying 11 photos|photos=y}}</ref> Under the Historic Red Clay Valley Inc. the operations are managed by a [[Board of directors|Board of Directors]], paid staff and a large number of volunteers.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Wilmington and Western Railroad (Images of Rail: Delaware)|last=Vazquez|first=Gisela|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|year=2008|isbn=978-0738553627|location=USA}}</ref>

In 1999, the rains of [[Hurricane Floyd]] caused considerable damage to the railroad. Two trestles were entirely destroyed by the flooding of Red Clay Creek, which also caused track washouts and damaged several other trestles. The two destroyed bridges were replaced by steel trestles, but the other timber trestles were simply repaired.

In 2003, [[Tropical Storm Henri (2003)|Tropical Storm Henri]] struck the valley and produced an even more catastrophic flood. While the two steel bridges (and an iron trestle at [[Ashland, Delaware|Ashland]]) survived the flood, the remaining bridges were swept away or irreparably damaged. Despite the damage caused by these storms, the Wilmington and Western continued to operate on the remaining track, and replaced all of the destroyed bridges with steel trestles. The line officially reopened into Hockessin on June 30, 2007.

The railroad celebrated its 50th anniversary operating as a tourist railroad in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/May-2016/Full-Steam-Ahead-Wilmington-Western-Railroad-Celebrates-50-Years/|title=Full Steam Ahead: Wilmington & Western Railroad Celebrates 50 Years|last=Ostroski|first=Drew|date=April 29, 2016|website=www.delawaretoday.com|language=en|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref>

{{Clear left}}

==Excursions==
Several different excursions are offered by the Wilmington and Western Railroad, running through the [[Red Clay Creek]] valley. Trains operate out of the [[Greenbank, Delaware|Greenbank]] station near the southern end of the railroad. The railroad offers two regular excursions which run on weekends during the operating season. The Hockessin Flyer runs round-trip from Greenbank to the northern end of the line in [[Hockessin, Delaware|Hockessin]] for a 2.5-hour trip with a 30-minute layover in Hockessin. The Mt. Cuba Meteor runs round-trip from Greenbank to the [[Mount Cuba, Delaware|Mount Cuba]] Picnic Grove for a 1.5-hour trip with a 30-minute layover for a picnic at the Mount Cuba Picnic Grove.

The Wilmington and Western Railroad also offers several special themed excursions. Some of the themed excursions include the [[Easter Bunny]] Express, the Fireworks Express on [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]], a [[dinner train]] called the Royal Blue Dinner Train, the Brews on Board train serving [[craft brew]]s, the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] Skirmish Weekend, the Princess Express, the Superhero Express, the Autumn Leaf Special offering views of [[fall foliage]], the [[Halloween]] Express, the Holiday Lights Express offering views of [[Christmas lights]], and the [[Santa Claus]] Express around [[Christmas]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Events & Fares|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/events/|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> Groups may also charter a caboose, car, or entire train for an event.<ref>{{cite web|title=Train Charters|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/charters/train-charters.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref> A caboose attached to the end of a regularly scheduled train may be rented for [[birthday party|birthday parties]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Birthday Caboose|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/charters/birthday-caboose.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref>

==Equipment==
===Locomotives===
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;"
|+Locomotive details<ref name=steam>{{cite web|title=Steam Locomotives|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/steam-locomotives.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=diesel>{{cite web|title=Diesel Locomotives|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/diesel-locomotives.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=doodlebug>{{cite web|title=Doodlebug|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/doodlebug.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref>
|-
!Number
!Image
!Wheel arrangement
!Builder
!Type
!Build date
!Serial Number
!Status
|-
|[[Wilmington and Western 58|58]]
|[[File:Wilmington and Western 58 smokebox.jpg|frameless]]
|[[0-6-0]]
|[[Baldwin Locomotive Works]]
|Steam
|1907
|31899
|Operational
|-
|92
|[[File:Wilmington and Western Engine 92, Marshallton DE.png|frameless]]
|[[2-6-0]]
|[[Canadian Locomotive Company]]
|Steam
|1910
|930
|Stored, awaiting restoration
|-
|[[Wilmington and Western 98|98]]
|[[File:Wilmington and Western Railroad No. 98 - August 2009 - 01.jpg|frameless]]
|[[4-4-0]]
|[[American Locomotive Company]]
|Steam
|1909
|45921
|Undergoing FRA inspection and overhaul
|-
|114
|[[Image:WW engine114-1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[EMD SW1|SW-1]] (B-B)
|[[Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Corporation (EMC) of General Motors]]
|Diesel
|1940
|1021
|Operational
|-
|4662
|[[File:WW Doodlebug1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Doodlebug (rail car)|Doodlebug]] (B-B)
|[[Pullman Company|Pullman Standard]]
|[[Railcar]]
|1929
|6202-22697
|Operational
|-
|8408
|[[File:B&O 8408.jpg|frameless]]
|[[EMD SW1|SW-1]] (B-B)
|EMC
|Diesel
|1940
|1106
|Operational
|}

===Former units===
{|class="wikitable"
|+Locomotive details<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwrr.com/downloads/timeline_color_final.pdf |title=Special 50th Anniversary Historic Timeline |access-date=2023-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gulf, Mobile & Northern No. 425 Ownership |url=http://steamlocomotive.info/vownership.cfm?display=1017 |publisher=steamlocomotive.info |accessdate=January 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Locomotives |url=https://www.timberheritage.org/the-collection |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=timberheritage.org}}</ref>
!Number
!Image
!Wheel arrangement
!Builder
!Type
!Build date
!Current owner
|-
|1
|
|[[0-4-0]]
|[[H.K. Porter]]
|Steam
|1950
|[[Marshallton, Delaware|Marshallton]]
|-
|[[Sugar Pine Lumber Company No.4|37]]
|[[File:Wilmington Western Railroad No.37.jpg|frameless]]
|[[2-8-2]]T
|[[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]]
|Steam
|1925
|[[Age of Steam Roundhouse]]
|-
|60
|
|[[0-6-0]]
|[[Pennsylvania Railroad]]
|Steam
|1913
|Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Gerry |date=2024-05-10 |title=Moving PRR #60 Locomotive |url=https://lewesjunctionrr.org/?p=1914 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|14
|[[File:Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad No. 14 in Gaithersburg, Maryland - August 2022 - 03.jpg|frameless]]
|[[2-8-0]]
|[[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]]
|Steam
|1918
|[[Gaithersburg, Maryland]]
|-
|[[Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad 425|425]]
|[[File:RBM&N 425 Jim Thorpe.png|frameless]]
|[[4-6-2]]
|[[Baldwin Locomotive Works]]
|Steam
|1928
|[[Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad]]
|-
|915
|
|[[EMD SW900|SW900]] (B-B)
|[[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]]
|Diesel
|1956
|[[Black River and Western Railroad|Black River Western Railroad]]
|-
|S-3
|[[File:W&W 3, 410.jpg|frameless]]
|0-6-0T
|[[Vulcan Iron Works|Vulcan]]
|Steam
|1943
|Honey's Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen
|-
|D-3
|[[File:B&O_9115.jpg|frameless]]
|[[ALCO S-2 and S-4|S2]] (B-B)
|[[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]]
|Diesel
|1949
|[[West Chester Railroad]]
|}

===Rolling Stock===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Rolling stock details<ref>{{cite web|title=Passenger Cars|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/passenger-cars.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Railway Preservation News • View topic - PRR P54 Coaches |url=http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35729&p=204566 |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=www.rypn.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cabooses|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/cabooses.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
!Number
!Builder
!Type
!Build Date
|-
| 410/571/581/603
| [[Pullman Company]]
| Passenger Cars
| 1914–15
|-
| 442
| [[Altoona Works]]
| Open-Air Car
| 1912
|-
| 450
| [[Altoona Works]]
| Coach
| 1912
|-
| C149
| [[Erie Railroad]]
| Caboose
| 1941
|-
| C2013
| [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
| Caboose
| 1926
|-
| T215
| [[Chesapeake and Ohio Railway|Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad]]
| Auxiliary water tender
| Unknown
|-
| F215
| [[Chesapeake and Ohio Railway|Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad]]
| Flatcar
| Unknown
|-
| 701
| Burro Crane Inc.
| Crane
| Unknown
|-
| 17107
| Unknown
| Flatcar
| Unknown
|-
| 80581
| Unknown
| Flatcar
| Unknown
|-
| 751730
| Unknown
| Camp Car
| 1937
|-
|1872
|[[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
|Boxcar
|Unknown
|}

===Former rolling stock===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Rolling stock details<ref>{{cite web|title=Passenger Cars|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/passenger-cars.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cabooses|publisher=Wilmington and Western Railroad|url=http://www.wwrr.com/ride/equipment/cabooses.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
!Number
!Builder
!Type
!Build Date
|-
|37
|Unknown
|Auxiliary tender
|Unknown
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
Image:WW DoubleHeader-1.jpg|W&W No. 98 double-heading with W&W No. 58 in October 2006.
Image:WW EasterBunny1.jpg|[[Easter Bunny]]
Image:Doodlebug holiday.jpg|W&W No. 4662 operating during the holidays.
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Trains}}

* [[List of heritage railways]]
* [[List of Delaware railroads]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{attached KML}}
*[http://www.wwrr.com/ Wilmington & Western Railroad]
*[http://www.steamphotos.com/Railroad-Photos/Wilmington-Western-Railroad/3358003_Z7X7V Wilmington & Western Railroad Photos]

{{Delaware railroads}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Delaware}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilmington Western Railroad}}
[[Category:Railway lines on the National Register of Historic Places]]
[[Category:Heritage railroads in Delaware]]
[[Category:Delaware railroads]]
[[Category:Switching and terminal railroads]]
[[Category:Spin-offs of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
[[Category:Defunct Delaware railroads]]
[[Category:Defunct Pennsylvania railroads]]
[[Category:Predecessors of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1869]]
[[Category:Railway companies disestablished in 1877]]
[[Category:Transportation in New Castle County, Delaware]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in New Castle County, Delaware]]
[[Category:1869 establishments in Delaware]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Wilmington, Delaware]]
[[Category:Rail infrastructure on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1869]]