Colmar/B 187.28





Colmar marked the end of the 1.75% westbound grade out of Cumberland. 1,714ft. was gained in only 21 rail miles. Colmar was also known as the end of the double track that ran from Ciumberland. After CTC was installed between Cumberland and Deal in 1954, the double track was removed except for a helper pocket here at Colmar and a 2.5 mile stretch at Frostburg to be used as a passing siding. Colmar once had a tower, it remained in service until 1946 and was torn down in 1948.


I currently have the switch stand that was used here at Colmar when it was a helper pocket. A friend gave it to me when he found it while driving the abandoned right-of-way west towards Deal. The switch stand is pictured above.


Approaching Colmar the Allegheny Highlands Trail was unfinished. The right-of-way such as this cut still appears to be left as it was when abandoned. (11/7/04)

Further up but yet quite a ways from Colmar the right-of-way begins to unvail great views of the valley below. Just looking as these photos you can see the trail climbing up the 1.75% and it is quite a workout on a bike from Frostburg. (11/7/04)

This is Colmar, Photo is dark because sun was setting at the time the photo was taken. Big savage Tunnel is just ahead. (11/7/04)

First photo is of a WM westbound passing the switch at Colmar headed for Big Savage Tunnel. The photo is from the Ray Wongus Collection of the WMRHS. The second photo is looking west from the former site of the helper pocket that was left here after the double track was removed. From here the East Portal of Big Savage Tunnel can be seen. (11/7/04)

Here is the former Colmar tower pictured in 1917. The tower remained in operation until 1946 and was torn down in 1948. Thanks to Warren Hart for contributing these photos. (07/27/17)



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