In response to MR DENNIS A SMITH from ILLINOIS posting -
The reason for the black smoke is that the train is operating in a very mountainous area, and it is not “a sign of steam engine not being property fired” as you state. The train traverses a grade of up to 11 percent, or 11 feet in altitude for each 100 feet of track not like the flat track that is found in much of Illinois. A 2 percent grade on conventional railroads is considered steep!
The reason for the whistle blowing is because there are some road crossings on the mountain which are used both by locals and railway maintenance personnel. If you watch the complete video you will notice people standing beside the track taking videos. As you state the “swarming of picture takers” could be a safety hazard. That is another reason for the frequent blowing of the whistles in some areas along the line.
The black smoke, blowing of the whistles, etc., are what you will observe on almost all scenic or tourist lines in the U.S., not due to improper operation of the equipment, but because the tourists expect and enjoy it that way.
As an individual who was born and raised in West Virginia, I hope that you would take the time to drive travel to wild, wonderful West Virginia and enjoy the beautiful mountain state. While there, please take the opportunity to ride not only the Cass Scenic Railroad, but also ride the New Tygart Flyer, The Durbin Rocket, and The Cheat Mountain Salamander. Information about all of these wonderful rides http://mountainrailwv.com/.
Also check out the Potomac Eagle at www.potomaceagle.info.