On December 31, 2020, the restoration was completed and the locomotive moved under its own power for the first time in sixty-four years as part of a series of test runs to return it to operating condition. On November 19, 2021, No. 1309 entered its break-in run phase, running from Cumberland to Helmstetter's curve and back for testing. After numerous test runs, the No. 1309 locomotive finally entered excursion service on December 17, 2021, pulling the annual Polar Express train. On February 25–27, 2022, WMSR and Trains Magazine hosted a private photo charter runby of No. 1309 hauling an 11-car freight train consist over Helmstetter's Curve.
