I just read an article from the Roanoke Times in 2010 where they were talking optimistically about getting it running again... I rode an excursion in 89 behind the 1218 from Richmond to Roanoke... I hope they both get back on excursion soon ...
Just my opinion, but I believe that one day, 611 will be shopped and put back into running shape. The pendulum swings both ways and 611 is eminently restorable. As it's my favorite loco in existence and I've never seen it, I hope it's time comes before mine is over.
Bob Claytor loved steam, but he passed away to cancer April, 1993 and David Goode took his spot at NS and Goode decided a year later to terminate the steam program at the end of 1994 because he wanted nothing to do with it and it delayed their freight trains, was a drain on personnel, who wanted to work an excursion train on the weekend after working the freights all week, and was a big liability. Goode was only interested in moving freight. He barely tolerated Amtrak. Now, Wick Moorman is boss.
+Dylan Watson There's a pretty solid lineup of trips scheduled for this spring and summer. The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer has done 'At The Throttle' sessions with 611 before, but the available slots always sell out in a hurry. Keep an eye on their website (www.nctrans.org) for the event schedule and they may add new slots in the future.
What about Sou #4501? Could that be restored to operation? Maybe NS could restore both #611 and #4501. Couldn't TVRM be used to maintain #611 and #4501? NS runs right by the Grand Junction Station, if NS will do it special excursions could be done with #4501 or #611 from Grand Junction Station the opposite way onto NS for all-day steam excursions. TVRM already does all-day steam excursions via trackage rights on NS through Chattanooga and onto a short line into GA. Why did David Goode kill steam
i dont understnad if NS wont use 1218 and 611 sell them to Steamtown USA in Scranton Strausburgh RR or Up Strausburgh RR is so good with steam because they help Up with they're locomotives that they presently ahve in they're fleet its a shame what NS chooses to do.. along with making a heritage program which they refuse to do like restoring 2 beautful sleeping giants
Fabulous whistle.....
I'll be waiting on 611 to come to town with my 4 year old train loving nephew in NC in the morning!
I have this locomotive in H0, it is a wonderful machine!
Nice Video!!!
I just read an article from the Roanoke Times in 2010 where they were talking optimistically about getting it running again... I rode an excursion in 89 behind the 1218 from Richmond to Roanoke... I hope they both get back on excursion soon ...
Just my opinion, but I believe that one day, 611 will be shopped and put back into running shape. The pendulum swings both ways and 611 is eminently restorable. As it's my favorite loco in existence and I've never seen it, I hope it's time comes before mine is over.
Happy 60th b-day to the 611...She'll be sitting in the sunshine this weekend to celebrate @ The Virginia Transportation Museum (June 19th).
Very, very cool! Love that whistle. Thanks so much for posting this marvelous piece.
that whistle is just amazing!
Awesome video! 5***** and Favorite 4 sure!
That whistle never fails to give me chills.
Bob Claytor loved steam, but he passed away to cancer April, 1993 and David Goode took his spot at NS and Goode decided a year later to terminate the steam program at the end of 1994 because he wanted nothing to do with it and it delayed their freight trains, was a drain on personnel, who wanted to work an excursion train on the weekend after working the freights all week, and was a big liability. Goode was only interested in moving freight. He barely tolerated Amtrak. Now, Wick Moorman is boss.
If NS still allows the 611 to run on their rails, I'd love to be a fireman on her.
+Dylan Watson There's a pretty solid lineup of trips scheduled for this spring and summer. The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer has done 'At The Throttle' sessions with 611 before, but the available slots always sell out in a hurry. Keep an eye on their website (www.nctrans.org) for the event schedule and they may add new slots in the future.
i would like to see her back on the rails... she is up here in Virginia and I think the Transportation museum in Roanoke owns her now.. Low balling?
@FastFlyingVirginian o ok thanks. i have a picture of it thats why i was wondering
What about Sou #4501? Could that be restored to operation? Maybe NS could restore both #611 and #4501. Couldn't TVRM be used to maintain #611 and #4501? NS runs right by the Grand Junction Station, if NS will do it special excursions could be done with #4501 or #611 from Grand Junction Station the opposite way onto NS for all-day steam excursions. TVRM already does all-day steam excursions via trackage rights on NS through Chattanooga and onto a short line into GA. Why did David Goode kill steam
is 5098 a former n&w engines or southern railway
i dont understnad if NS wont use 1218 and 611 sell them to Steamtown USA in Scranton Strausburgh RR or Up Strausburgh RR is so good with steam because they help Up with they're locomotives that they presently ahve in they're fleet its a shame what NS chooses to do.. along with making a heritage program which they refuse to do like restoring 2 beautful sleeping giants