Ok I there is a rumor going around that 611 will be back in service. Does anyone have any info? Here is something about it on this site. http://www.nwhs.org/qna/J611Move.html
GAWD, I hope so!!!!This is in IMHO, the finest example of steam and it is a bloody shame for it to be rotting in some museum. Had the pleasure of seeing this beast in action twice, including pacing it in excess of 70mph ( in a chevette, no lessmg and it is awe inspiring
NS will be borrowing both #611 and #1218 to help celebrate Roanoke's 125th anniversary. Sadly, this open house celebration is to be held behind closed doors for invited guests only. The shots you have are probably of the locomotive being moved for this event. They will not be steamed up, just on display for the invited guests.
NS asked the VMT for the 611 and 1218 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the East End Shops... not Roanoke (though both were incorporated in 1882). Also at the event were the NRHS Roanoke Chapter's N&W T6 41 and N&W GP30 522 (the first time they've been together, no less) along with Ohio Centrals NKP Berkshire 763 (which was to be moved from Roanoke but NS asked if that could be delayed for this event) 611 and 1218 will stay at the Locomotive Shop for a week or so to allow NS to work on the lead track into the VMT.
Although I agree that the 611 and 1218 are the finest examples of steam I think it is wishfull thinking to ever see them run again. I had the pleasure of seeing 1218 come through Louisville and will never forget it. The sound of that "Hooter" whistle is just mesmerizing.
From what I was told, the 611 would be technically fit for operations with just a little work. However the federal regulations would require a lot more to get it re-certified. They go more by calendar years and not hours of service or miles before needing major work. The 1218, on the other hand, is a shell missing most of her guts and would require a lot more. They had her all apart down in Birmingham undergoing a major rebuild when NS pulled the plug on the steam program. They put Humpty Dumpty back together only enough for display at the VMT.
Id like to see em run 611 on a mainline excursion. Unfortunatly ill probably never get to see a mainline excursion
Unfortunately though, east coast Class 1 railroads do not like excursions. It would be even more difficult than the SBHS trying to run the Santa Fe 3751.
Yea I just wish CSX would let KRM run 152 on a mainline excursion. But like steve said east coast class 1's hate railfans and what railfans want...LOL
Thought I'd share some photos from the open house 611 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200851 1218 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200855 763 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200859 NRHS Roanoke Chapters T6 and GP30 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200859 C39-8s http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200849 RPU6 under construction http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200846
I feel so fortunate to have actually seen the 611 running an excursion in 1993, unfortunately one of her last. What a beauty this machine is, and her pulling power is awesome. This train had 22 passenger cars.
