Last edited:
N&W 611 to return to the rails?
- Thread starter slabay
- Start date
illinoiscentral
SARM Volunteer
I've seen this coming for over a year now. I know a lot of people at Norfolk Southern, and through these connections I had been hearing rumblings of this for a while now. There's some minor hold ups, but it has a very good chance. In fact, I'm beginning to put my money towards it running excursions.
As for questions and comments I know people will make, let me address a few right now...
Norfolk Southern does not, nor will they own the N&W 611. Norfolk Southern's policies regarding its 21st Century Steam Excursions strictly states all locomotives used will be owned by outside interests. NS will not be held responsible for the ownership of the motive power. Therefore, it is up to the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the City of Roanoke, VA (the owner of 611) whether or not it will run again. The ball is in their court.
Also worth mentioning...the N&W #1218 has very little potential to be put into the steam program again. Here's why. It needs a completely new firebox. When it was being worked on in 1994, a 'fatal' mistake was made by a shop member who cut a hole in the firebox. This rendered it beyond repair and fireboxes are not cheap. It also has several parts out of it, anyone who knows the story knows they're in a boxcar at VMT. Also of note, Norfolk Southern still owns the 1218. It is on long term loan to VMT.
Folks, keep in mind also, that it is not official that 611 will be on the rails again. I've been reading all over Facebook this morning where people think this is a done deal. It has a good chance, a very good chance, but its not guaranteed. Collectively through the information I have been given by some folks within NS, I stand by saying it has a very good chance, but like I said, don't put all your chips in just yet.
Cheers,
Woody
As for questions and comments I know people will make, let me address a few right now...
Norfolk Southern does not, nor will they own the N&W 611. Norfolk Southern's policies regarding its 21st Century Steam Excursions strictly states all locomotives used will be owned by outside interests. NS will not be held responsible for the ownership of the motive power. Therefore, it is up to the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the City of Roanoke, VA (the owner of 611) whether or not it will run again. The ball is in their court.
Also worth mentioning...the N&W #1218 has very little potential to be put into the steam program again. Here's why. It needs a completely new firebox. When it was being worked on in 1994, a 'fatal' mistake was made by a shop member who cut a hole in the firebox. This rendered it beyond repair and fireboxes are not cheap. It also has several parts out of it, anyone who knows the story knows they're in a boxcar at VMT. Also of note, Norfolk Southern still owns the 1218. It is on long term loan to VMT.
Folks, keep in mind also, that it is not official that 611 will be on the rails again. I've been reading all over Facebook this morning where people think this is a done deal. It has a good chance, a very good chance, but its not guaranteed. Collectively through the information I have been given by some folks within NS, I stand by saying it has a very good chance, but like I said, don't put all your chips in just yet.
Cheers,
Woody
All I have to say is that the sounds of #611 running under steam are the chakras that will restore balance to the cosmos. If #611 does not run again -- and soon -- metaxic chaos will surely ensue!
Visit FireUp611.org, and take the survey, sign up for the newsletter, and consider making a donation.
Do it for the children!
Visit FireUp611.org, and take the survey, sign up for the newsletter, and consider making a donation.
Do it for the children!
They've got Southern 630 from the 'Southern' side of the family, but not a locomotive from the 'Norfolk' side of the family. And by 'Norfolk', I mean the railroad has the name 'Norfolk' in its name. The place that would give me the best chance of an excursion behind 611 is Chattanooga, Tennessee, a half hour away. Followed by Atlanta, somewhere between one and a half to two hours away, and Knoxville, two hours away. Besides, there are no 4-8-4's currently operating east of the Mississippi.
Last edited:
Actually, as the Roanoke Times reported in an article from April 3rd, 2012, the City of Roanoke gave #611 to the Virginia Museum of Transportation last year.
The gifting of the locomotive to the museum, according to another Times article from today, was a factor which helped facilitate the restoration effort.
Last edited:
Bushpounder
New member
Hey Woody - the 611, the 1218, and a bunch of other items were given to the VMT by the City of Roanoke this past April. She is 100% owned by the VMT. That had to happen in order for this study to move forward. Fans need to donate as much as possible if they want her rolling again.
Don
Don