Part of the reason that we can't have 611 back now is because of the economy so NS decided 2 smaller consolidation locos were better and since they were smaller means less maintenance an more money to keep. Maybe when the economy turns around we'll get some real results. So give to time and something will come. NS's new CEO Wick Moorman says he'd like 611 better but it's too much money to restore so satisfy the public with a steam program while benefiting the company.
THE N&W J CLASS WAS ONE OF THE MOST BIGGEST STORNGEST AND THE MOST BEAUITIFUL STEAM ENGINES I HAVE EVER SEEN AND IM GLAD OUT OF 14 OF THEM THAY SAVED THE #611 FOR US ALL
What's the name of the Video I would like to try and find one I got the chance to ride behind her when I was about 8-10 years old. It would be a special video to have
Wow, this video brings tears to my eyes. In the early '50s I rode on the Powhatan Arrow between Welch and Bluefield, WV. I will never forget that experience and also will never forget the sound of the whistle as the train came through the tunnel into the station. I would love to see one of the J class 611 locomotives again. Also rode many N&W passenger trains back and forth from Cincinnati (Union Terminal) in the '60s. I feel very fortunate to have had those experiences.
The thing I like about the N&W J 611 is this. She has a modern look like the 4449. 2 she was built in the state I was born. She's from Virgnia and I'm from Virginia
I'm surprised that 611 did snap some of the tracks it ran on. It's weight wasn't made for the rails it ran on during the 80s. Diesels ran on most of them and obviously, diesels don't weigh as much as a J class steam locomotive.
@Bassfanatic94 The rails used in the 80's and today are not only heavier, but are welded instead of jointed. The J ran on far better track in excursion service than she did in actual service.
To have been there when they pulled her out from the RTM and to ride behind her and tell her story was a real honor. We can only hope that one day those boiler doors will be "cut open" again and a fire started that will bring that great spirit of steam back to life.
On one particular run, after a 75 mile section, Mr. Frank the Engineer and I did a walk-around while waiting for an express freight to pass. Those wheel bearings were almost cold, as that lubication system really did it's job. Not a more modern and powerful Steam Engine was ever made, and I go the ride of a lifetime! I hope someday to hear that she is breathing and running again as the next generations need to know what true railroading was about.
@betjon It's an honor to hear from you! How great it must have been. I want nothing more than for 611 to reclaim her place alongside the finest in steam.
As part of the Safety Crew for the Roanoke Transportation Museum, I was not only fortunate to ride behind the 611 on many occasions, I was also privileged to ride in the cab. There is not a more moving and powerful experience than that.
I love that 3-chime hancock whistle! Even though I've read that UP 3985, 844 and SP 4449 carry 3-chime hancocks as well, they each sound slightly different than the 611's whistle.
Great seeing Bill Purdie in action! He gave me the same speech about left hand thread water column parts (6:00) when we were working on A&WP 290 a few years ago.
Thanks so much for posting these. Somewhere locked away above my father's house we have a copy of this video. It's likely been 20 years since I've watched it and I still get the same chills I got when I was younger.
611 is a true gem of engineering and railroading. As unlikely as it is that we'll see her move under her own power we all can dream of the hopeful day in the future when a string of cars will be pacing her while she steams down the rails once more.
Thanks! Glad everyone enjoys this. We can only hope someone with the right authority (& money lol) will make the decision to bring her back to life. Programs like this and the 1218 (link above ratings) demonstrate their impact on people. As wonderful as it is to have mainline steam in the western states, it is heartbreaking to visit the Roanoke museum, knowing these machines should be running.
VERY AWESOME!!!!!! Most of the footage of the restoration and the building of the engine is in a video I have that covers the 611! It's just a shame she's no longer running:(
Part of the reason that we can't have 611 back now is because of the economy so NS decided 2 smaller consolidation locos were better and since they were smaller means less maintenance an more money to keep. Maybe when the economy turns around we'll get some real results. So give to time and something will come. NS's new CEO Wick Moorman says he'd like 611 better but it's too much money to restore so satisfy the public with a steam program while benefiting the company.
IKAPPYI1 5 months ago
Not many things make me cry now adays. This one of them.
modeltrainman12345 6 months ago
We need another Jim Bistline!
KD5XB 10 months ago
What a gorgeous locomotive!
Turdbuckethat 10 months ago
THE N&W J CLASS WAS ONE OF THE MOST BIGGEST STORNGEST AND THE MOST BEAUITIFUL STEAM ENGINES I HAVE EVER SEEN AND IM GLAD OUT OF 14 OF THEM THAY SAVED THE #611 FOR US ALL
grizzleybearz282004 11 months ago
I LOVE THE CLASS J N&W 6-1-1
NorfolkWestern484 1 year ago
What's the name of the Video I would like to try and find one I got the chance to ride behind her when I was about 8-10 years old. It would be a special video to have
Thanks
xxcobra03xx 1 year ago
SHUT UP and LET US HEAR the cylinders drawing air. Want to hear more of what ENGINEERS said instead of narrator.
Otherwise, good film.
robertgift 1 year ago
Wow, this video brings tears to my eyes. In the early '50s I rode on the Powhatan Arrow between Welch and Bluefield, WV. I will never forget that experience and also will never forget the sound of the whistle as the train came through the tunnel into the station. I would love to see one of the J class 611 locomotives again. Also rode many N&W passenger trains back and forth from Cincinnati (Union Terminal) in the '60s. I feel very fortunate to have had those experiences.
Beatles65Shea 1 year ago
@Beatles65Shea Great post! Thanks for sharing.
arrowguy173 1 year ago
At 1:15 is that another tender except in black behind her? I love this series of clips!
Bassfanatic94 1 year ago
Hey there's 2716 in the background at 5:19!!! Not only do I love the 611 but the 2716 screamed Southern Belle! Bring back these steamers!
Jsusfrk20 1 year ago
@TheNW1218 DON'T U DARE SWEAR AT ME AGAIN!!!!!!!!!
trainmanjg611 1 year ago
The thing I like about the N&W J 611 is this. She has a modern look like the 4449. 2 she was built in the state I was born. She's from Virgnia and I'm from Virginia
trainmanjg611 1 year ago
@trainmanjg611
damn
TheNw1218 1 year ago
magical! Engine
Rtchugg 1 year ago
norfolk and western built the most sucsessful and best steam locomotives
611 is one of them
TheNw1218 1 year ago
I'm surprised that 611 did snap some of the tracks it ran on. It's weight wasn't made for the rails it ran on during the 80s. Diesels ran on most of them and obviously, diesels don't weigh as much as a J class steam locomotive.
Bassfanatic94 1 year ago
@Bassfanatic94 The rails used in the 80's and today are not only heavier, but are welded instead of jointed. The J ran on far better track in excursion service than she did in actual service.
southern2716 1 year ago
To have been there when they pulled her out from the RTM and to ride behind her and tell her story was a real honor. We can only hope that one day those boiler doors will be "cut open" again and a fire started that will bring that great spirit of steam back to life.
betjon 1 year ago
On one particular run, after a 75 mile section, Mr. Frank the Engineer and I did a walk-around while waiting for an express freight to pass. Those wheel bearings were almost cold, as that lubication system really did it's job. Not a more modern and powerful Steam Engine was ever made, and I go the ride of a lifetime! I hope someday to hear that she is breathing and running again as the next generations need to know what true railroading was about.
betjon 1 year ago
@betjon It's an honor to hear from you! How great it must have been. I want nothing more than for 611 to reclaim her place alongside the finest in steam.
arrowguy173 1 year ago
@betjon,I wish I could have heard her bark, maybe one day NS will bring her back. at least shes being taken care of
jay600katana 1 year ago
@betjon amen to that.
nkp765ful 1 year ago
As part of the Safety Crew for the Roanoke Transportation Museum, I was not only fortunate to ride behind the 611 on many occasions, I was also privileged to ride in the cab. There is not a more moving and powerful experience than that.
betjon 1 year ago
Comment removed
DanielVolker 2 years ago
the sound of the J whistle different from 4449 and 3985, the reason, 300 psi boiler perssure of the J .
bushwacker2008 2 years ago
run the j like you run all the rest of them. hahaha thats awsome
nkp765ful 2 years ago
hell yea the built them good. norfolk southern what have you done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! butt holes
nkp765ful 2 years ago
I love that 3-chime hancock whistle! Even though I've read that UP 3985, 844 and SP 4449 carry 3-chime hancocks as well, they each sound slightly different than the 611's whistle.
NWPowhatanArrow611 2 years ago
but a daylight agenst a J..oh boy.... i think it would be a tie in a max speed for the trains....
KilleTheHedgehog8492 2 years ago
i think the J and the daylights were pritty good streamlined engins
KilleTheHedgehog8492 2 years ago 3
I do too, along with the NYC Hudsons.
arrowguy173 2 years ago
@KilleTheHedgehog8492 they all need to be runnin again. well i know the daylight is.
nkp765ful 1 year ago
I never think of what it looks like under the streamlining!
WildGuy00000 2 years ago 2
Thanks for posting this!!!!!!!!
theman199145 2 years ago
Was she built in 1950 or 1944?
fasionbug 2 years ago
1950, along with 612 & 613
arrowguy173 2 years ago
Great seeing Bill Purdie in action! He gave me the same speech about left hand thread water column parts (6:00) when we were working on A&WP 290 a few years ago.
southern2716 2 years ago 4
Thanks for sharing. I hope the 611 & 290 return to the rails someday.
arrowguy173 2 years ago
Great video. Almost brought a tear to my eyes.
CarynsCastle 2 years ago 9
Great video. Was enjoying to watch! Thanks
auburn2008db 2 years ago
Thanks so much for posting these. Somewhere locked away above my father's house we have a copy of this video. It's likely been 20 years since I've watched it and I still get the same chills I got when I was younger.
611 is a true gem of engineering and railroading. As unlikely as it is that we'll see her move under her own power we all can dream of the hopeful day in the future when a string of cars will be pacing her while she steams down the rails once more.
Thanks for the memories!
hoolg 2 years ago 7
Thanks! Glad everyone enjoys this. We can only hope someone with the right authority (& money lol) will make the decision to bring her back to life. Programs like this and the 1218 (link above ratings) demonstrate their impact on people. As wonderful as it is to have mainline steam in the western states, it is heartbreaking to visit the Roanoke museum, knowing these machines should be running.
arrowguy173 2 years ago
@hoolg Find the video and email me, I'll gladly buy it!
Vintage1976 1 year ago
great vid!
esiegel76 2 years ago
Awsome video! Really shows her at her best!
SLSF1522 2 years ago 4
VERY AWESOME!!!!!! Most of the footage of the restoration and the building of the engine is in a video I have that covers the 611! It's just a shame she's no longer running:(
trainkids 2 years ago 2
everyone, i have a 1942 aug 1-15 book with this origanal add for the new haven railroad with this locomotive in it.......and its real.!
mcr0928 2 years ago 2
Not this one... she wasn't built until 1950 ; )
Rckstar113 2 years ago
ubt it has that # on it. and im sure its real cuz i got it from my closest college.
mcr0928 2 years ago
Doesn't get any better!!
TommyZTrains 2 years ago 4
thats for sure
1225dude 2 years ago
Wow
Nothing like a great steam engine, and that fits 611
rancocaskid 2 years ago 5