A very sad time when NS ended the steam program. I got to see her many times and can tell you that is an extremely powerful engine, with great lines and a whistle that just ooozes power and authority. Someday we will get back our "J".
What a beast of a Locomotive! Does any one know where she lives? I would like to see her, even if it is just in a shed. If the Local museum ever gets their rear in gear and start restoring our 2-6-0 I will quit my Job to remake a new boiler. Just so I can see the old girl move on her own again......and not being towed by a dozer..... P.S You should edit out that racket that the diesel makes.
@Rtchugg There's something incredibly romantic about the sounds of a 50's era steam engine...back when travel came with a personal touch--club car get-acquainted drinks, a snug berth, and all of the sightseeing your senses can handle. We've lost something here in this country, unfortunately.
That first shot over the bridge is just absolutely awesome. That whistle sounds so beautiful and sends chills down my spine. Thanks for sharing a great video.
Nothing like a crisp Hancock 3-chime whistle after school to brighten the day. Sound's just as good on Pere Marquette 1225 when she wears it as a guest whistle. Just a little lower in tone, but makes the engine more impressive.
I remember seeing this engine as a kid in 1993 or so and absolutely loving it. I sat on my dad's shoulders and watched as it blasted though railroad crossings and the like. I miss those days, bring back the 611!
The N&W was the larger of the two railways, both milage and tonage. The N&W merged with Southern in 1987 to form the Norfolk Southern Corporation. They were competing against CSX, another conglomeration so it made sense to expand services and combine companys. A few years later, the Burlington Northern would combine with the Sante Fe to form the BNSF. NS just saw the potential early on.
I have to say, 611's whistle never fails to give me goosebumps. I can't imagine what it sounded like in person. Hopefully someday I'll be able to find out.
@deloreanman14 I had the chance to watch it pull into Atlanta back in 1992 at the AMTRAK station and let me tell you...it WILL make your hair stand up.I call it the "Menacingly Beautifull" whistle.
that "Woodall Road, former passenger station" area must be former N&W track....those telegraph lines to the left are unquestionably N&W style, with the line power running at the very top of the poles.
N&W really wasn't bought out. They merged with Southern and thus became Norfolk Southern, which the 611 then belonged to NS and they ran her on excursions for quite some time until 1994.
on oct 25 1992 she was on saluda grade for the first time and she stall on the grade but year later she came back and this time she beat the grade with out stalling on the grade on may 30,1993
The James River Special with 696 passengers from Alexandria and Manassas VA--- cosponsored by the Washington, DC and Potomac Chapters NRHS and the Chesapeake Division, Railroad Enthusiasts. I was onboard, thanks for posting.
a steam engine is like a human, they "drink" water, they burn fuel, we eat, and inhale and exhale, good enough for me.
7lover1 3 months ago
That is quite easily the most beautiful whistle I have ever heard.
LNERMallard 5 months ago
4:00
What a lady, sit gracefully by while the flashy newcomers barrel along awkwardly.
edwoodboy9 8 months ago
A very sad time when NS ended the steam program. I got to see her many times and can tell you that is an extremely powerful engine, with great lines and a whistle that just ooozes power and authority. Someday we will get back our "J".
CWEX73 9 months ago
What a beast of a Locomotive! Does any one know where she lives? I would like to see her, even if it is just in a shed. If the Local museum ever gets their rear in gear and start restoring our 2-6-0 I will quit my Job to remake a new boiler. Just so I can see the old girl move on her own again......and not being towed by a dozer..... P.S You should edit out that racket that the diesel makes.
Fischer0Dude 11 months ago
@Fischer0Dude She and 1218 are on display in the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA, their hometown.
JimStarluck 9 months ago
I have an old electric model of this exact engine. And still works just fine. I also have a few passenger cars, that also match with it.
Xwingpilot 11 months ago
Imagine if you heard that and there was no train...............O.o
goldcoastflyer 1 year ago
How many USA steam video's have I seen that are ruined by excessive whislting? Nearly all (answers own question).
LMatters1 1 year ago
Comment removed
StabelyUnstable 1 year ago
@LMatters1 you're whistling Dixie...
irish89055 1 year ago
Beautiful Sounds!
Rtchugg 1 year ago
@Rtchugg There's something incredibly romantic about the sounds of a 50's era steam engine...back when travel came with a personal touch--club car get-acquainted drinks, a snug berth, and all of the sightseeing your senses can handle. We've lost something here in this country, unfortunately.
RobDog65 1 year ago
I like the second shot. It's hard to get a sense of how big it really is and you don't usually see shots that are far away
SpeedbeetleV2 1 year ago
@SpeedbeetleV2 very ture, video never fully captures how big these trains really are.
WhyAyeMann 1 year ago
That first shot over the bridge is just absolutely awesome. That whistle sounds so beautiful and sends chills down my spine. Thanks for sharing a great video.
03dktart 1 year ago
Nothing like a crisp Hancock 3-chime whistle after school to brighten the day. Sound's just as good on Pere Marquette 1225 when she wears it as a guest whistle. Just a little lower in tone, but makes the engine more impressive.
PereMarquette1223 1 year ago
wow this was taking on my birthday!!!....wow sweet is that?!?!?!
Uhate2likeme 1 year ago
i want one.
LithiumHammer 1 year ago
Oh if only 611 was running again. I never got to ride behind her or even see her.
trainmandan05 1 year ago
I remember seeing this engine as a kid in 1993 or so and absolutely loving it. I sat on my dad's shoulders and watched as it blasted though railroad crossings and the like. I miss those days, bring back the 611!
Robofish12 1 year ago
The N&W was the larger of the two railways, both milage and tonage. The N&W merged with Southern in 1987 to form the Norfolk Southern Corporation. They were competing against CSX, another conglomeration so it made sense to expand services and combine companys. A few years later, the Burlington Northern would combine with the Sante Fe to form the BNSF. NS just saw the potential early on.
haonmar 1 year ago
Wow, the 611 probably has the most awesomely aggressive whistle I have ever heard before! What a beauty!!
elzandr 1 year ago
I have to say, 611's whistle never fails to give me goosebumps. I can't imagine what it sounded like in person. Hopefully someday I'll be able to find out.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
@deloreanman14 I had the chance to watch it pull into Atlanta back in 1992 at the AMTRAK station and let me tell you...it WILL make your hair stand up.I call it the "Menacingly Beautifull" whistle.
smoothie6ft3 1 year ago
that "Woodall Road, former passenger station" area must be former N&W track....those telegraph lines to the left are unquestionably N&W style, with the line power running at the very top of the poles.
meccaturbo 1 year ago
love that Nathan P5 horn on that ex Southern SD40-2....the second SD40-2 is ex N&W
meccaturbo 1 year ago
Sorry, she's not a machine. SHE'S A BEAST!
boberttrain831 2 years ago
Oh wow, what a beautiful machine and a beautiful whistle. I was born way too late. Really a shame NS cut the steam program.
boberttrain831 2 years ago
NS isnt NW, or they bought them out one
MrCSXboy98 2 years ago
N&W was bought out. 611 ran excursions on NS property because N&W no longer exists. Its been gone for a long time.
boberttrain831 2 years ago
@boberttrain831 you are wrong about that. N&W wasn't bought out. N&W merged with Southern, to make NS....they were not bought out.
meccaturbo 1 year ago
@meccaturbo Oh, ok. Well, thanks for the info.
boberttrain831 1 year ago
@boberttrain831
N&W really wasn't bought out. They merged with Southern and thus became Norfolk Southern, which the 611 then belonged to NS and they ran her on excursions for quite some time until 1994.
elzandr 1 year ago
That whistle sends chills down my back... Literally
wettfeat 2 years ago
I LOVE THAT WHISTLE!!!! I do hope NS will come to their senses and start her up again.
trainguy7470 2 years ago
Is it me or does she have a different whistle than in your '94 vid? Almost sounds like the Daylight here. :) Great vids, thanks for posting.
arrowguy173 2 years ago
She is a beautiful engine...I sure wish they would bring her back.
K9mauser 2 years ago 3
on oct 25 1992 she was on saluda grade for the first time and she stall on the grade but year later she came back and this time she beat the grade with out stalling on the grade on may 30,1993
WolverinePride97 2 years ago 2
God bless the lady J.
Thanks for posting and by the way, do you know who the people were yelling at to, "Get-outta-the-way"?
WhyAyeMann 2 years ago 3
They were yelling at anyone who walked near the 611 as the freight approached, as they were trying to shoot a people-free photo of the two trains..
retronaut 2 years ago
@WhyAyeMann The Lady J? That's a new one.
PereMarquette1223 1 year ago
@PereMarquette1223 nahh, its been around for a while, dude. Im just usin' it.
WhyAyeMann 1 year ago
The James River Special with 696 passengers from Alexandria and Manassas VA--- cosponsored by the Washington, DC and Potomac Chapters NRHS and the Chesapeake Division, Railroad Enthusiasts. I was onboard, thanks for posting.
ktankers 2 years ago