The Last Run of the N&W 611 - Dec. 7, 1994 - Part 2

[CrazyJBD]

I have a picture of me standing in front of it from the early 90's. I saw it in the museum in Roanoke 2 years ago, It's not the same. It needs to be out on the rails where all can see it.

[go94th]

One of the reasons railroads shy away from steam excursions is the stupid complaints from people. On one of their last steam excursions, CSX got complaints that ranged from soot on laundry to a farmer who said his cows stop giving milk. They paid these people money shut them up of course to avoid negative press, even though the complaints were stupid. It's crap like this and the fear of getting sued that causes the RR Brass to avoid really cool excursions and steam operations.

[rhurt87058]

Great video, my wife and I have only seen the '611' in a museum or on static display. I'm a N&W fan, she's learning because of me....we both encourage support for high-speed rail service throughtout VA...support the President & Vice Presdent on this initiative!

[1xsooliner]

so now what it sits in a museum and rots???

[Automcanic]

David Goode Sucks as he took away the steam program!

I love how they are pulling some actual freight!

but where is the caboose?

[tenthovi]

@Automcanic

David Goode was actually a supporter of the steam program. When it came down to pull the plug on the steam program he was out voted by other members of the board of directors. Remember Norfolk Southern's primary purpose is to move freight for its customers and make money for its shareholders. 

[Automcanic]

@tenthovi this is true. Maybe they had to save money to buy Conrail, lol.

[tenthovi]

@Automcanic

Actually the death nail for the steam program was the incident that happened in Lynchburg, VA. Some one lined a switch into the track where the consist was parked over night, and a road train made a shoving move into the yard supposedly blindly and struck the consist with some force. I heard estimated the sped was between 10 to 15 mph. It was shortly after this that the announcement was made canceling the program.

[cool45010]

SP 4449 and N&W 611 should do a doubleheader with both Daylight and Norfolk & Western cars.

[ble643]

look at all nthe cars in the last segmant wow thats alot

[rail64]

611 and 4449. Best of the East and the Best of the West...

[LNERMallard]

261: Best of the Midwest

[DJGENEX71]

TOTALLY AWE INSPIRING! Everyone needs to come together and get a petition together and force NS to see that she deserves to rule the rails once again! THANK YOU for posting this great footage of the most beautiful steam engine!

J 611! 5*****!

[wurlitzer153duplex]

Hey, I recognize that scanner! Uniden Bearcat? Although we recently got a newer model that's more sensitive, ours is still running strong after all these years.

Back to 611...

I remember her very well from her annual Buffalo-Cleveland trips through here on the old NKP. I still recall the last time I saw her rolling through Mentor. Lets hope we can once again see her tick off the miles!

[804charzard]

one of the most beautiful steam locomotives of all time second to sp 4449

[doulasc]

Say it isn't so 611.

[arrowguy173]

Love the shot at 4:30....all those cars & traffic wondering what is going on lol Just a beautiful sight. Hope she is brought back someday.