Locomotive 1218 from Asheville to Spencer, NC

[wesbann]

I remember riding on this very trip with my late Grandfather back in 89' from Asheville to Spencer. I was only 12 years old at the time but the memories made on that trip are priceless. We also went on the trip with Engine 611 cant recall but we traveled from Asheville, NC to Knoxville, Tn. Thanks for adding this priceless footage!!!

[meccaturbo]

Southern Ry trackage. N&W Ry loco.

[crwi1983]

Oh man, this take me back to the good old days. Always my favorite. What an engine!

[TrevorHeath]

I too was at Andrews Geyser when the 1218 stalled with about 24 cars on. My memories though are a little different in that after she hit a flange oiler, stalled and the drain cocks were opened. A freight that was holding at Old Fort was called forward, stopped short and tied down. The two diesels were unhooked and again brought forward to push the steam excursion up the grade. The 1218 still worked had though and the sound as she burst through the rock cutting at the top I shall never forget.

[boardman49]

Nice video. It's great being behind a locomotive like 1218 or 611. Did your camera get full of cinders?

[superzstuff]

I got more cinders when I shot video of engine going by at crossing than the one I shot from the observation car.

[luvscats69]

My fav is the 4501 and 611....but i remember this one too!! ahhh memories!!

[NSTrainFan]

Yea I agree, with NSNCRailfan. I also wish Amtrak would run on the S-line.

[hoolg]

Great video! She's always been my favorite with 611 in a close second. There are "prettier" locomotives out there to some but 1218 was my first experience with steam, and my last so far at least.

Thanks again!

[yadkinrailfan99]

I remember when the good ole steamers ran on the S line, Numerous times, My dad took some footage of it in Statesville NC, and Barber Jct, Both the 1218 and the 611. great video!, thanks for sharing

[NSNCRailfan]

Nice!! Some railfans wish that steam continued on that S-Line, now it is all NS Goodies on it.

[tachman]

I was there at Andrews Geyser when it got stuck! I wish someone would post some video of that - the slipping of the wheels echoing in the valley was something to behold. Was it true the sanders weren't working properly?

[superzstuff]

I would have videoed it but my batteries died in Spencer. I did watch the many tries to get going and I think they were spreading sand by hand, so I guess the sanders were clogged up. That may be why we got stuck to begin with. It was a great ride.