There's something about hearing that boiler cycle. I'm an ex-Navy MM so I take pleasure in machinery coming to life. What an incredible machine. Any chance that the knowledge could be passed down through the generations?
If Steam driven Locomotives ever had to have class along with power, this was the one. That N&W paint on the rails earns me a punch in the arm from my Dad, who's Dad was a conductor on the B&O.
@manokiller That is one sexy lady. The utmost respect to the engineers that maintain and operate her. I only wish I knew how to help maintain these great machines.
@88mroux Well if ya read the description/past comments, you'd come to find that they were hauling the locomotive to the Roanoke Shops for its birthday (125th). So they decided that the 611 and 1218 should be in attendance.
@88mroux And I was mistaken to pass it to you, I had forgotten that I never put that in there! But what I said earlier is what was doing with this engine at the time.
When she was put away in 94-95 her flue time was up and as such would require new flues. Overall she is in great shape but she has been sitting for 16 years now almost as long as she sat before which was 23 years. Everything would need to be looked at/rebuilt as before.
i was doing some research and found out that since she is in such good shape that all they have to do is fill the boiler and seta fire in the fire box and she will run .…maybe not to nit picking government standards but she'll run :D
@crazedwizardpro Thats kinda true. Back in 2000 she had an inspection by a shop in Alabama, but they declared her flumes too out of shape to be put back into service. That is the only issue they would have running this engine, but that was nearly ten years ago, sadly. So sadly, she wouldnt run. She would need an rebuild for her flumes, pipes, and fittings.
@vaguedustin If it wasn't The trucks on the tender would be turning and the tender would be turned at an angle. Plus the diesel Would NOT be able to pull 611 on gravel. There would be no traction.
@theshyguitarist No, the Curve was a bit to tight for the engine. So there was a chance she could blow the curve out, or possibly jump the tracks due to the curve. She almost did during that section of the video (if thats what your relating too)
i love steam in particular but i focused on the N&W J & A Class engines. I never saw the 1218 though I wanted too and still want to. she is located in Roanoke Virginia with the 611 isn't she??? in fact aren't they side by side?
@ttanner04 611 and 1218 used to be side by side but I was in Roanoke last weekend and there is another steam engine next to 611 now and 1218 is behind the new steam engine. I think the lady said the new engine will be on display for 6 months in Roanoke.
@ttanner04 Yes that is correct. 1218 will sit behind C&O 614 until 614 leaves the museum in three months, then 1218 will be pushed out of the way and on to another track while 614 is backed out when it's time there is up in three months, then 1218 will be returned to it's usual spot next to 611.
@ttanner04 I just checked online and the new engine I saw is C&O 614 which is similar to N&W 611 so that is why they moved N&W 1218 out of the way and put 614 next to 611, then pushed 1218 back up the track and parked it behind 614. The 614 will be on display in Roanoke for 3 months and not 6 months. Sorry about that.
N&W 611 and 1218 were built in Roanoke, Virginia. C&O 614 was built in Lima, Ohio.
idc if steam became too expensive to operate that were the glory days of railroading. and these gorgeous machines will always out way the grand splendor of these once mighty and powerful giants of the rails!!! the 611 is a beautiful machine and I had the privilege of seeing her during her days of regular operation when I was 5. she is a beautiful piece of machinery
Do you think they would ever sell it if someone, were to offer them enough money? I would love to open a historic route from say Michigan down to Florida and run nothing but steam trains on them.
@ATARI800XLfan Uhhhh.... I dont believe so, the age and historical significance of this locomotive make it priceless. Plus, she never ran from Michigan to Florida, so sadly, you cant play the card of 'She ran it, so this is right for her'. But I dont know 100% if they would or not, but I think it is highly unlikely.
@manokiller What route was it she ran on again, can never seem to remember all the routes that had streamliners. Do you think a classic train line with streamliners would even work in this day and age or just go out of business. I would love to ride stream trains again for travel not to sure if other people would, plus then there is assurance, could you even get it for a steam passenger line.
@ATARI800XLfan Personally, I believe it would go out of business. Steam trains, sure, they are quite popular in the US, but they often dont... Survive as well as they should. IT would be a strong business, but with big risks
@ATARI800XLfan Good point, I guess if I ran a passenger service it would not even have to be steam just streamliners.I miss those days when looks and performance were just as important,love the mid century art deco style,never looks old.Funny thing is I was born in the 1989 and have actually never seen a steam train,been on a train in real life,Never get bored or watching videos about steam trains though,A time I missed that will probably never come back, unless I have something to say about it.
@PRRforlife There's a b6 in Williams Grove, PA that they run regularly and the have a program wher you can learn to run it! In reply to your "1 engine in 50 years" statement, look up videos of the Strasburg in the late 1980's they had two of the museums locomotives running: an Atlantic (#7002), and an American (I cant remember the # off hand). They may not have been K4's, but Pennsy steam nonetheless.
@Dockshund Indeed they did, the track there though wasn't the problem, it was the curve that piece of track made, it was far too tight for the engine at one point...
@tachikoma747 At least she's indoors! It's better for a steam locomotive to be indoors in pieces, than outside in the elements in one piece. Rust kills a "cold" steam locomotive faster than running it ever would!
@FatSeal45 I would personally call you a heretic, Lol! N&W should never mix with Union P, they never even saw one another in the same stations or ports of call.
@Kleman09 Nothings as bad as american steam, over the top deisgns and whistles like a puff. I dont know how you dare say ours are worse as you have 2 of our LNER A4 locos in your god forsaken country!
@EastMidlandsSteam if it was up to us americans them a4's wouldnt be here and who are YOU to talk when you have a ton of OUR 2-8-0's from the US army!
@southern4501isawesom Whoa, calm down. What A4's now? Where? Also, think about how much it costs to try and move a single locomotive from country to country. Back when they got those engines, America was rebuilding her Allies (the Brits) after the destruction caused by the Germans during (and after) world war 2. They needed those engines to stay alive, and of course we arn't gonna take them back, that would be like stabbing them in the back. And what was he talking about? Who is who to talk?
@EastMidlandsSteam Honestly, I care to disagree. But we all have our respective opinions. I will honestly say I never really liked the look of the Scotsmen or the sloped nature of the A4, but that is merely my opinion. They are still very good locomotives and are to be respected both for their looks and power.
It's almost as if the 611 is giving NS the finger. "Oh...you only want something to do with me for PR purposes? Screw you I think I'll just jump off this track here."
@manokiller When exactly did the exchange of ownership take place? There is no record in the STB files of her being sold/donated/released by or from NS. Other issue is that 611 and 1218 are still listed per the FRA and STB as NS property. AFAIK we only gave her in trust to Roanoke...not in ownership.
@radioditch Odd, I did not know that. It is marked by our records as owned by the City of Roanoke. But I suppose my information could be wrong. But I was always told that story anyway. NS sold her to Roanoke, Roanoke leased her to VMT. I can surely be wrong though, I could not know the full story
@radioditch Strange that I missed this comment before... December 7th, 1994 was her last operating date... So maybe around January? She was always told to me that the City of Roanoke owned the engine after the NS, NS didnt want anything to do with her from the day she stopped running... Or so I recall on all the stories I was told... I could be wrong. Where are the STB and FRA lists on it?
@msts195 Right... But that isnt what I said, the total cost of operating the engine (Maintenance, fuel, insurance, crew) would cost more, then any diesel to operate would. One day that might change, but right now that is how it is.
@HaloCE14 Indeed, so, the point is, GOODE is not a dickhead. I know the man, and have met him, he regretted the decision more then anyone. The lawyers, board, stockholders, and FRA are more the blame. I never saw her either, and I worked on her for two solid years, she is my child regardless of what anyone says. So I know the compassion, but we need not to take our aggression out on the wrong people, but instead, channel it towards making her a better future. Yelling and anger does nothing.
@HaloCE14 Oh quiet boyo, you don't know shit. It isnt a slap in the face at all... The railroad has a proud history, and Goode did the right thing because of mounting pressure from the stock holders and the board, He either would lose both his job, and the steam program, or do the better thing in staying with the company and moving it forward. He had to make that call. If only you know what was going on behind the scenes, you would know how things were, and what is going on now. Which you don't.
@HaloCE14 Right, but their are people like that in NS. If only people knew what they do for her, and for engines... Well, Other then her. Mormon has a soul of a Claytor, built he doesn't have the power to do it... It requires more then just one man now a days... It is a bureaucracy, just like all companies. So no, it doesnt take one, it takes a movement.
@HaloCE14 Pretty rare occassions sadly... This engine would be an arm and leg to keep operating and maintain, that is why they use the f7, they are versatile, and easy to maintain.
someone should really have put that in reverse gear as those pistols sounded terrible and it recks the gear head and cam shafts but none the less stunning.
@HaloCE14 There are actually two projects on Long Island aiming to restore steam locomotives. One is based in Riverhead, NY the Railroad Museum of Long Island ( RMLI ), and they're restoring LIRR G5 #39. The other is based in Oyster Bay, NY the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum and they're restoring LIRR G5 #35.
tja.. i could watch that motion all day. What a locomotive, one of the finest, perhaps the finest. I always thought that streamlining spoiled the front end proportion of steam engines- the smoke box protrudes too far over the front wheel bogey. But you can't argue with perfection
@acidsunrise I got to see her several times growing up in the 1990's. She always went through my town Circleville Ohio taking a few lucky people rides. I'll never forget it. Realy a beautiful piece of art and machinery.
Railroads are more efficient than trucks for freight transport, true. Trucks are very important too. You live in NYC, when was the last time you went to the grocery store and observed railroad tracks running to this store? Not going to happen. Trains and trucks are excellent allies. NYC banned steam locomotives over 100 years ago, so there is nothing in NYC worth going to see. It smells like a landfill and most of the people in that area of the country are extremely rude. I do not like NYC much.
No. They can not be. UP didn't change the engines from coal, they were historically oil to begin with. To change either engine to oil would destroy the historical significance of the best coal burners every built in the US.
What a beauty! I never rode behind her but had the chance to hear her let off steam and start chugging away a few times. Got some video as I was chasing and the sound of that whistle in the distance is something to behold!
And if i may ask, whatever happened to the Southern 4501? I did get to ride behind her on an excursion in 1985 from Winston- Salem to Ashville and back. I love these steamers!
The last time 611 ran was in 1994. It was a shuttle from Birmingham, Alabama to Roanoke, Va. I was in High Point, N. C. on business and heard a crowd was gathered at the train station and I was down beside the tracks when she came thru under her own power. I think she was pulling a small freight train. When I got back to Roanoke she was at 24th st. shop and the next year she was put in the museum you see here. I was told when they dropped her fire that would be the last time. maybe not?
We dont know, the board has had that up in the air for some time I have heard. But it isn't something to ask, as it just adds fuel to the bad fire for some.
She is in no condition to be steamed yet, her flums are not in order. So we dnot know when, maybe one day.
hey every year we do a haunted house here in roanoke va at the museum of transportatoin we use the 611 and the other trans beside it and it this weeken friday and saturday and next weekend at 7 every night
the last time My boyfriend thought this train ran was in 1993? He got to ride in the cab of it when it he rode on it from Erie Pa to Conneaut Ohio.When old man clider who was the pressendent of northfork&western died the excursion train rides ended..So it the J back back in service and the 1218?
neither one of them are in service. 1218 was gutted and is a static display and 611 has everything needed to run, just needs a boiler inspection that could take a while and money for said boiler inspection.
gutted as in there are no pipes, valves, or any other internal equipment on her. the only way to get her running is to buy all those pipes and remake all the specialty parts specifically made for her, which would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions :(
Sucks :( well at least we have Y6a #2156. It is lucky that the N&W saved its Big Three locomotives (Y,J,A). Arguably the most capable locomotives for the tasks they were designed for.
Everyone over estimates the restoration of a steam locomotive. Many times a complete overhaul costs less than a million dollars. 1218 has all of her parts stored in a boxcar in some NS yard.
i wish the norfolk southern ran 611, 1218 and the 2156 in a train excursion man o man what a beautiful sight it would be to see these ladies pulling passenger car to let people see how steam trains show what they can do
So legally does the musuem own the 611 and the 1218 or are they owned by NS and "loaned" to the musuem? I love this engine! In some ways if its going to sit, I wish they had her fully inside like the California RR musuem in Sacremto has the SP Cab forward ("sterile" environment), but best would be to run her! :)
I don't think there's ONE operating steam train in VA, other than Busch Gardens, there's the CP locos and coaches stored at Staunton for the failed "Virginia Central", In PA there's plenty of steam trains from Strasburg to New Hope to Steamtown to Reading and Northern. Steamtown and Reading and Northern are the last big long distance steam operators in the Eastern US. There's also the WM Scenic RR in Cumberland, MD and Cass in WV. NS just got too busy with freight business in the 90's.
Oh wow... I need to see that one day, I could think she wouldnt be fairing well... Might have to poke about, bound to be someone who wants to take her
I was on the 611 when it derailed in the dismal swamp in 1986. My dad worked for NS and the family got to go. I was 5 yrs old at the time, but I remember it clearly. We were riding along fine when there was a terrific jolt. The car we were in came off the tracks and tilted to the side. Fortunately, we weren't hurt, for just a few cars back were on their side. I saw some injured, and we had to wait for 3 hrs before they got it moving again. memorable trip, beautiful engine.
Dont curse NS, finest RR in the US. Everyone makes mistakes, the people anyone needs to blame is the US. Economics and business getting better needed to close the program cause of cost and it getting in the way of regular freight. Someone needs to make the hard decisions, to keep this nation alive and healthy.
Does NS even want public excursions today over it's busy mainlines with heavy freight traffic? Even on a line that Amtrak runs on? Run an excursion under Amtrak's flag could that be a solution? Any way, I would love to see the steam program come back, I never rode any of the past NS steam excursions since I live in eastern PA and they mostly ran south of Washington, D.C. I rode lots of other steam trains from WK&S to Strasburg to Steamtown to BM&R/Reading and Northern.
It doesnt matter who's flag its under, NS would prefer it be their's since it looks better for them in the long run. It is fun stuff, and I bet those were fun :3 I need to get out that way one day.
till there is a fire in her belly, and steam in her cylinders, she is just a, albeit beautiful, pile of metal! Tho i do love her, but i do not approve of the lack of interest in the steam engines!
There's something about hearing that boiler cycle. I'm an ex-Navy MM so I take pleasure in machinery coming to life. What an incredible machine. Any chance that the knowledge could be passed down through the generations?
Jagg2305 2 months ago
@Jagg2305 What knowledge exactly do you mean?
manokiller 1 month ago
If Steam driven Locomotives ever had to have class along with power, this was the one. That N&W paint on the rails earns me a punch in the arm from my Dad, who's Dad was a conductor on the B&O.
Jagg2305 2 months ago
@Jagg2305 I completely agree, thanks for taking that punch ;-)
manokiller 2 months ago
@manokiller That is one sexy lady. The utmost respect to the engineers that maintain and operate her. I only wish I knew how to help maintain these great machines.
Jagg2305 2 months ago
i know its a very old train but its very sleek looking
grandcreator11 2 months ago
I read the description but i didn't make enough sense to me, sorry.
88mroux 2 months ago
Whats going on? where are they taking the locomotive?
88mroux 2 months ago
@88mroux Well if ya read the description/past comments, you'd come to find that they were hauling the locomotive to the Roanoke Shops for its birthday (125th). So they decided that the 611 and 1218 should be in attendance.
manokiller 2 months ago
@manokiller i read the description but it didn't make enough sense to me, sorry.
88mroux 2 months ago
@88mroux And I was mistaken to pass it to you, I had forgotten that I never put that in there! But what I said earlier is what was doing with this engine at the time.
manokiller 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@manokiller i read the description but it didn't make enough sense to me, sorry.
88mroux 2 months ago
i like trains :)
nfsracer14 2 months ago
@nfsracer14 *Watches you get hit by #611*
Truthseeker4449 2 months ago
Sorry steam locomotive off course
jag70 2 months ago
Nice locomotive. We did a test run on a stem locomotive today 2011-12-20 that has not been running for about 50 years. :D
jag70 2 months ago
@jag70 Thats really cool! Awesome!
manokiller 2 months ago
When she was put away in 94-95 her flue time was up and as such would require new flues. Overall she is in great shape but she has been sitting for 16 years now almost as long as she sat before which was 23 years. Everything would need to be looked at/rebuilt as before.
CWEX73 4 months ago
where did they take it. Now they need to get N&W 1218 running to.
yorktown1000 6 months ago
611 - "I am the thoroughbred of steam, born to run, born to be free, forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do!"
TorqueTransfer 9 months ago
@TorqueTransfer I remember those words that were wrote when they did her last run. What a shame....
labhunter1 8 months ago
I wanna see 611 in action so frickin bad!
trainmandan05 9 months ago
i was doing some research and found out that since she is in such good shape that all they have to do is fill the boiler and seta fire in the fire box and she will run .…maybe not to nit picking government standards but she'll run :D
crazedwizardpro 9 months ago
@crazedwizardpro Thats kinda true. Back in 2000 she had an inspection by a shop in Alabama, but they declared her flumes too out of shape to be put back into service. That is the only issue they would have running this engine, but that was nearly ten years ago, sadly. So sadly, she wouldnt run. She would need an rebuild for her flumes, pipes, and fittings.
manokiller 9 months ago
@manokiller Man made marvel, interested to know what the flumes are,Thanks.
critchley3819 6 months ago
i live in oregon so all i see is union pacific, but i would still love to see 611 and 1218 running under their own power again, that would the day.
Barricade360 10 months ago
I guess this ole' beauty got tired of tracks and decided to go off-railing!
Milinthrak 1 year ago
Is that even on tracks?
vaguedustin 1 year ago
@vaguedustin Umm, DUH. You just can't see the Rails due to the grass....
288jh 10 months ago
@288jh Totally doesn't look like it.
vaguedustin 10 months ago
@vaguedustin If it wasn't The trucks on the tender would be turning and the tender would be turned at an angle. Plus the diesel Would NOT be able to pull 611 on gravel. There would be no traction.
288jh 10 months ago
LOL...LOL..."its alive"..LOL..thts funny...great vid!!!
EMDSD14R 1 year ago
Were you ticked off at that guy being in the shot?
theshyguitarist 1 year ago
@theshyguitarist No, the Curve was a bit to tight for the engine. So there was a chance she could blow the curve out, or possibly jump the tracks due to the curve. She almost did during that section of the video (if thats what your relating too)
manokiller 9 months ago
@manokiller
I was referring to 3:20 in the vid when you said, "Oh sh@t." At that point, none of us watching knew the train could have gone off track.
theshyguitarist 9 months ago
wish I was there!
Tingintheair 1 year ago
C&O??? Isn't that the Chesapeake & Ohio line?
ttanner04 1 year ago
@ttanner04 Yea?
manokiller 1 year ago
@Train2590 Hmm. I did not know that, interesting!
manokiller 1 year ago
i love steam in particular but i focused on the N&W J & A Class engines. I never saw the 1218 though I wanted too and still want to. she is located in Roanoke Virginia with the 611 isn't she??? in fact aren't they side by side?
ttanner04 1 year ago
@ttanner04 611 and 1218 used to be side by side but I was in Roanoke last weekend and there is another steam engine next to 611 now and 1218 is behind the new steam engine. I think the lady said the new engine will be on display for 6 months in Roanoke.
boblackey1 1 year ago
@boblackey1 so the 1218 is only temporarily moved from her usual spot?
ttanner04 1 year ago
@ttanner04 Yes that is correct. 1218 will sit behind C&O 614 until 614 leaves the museum in three months, then 1218 will be pushed out of the way and on to another track while 614 is backed out when it's time there is up in three months, then 1218 will be returned to it's usual spot next to 611.
boblackey1 1 year ago
@ttanner04 I just checked online and the new engine I saw is C&O 614 which is similar to N&W 611 so that is why they moved N&W 1218 out of the way and put 614 next to 611, then pushed 1218 back up the track and parked it behind 614. The 614 will be on display in Roanoke for 3 months and not 6 months. Sorry about that.
N&W 611 and 1218 were built in Roanoke, Virginia. C&O 614 was built in Lima, Ohio.
boblackey1 1 year ago
idc if steam became too expensive to operate that were the glory days of railroading. and these gorgeous machines will always out way the grand splendor of these once mighty and powerful giants of the rails!!! the 611 is a beautiful machine and I had the privilege of seeing her during her days of regular operation when I was 5. she is a beautiful piece of machinery
ttanner04 1 year ago
In Vladivostok we've steam train too, but ur steamer is the best I've ever seen
Panch124 1 year ago
nice to see this old girl i love them but would have been so much nicer to c it fired up and moved under her own power
gmboy4life223 1 year ago
They did did a speed test when she was new. The engineer shut her down at 115MPH but I guess she had plenty more to go. Not only beautiful but fast
adamsenig 1 year ago
Larger than life.
abnormalmindset 1 year ago
Do you think they would ever sell it if someone, were to offer them enough money? I would love to open a historic route from say Michigan down to Florida and run nothing but steam trains on them.
ATARI800XLfan 1 year ago
@ATARI800XLfan Uhhhh.... I dont believe so, the age and historical significance of this locomotive make it priceless. Plus, she never ran from Michigan to Florida, so sadly, you cant play the card of 'She ran it, so this is right for her'. But I dont know 100% if they would or not, but I think it is highly unlikely.
manokiller 1 year ago
@manokiller What route was it she ran on again, can never seem to remember all the routes that had streamliners. Do you think a classic train line with streamliners would even work in this day and age or just go out of business. I would love to ride stream trains again for travel not to sure if other people would, plus then there is assurance, could you even get it for a steam passenger line.
ATARI800XLfan 1 year ago
@ATARI800XLfan Personally, I believe it would go out of business. Steam trains, sure, they are quite popular in the US, but they often dont... Survive as well as they should. IT would be a strong business, but with big risks
manokiller 1 year ago
@manokiller Plus wouldn't be better though for a train to run and be used then just sit there and possibly get damaged or parts to start locking up.
ATARI800XLfan 1 year ago
@ATARI800XLfan Depends on how they are cared for.
manokiller 1 year ago
@ATARI800XLfan Good point, I guess if I ran a passenger service it would not even have to be steam just streamliners.I miss those days when looks and performance were just as important,love the mid century art deco style,never looks old.Funny thing is I was born in the 1989 and have actually never seen a steam train,been on a train in real life,Never get bored or watching videos about steam trains though,A time I missed that will probably never come back, unless I have something to say about it.
ATARI800XLfan 1 year ago
@ATARI800XLfan Well... Yes, indeed. The world is shaped by those who dwell in it. But you should, experience life a bit.
manokiller 1 year ago
The most powerful 4-8-4 ever built! ^_^
09JDCTrainMan 1 year ago
@PRRforlife There's a b6 in Williams Grove, PA that they run regularly and the have a program wher you can learn to run it! In reply to your "1 engine in 50 years" statement, look up videos of the Strasburg in the late 1980's they had two of the museums locomotives running: an Atlantic (#7002), and an American (I cant remember the # off hand). They may not have been K4's, but Pennsy steam nonetheless.
guitboxchicken 1 year ago
The J's really hated bad track, didn't they?
Dockshund 1 year ago
@Dockshund Indeed they did, the track there though wasn't the problem, it was the curve that piece of track made, it was far too tight for the engine at one point...
manokiller 1 year ago
is that engine sound coming from the 611?
fourstar7 1 year ago
@fourstar7 Yes, its the hissing from teh cylinder cocks, and the pistons going in and out.
manokiller 1 year ago 2
@manokiller You must be a lover of the Norfolk and Western J class. :)
thebluetrain57 1 year ago
@thebluetrain57 I am indeed a lover of such :-) I also worked on them when I worked at the museum down south.
manokiller 1 year ago
@PRRforlife the 1361 is rotting away in a shop in Steamtown. why the heck dont they give it to Strasburg
tachikoma747 1 year ago
@tachikoma747 At least she's indoors! It's better for a steam locomotive to be indoors in pieces, than outside in the elements in one piece. Rust kills a "cold" steam locomotive faster than running it ever would!
guitboxchicken 1 year ago
now blow her whistle and ring her bell and let her run again
Barricade360 1 year ago
what if 844,611,1218,3985 all puled a long freight and passenger train together
FatSeal45 1 year ago
@FatSeal45 I would personally call you a heretic, Lol! N&W should never mix with Union P, they never even saw one another in the same stations or ports of call.
manokiller 1 year ago
IT'S ALIVE!!! LOL
jedi725 1 year ago
From an English point of view this thing looks great.
trunk39able 1 year ago
@PRRforlife WEll, indeed. I certainly can agree with your comment. It is my opinion that K4's and M1's are quite the beasts.
manokiller 1 year ago
Comment removed
09JDCTrainMan 1 year ago
@Kleman09 Nothings as bad as american steam, over the top deisgns and whistles like a puff. I dont know how you dare say ours are worse as you have 2 of our LNER A4 locos in your god forsaken country!
EastMidlandsSteam 1 year ago
@EastMidlandsSteam Honestly, I prefer the desgin of ours over yours, although yours are very very nice in both looks and power.
manokiller 1 year ago
@EastMidlandsSteam if it was up to us americans them a4's wouldnt be here and who are YOU to talk when you have a ton of OUR 2-8-0's from the US army!
southern4501isawesom 4 months ago
@southern4501isawesom Whoa, calm down. What A4's now? Where? Also, think about how much it costs to try and move a single locomotive from country to country. Back when they got those engines, America was rebuilding her Allies (the Brits) after the destruction caused by the Germans during (and after) world war 2. They needed those engines to stay alive, and of course we arn't gonna take them back, that would be like stabbing them in the back. And what was he talking about? Who is who to talk?
manokiller 2 months ago
from an english point of view, this thing looks ugly :S
EastMidlandsSteam 1 year ago
@EastMidlandsSteam Honestly, I care to disagree. But we all have our respective opinions. I will honestly say I never really liked the look of the Scotsmen or the sloped nature of the A4, but that is merely my opinion. They are still very good locomotives and are to be respected both for their looks and power.
manokiller 1 year ago
@EastMidlandsSteam british steam locomotives are wussy ;) they have those whiny high pitched whistles too
tachikoma747 1 year ago
@tachikoma747 Since when does an LMS engine have a whiny high pitch whistle?
EastMidlandsSteam 1 year ago
Will she really be restored to running condition?
09JDCTrainMan 1 year ago
@09JDCTrainMan Maybe one day, but for now she is still in Museum display.
manokiller 1 year ago
haha listen to that diesel struglle an i htought diesels were meant to be more powerful than the steamers
darkhound891 1 year ago
@darkhound891 They weren't necessarily meant to be more powerful, but rather to be more efficient and low-maintenance.
LNERMallard 1 year ago
It's almost as if the 611 is giving NS the finger. "Oh...you only want something to do with me for PR purposes? Screw you I think I'll just jump off this track here."
deloreanman14 1 year ago
@deloreanman14 Heh! Indeed!
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 NS does not own her, the City of Roanoke does. And no, they would not have to, nor would they.
manokiller 1 year ago
@manokiller When exactly did the exchange of ownership take place? There is no record in the STB files of her being sold/donated/released by or from NS. Other issue is that 611 and 1218 are still listed per the FRA and STB as NS property. AFAIK we only gave her in trust to Roanoke...not in ownership.
radioditch 1 year ago
@radioditch Odd, I did not know that. It is marked by our records as owned by the City of Roanoke. But I suppose my information could be wrong. But I was always told that story anyway. NS sold her to Roanoke, Roanoke leased her to VMT. I can surely be wrong though, I could not know the full story
manokiller 1 year ago
@radioditch Strange that I missed this comment before... December 7th, 1994 was her last operating date... So maybe around January? She was always told to me that the City of Roanoke owned the engine after the NS, NS didnt want anything to do with her from the day she stopped running... Or so I recall on all the stories I was told... I could be wrong. Where are the STB and FRA lists on it?
manokiller 1 year ago
@msts195 :)
manokiller 1 year ago
@msts195 Right... But that isnt what I said, the total cost of operating the engine (Maintenance, fuel, insurance, crew) would cost more, then any diesel to operate would. One day that might change, but right now that is how it is.
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 VMT doesnt own it. Also that it would be interesting, indeed.
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 Indeed, so, the point is, GOODE is not a dickhead. I know the man, and have met him, he regretted the decision more then anyone. The lawyers, board, stockholders, and FRA are more the blame. I never saw her either, and I worked on her for two solid years, she is my child regardless of what anyone says. So I know the compassion, but we need not to take our aggression out on the wrong people, but instead, channel it towards making her a better future. Yelling and anger does nothing.
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 Oh quiet boyo, you don't know shit. It isnt a slap in the face at all... The railroad has a proud history, and Goode did the right thing because of mounting pressure from the stock holders and the board, He either would lose both his job, and the steam program, or do the better thing in staying with the company and moving it forward. He had to make that call. If only you know what was going on behind the scenes, you would know how things were, and what is going on now. Which you don't.
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 Right, but their are people like that in NS. If only people knew what they do for her, and for engines... Well, Other then her. Mormon has a soul of a Claytor, built he doesn't have the power to do it... It requires more then just one man now a days... It is a bureaucracy, just like all companies. So no, it doesnt take one, it takes a movement.
manokiller 1 year ago
@manokiller There*
manokiller 1 year ago
@msts195 Kinda... That is true, and it isnt, the total cost still is higher with steam then diesel :/ But I would love too see her run one day.
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 Pretty rare occassions sadly... This engine would be an arm and leg to keep operating and maintain, that is why they use the f7, they are versatile, and easy to maintain.
manokiller 1 year ago
someone should really have put that in reverse gear as those pistols sounded terrible and it recks the gear head and cam shafts but none the less stunning.
TheStonehill 1 year ago
@TheStonehill It was in neutral, safest bet considering we couldn't allow people riding in the cab. She didnt run back all the way.
manokiller 1 year ago
@HaloCE14 There are actually two projects on Long Island aiming to restore steam locomotives. One is based in Riverhead, NY the Railroad Museum of Long Island ( RMLI ), and they're restoring LIRR G5 #39. The other is based in Oyster Bay, NY the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum and they're restoring LIRR G5 #35.
Both are PRR G5 class locomotives.
num1hendrickfan 1 year ago
That thing is beautiful.
confederatepride85 1 year ago
Do u know what year this locomotive was made? if your going to respond, plz respond to username 'mesaraw' this is my dads account.
wintersinia 1 year ago
Whitch year did this happen?
09JDCTrainMan 2 years ago
2007
manokiller 2 years ago
Are they restoring that one?
pianomanmaestro 2 years ago
At this time, no, from what I know.
manokiller 2 years ago
tja.. i could watch that motion all day. What a locomotive, one of the finest, perhaps the finest. I always thought that streamlining spoiled the front end proportion of steam engines- the smoke box protrudes too far over the front wheel bogey. But you can't argue with perfection
RufusT9 2 years ago
Are those all NS officials walking the locomotive out of the museum?
Hickthu06 2 years ago
@Hickthu06 No, Museum officials, and members of the N&W Society. there are a couple of NS members, but not the lot of them... Only a couple.
manokiller 2 years ago
A beautiful piece of machinery.
acidsunrise 2 years ago 7
@acidsunrise I got to see her several times growing up in the 1990's. She always went through my town Circleville Ohio taking a few lucky people rides. I'll never forget it. Realy a beautiful piece of art and machinery.
adamsenig 1 year ago
Railroads are more efficient than trucks for freight transport, true. Trucks are very important too. You live in NYC, when was the last time you went to the grocery store and observed railroad tracks running to this store? Not going to happen. Trains and trucks are excellent allies. NYC banned steam locomotives over 100 years ago, so there is nothing in NYC worth going to see. It smells like a landfill and most of the people in that area of the country are extremely rude. I do not like NYC much.
TheSteamLocomotive 2 years ago
@HaloCE14, yeah, that is true.
Classicalguy12 2 years ago
I doubt it, I say more like 5, maybe 10 at most. The railroad economy is up, coal is down. It may be worth it again to use these beauties.
manokiller 2 years ago
No. They can not be. UP didn't change the engines from coal, they were historically oil to begin with. To change either engine to oil would destroy the historical significance of the best coal burners every built in the US.
manokiller 2 years ago
it look like they aint a thing wrong with it!
bensh1994 2 years ago
There isnt! Only the flumes need re-doing!
manokiller 2 years ago
What a beauty! I never rode behind her but had the chance to hear her let off steam and start chugging away a few times. Got some video as I was chasing and the sound of that whistle in the distance is something to behold!
And if i may ask, whatever happened to the Southern 4501? I did get to ride behind her on an excursion in 1985 from Winston- Salem to Ashville and back. I love these steamers!
jeepman41 2 years ago
i think that theyve got the 4501 at the tennesse valley rr museum. i heard that they plan to restore her.
SCL3618 2 years ago
southern 4501 is planned to run by her 100th birthday wich is in 2011 i beleave and ex southern 630 is being restored along side of 4501
southern4501isawesom 2 years ago
The last time 611 ran was in 1994. It was a shuttle from Birmingham, Alabama to Roanoke, Va. I was in High Point, N. C. on business and heard a crowd was gathered at the train station and I was down beside the tracks when she came thru under her own power. I think she was pulling a small freight train. When I got back to Roanoke she was at 24th st. shop and the next year she was put in the museum you see here. I was told when they dropped her fire that would be the last time. maybe not?
boblackey1 2 years ago
When will she move under her own steam again?
Classicalguy12 2 years ago
I asked NS that the other day. They haven't replied.
Weiberts 2 years ago
I wish they would, I would love to see the old gal run again.
Classicalguy12 2 years ago
We dont know, the board has had that up in the air for some time I have heard. But it isn't something to ask, as it just adds fuel to the bad fire for some.
She is in no condition to be steamed yet, her flums are not in order. So we dnot know when, maybe one day.
manokiller 2 years ago
What are they doing here? Why are they moving 611? Are they doing this for a boiler inspection?
NKPBerk779fan 2 years ago
They were moving her for a special event for the Norfolk Southern 125th birthday of the N&W locomotive shop. She was one of the main displays.
manokiller 2 years ago
this weekend and next friday SATURDAY at 7 is the haunted house
stormhokie 2 years ago
hey every year we do a haunted house here in roanoke va at the museum of transportatoin we use the 611 and the other trans beside it and it this weeken friday and saturday and next weekend at 7 every night
stormhokie 2 years ago
it sounds like shes breathing softly....someone should wake her up and get her roaring again :'(
CSXboy1 2 years ago 8
Very well put my friend.
mongo5888 2 years ago
One day, they will.
manokiller 2 years ago
@CSXboy1 One day :-)
manokiller 1 year ago
the last time My boyfriend thought this train ran was in 1993? He got to ride in the cab of it when it he rode on it from Erie Pa to Conneaut Ohio.When old man clider who was the pressendent of northfork&western died the excursion train rides ended..So it the J back back in service and the 1218?
misshydro 2 years ago
neither one of them are in service. 1218 was gutted and is a static display and 611 has everything needed to run, just needs a boiler inspection that could take a while and money for said boiler inspection.
CSXboy1 2 years ago
When you say 1218 is gutted, are the parts in storage somewhere or have they been scrapped?
fasionbug 2 years ago
gutted as in there are no pipes, valves, or any other internal equipment on her. the only way to get her running is to buy all those pipes and remake all the specialty parts specifically made for her, which would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions :(
CSXboy1 2 years ago
Sucks :( well at least we have Y6a #2156. It is lucky that the N&W saved its Big Three locomotives (Y,J,A). Arguably the most capable locomotives for the tasks they were designed for.
fasionbug 2 years ago
Indeed
manokiller 2 years ago
Everyone over estimates the restoration of a steam locomotive. Many times a complete overhaul costs less than a million dollars. 1218 has all of her parts stored in a boxcar in some NS yard.
NKPBerk779fan 2 years ago
That is partly true, the parts are in 'special' storage on a side track in the main NS locomotive complex at Roanoke, Virginia
manokiller 2 years ago
It would take millons, it is a sad figure, but one, that one day someone will do
manokiller 2 years ago
At current, 1218 is devoid of all internal gear, (Boiler, flumes, and piston parts) she is purely cosmetically restored.
manokiller 2 years ago
i wish the norfolk southern ran 611, 1218 and the 2156 in a train excursion man o man what a beautiful sight it would be to see these ladies pulling passenger car to let people see how steam trains show what they can do
WolverinePride97 2 years ago
So legally does the musuem own the 611 and the 1218 or are they owned by NS and "loaned" to the musuem? I love this engine! In some ways if its going to sit, I wish they had her fully inside like the California RR musuem in Sacremto has the SP Cab forward ("sterile" environment), but best would be to run her! :)
99whitequickstang 2 years ago
When I last checked the City of Roanoke, VA owned 611. The V.M.T. is the authorised home display of the engine since it's also in Roanoke.
For display outside of Roanoke or it's reactivation requires the City council's approval.
tarmac2001 2 years ago
that is a beutiful engin
pohldriver 2 years ago
Its a nice sight, but a shame it didnt happen under its own power..
xxxDeath9572xxx 2 years ago
needs a tripod, but still nice footage.
WilbertVereAwdry 2 years ago
true
steamboy51 2 years ago
Comment removed
765Genobreaker 2 years ago
I would love to see this old girl running under her own power again
greywolf45 2 years ago
I don't think there's ONE operating steam train in VA, other than Busch Gardens, there's the CP locos and coaches stored at Staunton for the failed "Virginia Central", In PA there's plenty of steam trains from Strasburg to New Hope to Steamtown to Reading and Northern. Steamtown and Reading and Northern are the last big long distance steam operators in the Eastern US. There's also the WM Scenic RR in Cumberland, MD and Cass in WV. NS just got too busy with freight business in the 90's.
rwk360 2 years ago
The Old Dominion Chapter NRHS in Richmond, VA has an operational 0-6-0 US Amry porter, and they run it occasionaly.
m611martin 2 years ago
Oh wow... I need to see that one day, I could think she wouldnt be fairing well... Might have to poke about, bound to be someone who wants to take her
manokiller 2 years ago
Well she is a pride and joy of the museum... They do their best.
What museum are ya near?
manokiller 2 years ago
I was on the 611 when it derailed in the dismal swamp in 1986. My dad worked for NS and the family got to go. I was 5 yrs old at the time, but I remember it clearly. We were riding along fine when there was a terrific jolt. The car we were in came off the tracks and tilted to the side. Fortunately, we weren't hurt, for just a few cars back were on their side. I saw some injured, and we had to wait for 3 hrs before they got it moving again. memorable trip, beautiful engine.
Fataliac 2 years ago
Wow! What an experience!~
manokiller 2 years ago
Needs some work, just like the frisco does, and most engines now adays.
manokiller 2 years ago
How so?
manokiller 2 years ago
Too much money to repair and operate, yes, but she cant run without work.
manokiller 2 years ago
Because we don't want to sell a piece of history. The museum is the best place for it, we like it and want it.
manokiller 2 years ago
Dont curse NS, finest RR in the US. Everyone makes mistakes, the people anyone needs to blame is the US. Economics and business getting better needed to close the program cause of cost and it getting in the way of regular freight. Someone needs to make the hard decisions, to keep this nation alive and healthy.
manokiller 2 years ago
Money, just not enough
manokiller 2 years ago
Does NS even want public excursions today over it's busy mainlines with heavy freight traffic? Even on a line that Amtrak runs on? Run an excursion under Amtrak's flag could that be a solution? Any way, I would love to see the steam program come back, I never rode any of the past NS steam excursions since I live in eastern PA and they mostly ran south of Washington, D.C. I rode lots of other steam trains from WK&S to Strasburg to Steamtown to BM&R/Reading and Northern.
rwk360 2 years ago
It doesnt matter who's flag its under, NS would prefer it be their's since it looks better for them in the long run. It is fun stuff, and I bet those were fun :3 I need to get out that way one day.
manokiller 2 years ago
till there is a fire in her belly, and steam in her cylinders, she is just a, albeit beautiful, pile of metal! Tho i do love her, but i do not approve of the lack of interest in the steam engines!
Bimmerspeeder 2 years ago