"GOING HOME" - N&W J #611 (part 1 of 3)

An old tape I have highlighting the rebirth of Norfolk & Western J #611 in the early 80's. Considered among the finest examples of late-era steam, these streamlined, efficient thoroughbreds were built by N&W and pulled passenger trains for nearly a decade. Fortunately #611 was saved from the cutting torch and pulled excursions from 1982-1994. This film documents the work leading up to that era. It has since been displayed at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, alongside another N&W excursion star, Class A 2-6-6-4 #1218. This film really captures the spirit of running one of man's most beloved creations. Both railroaders and railfans alike wait patiently for her return....

Thanks to switchstand for the content and CoasterTroy80 for video transfer & sound.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Norfolk & Western
• Class J
• 4-8-4
• steam locomotive
• powhatan arrow
• cavalier pocahontas
• virginia transportation

[Beatles65Shea]

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.

[arrowguy173]

@Beatles65Shea  Great post! Thanks for sharing.

[betjon]

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.

[arrowguy173]

@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.

[KilleTheHedgehog8492]

i think the J and the daylights were pritty good streamlined engins

[arrowguy173]

I do too, along with the NYC Hudsons.

[CarynsCastle]

Great video. Almost brought a tear to my eyes.

[hoolg]

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!

[IKAPPYI1]

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.

[modeltrainman12345]

Not many things make me cry now adays. This one of them.

[KD5XB]

We need another Jim Bistline!

[Turdbuckethat]

What a gorgeous locomotive!

[grizzleybearz282004]

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

[NorfolkWestern484]

I LOVE THE CLASS J N&W 6-1-1

[xxcobra03xx]

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

[robertgift]

SHUT UP and LET US HEAR the cylinders drawing air. Want to hear more of what ENGINEERS said instead of narrator.

Otherwise, good film.