"GOING HOME" - N&W J #611 (part 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....

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

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

[ma7799]

Shot on 16mm?

[arrowguy173]

@ma7799 Youtube member stevnanr was on the film crew - hopefully he can answer that for you.

[stevnanr]

I'm thrilled this is up here. I was one of the cinematographers who shot this film. What a thrill it was! Do any of you know if NS has this on DVD for sale? I had a copy years ago but it's long gone and now after all these years I have a need for it.

[arrowguy173]

@stevnanr Great to hear from you! I have only seen this on VHS and decided to upload it since I didn't find it anywhere online. NS would be smart to offer this on DVD. Would love to see a restored version. It is a remarkable story, and you all did the J proud.

[woodencoasterfan]

Nice job. I live in Orlando and would love to see one of these steam giants come rolling through. Sadly, the only steam engine I've seen is the old 1913 Baldwin CN 3749 0-6-0 which has been siting idle for many years next to Orlando's original tarin station on Church Street. It has a coal tender and three heavy three axle Pullman cars with it and it's sad to say this, but the whole train is in bad shape. I've got the video on my channel, just type in Orange Blossom Special & Amtrak Silver Meteor

[arrowguy173]

@woodencoasterfan I've seen that train on Church St. Yeah, Florida doesn't see many steam trains (except for all the live steam clubs down there lol). Enjoyed your videos - been riding coasters all my life.

[Rckstar113]

Wow! I still have this video on VHS. On that same tape is the 1218's doc called "Steam People." What i would give to hear her whistle again echoing through the countryside. And I have searched HIGH and LOW for the "Ballad of the 611" on the internet... anyone know how to find it?

[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!

[NorfolkSouthern1]

WHERE CAN I FIND "BALLAD OF THE 611"???????

[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.

[Weiberts]

I recently did some work at the TVRM on 630, 611,and 4501 and I am extremely excited to have taken part in preparations for 21st Century Steam. I know that 611 is a beautiful engine, but for right now TVRM has its hands full with 610 and 4501. UP is pretty much the only real standard gauge steam shop in North America, so it will be a while before this "graceful giant" runs again. I bet in the long run, it would have been cheaper to leave these five running than to re-restore them.

[grizzleybearz282004]

THIS JUST REMINDS ME HOW PROUD I AM TO HAVE THE POSTWAR LIONEL N&W #746 TRAIN SET FROM 1959 EVEN THE LIONEL POSTWAR #746 J CLASS N&W OFFTEN PEPOLE SAY WAS ONE OF THERE BEST MADE RUNNING ENGINES THAY EVER BUILT 

[grizzleybearz282004]

@stevnanr ANY BODY THAT HAS THE VIDEO CAN PUT IT ON DVD FOR YOU YOU COULD TAKE A CAMCORDER THAT USES MINI DVD AND COPY THEM THAT WASY???

[smartiecat]

My grandfather ran the Powhatan Arrow from Bluefield to Williamson, W.Va. for as long as I can remember. I used to sit with the conductor on his side of the train and he would wave his bandana out the window so I could see he was up there. I have many good memories about riding that train from Williamson to Bluefield where my grandparents lived. It was a great time. My grandfather did his last run on the Powhatan Arrow.

[msp9057]

This is great. My Grandfather was an engineer on the Powhatan Arrow Portsmouth to Cincinnnati leg i think.