What an absolute, and certainly humbling, honour to drive such a magnificent steam engine. You now have one amazing story to tell to others regarding Norfolk and Western Class J, No. 611 for the future. Congratulations.
Had a chance to ride in the cab of 611 back in '91. Also took a turn at the Throttle of 1218. I hope someday the 1218 will be brought back to operating status as well. They are both magnificent machines.
Congratulations Heath! That was an experience you will treasure for a lifetime! My brother and I were also at the throttle that weekend and will never forget it. Well done!!
MrEngineergeorge Thanks!! My Papaw was the engineer on the Norfolk and Western and he ran most of the J class locomotives, It was very emotional to know I was in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's
@@BackshopRailProductions she certainly is! I just picked up in HO Version of her a little bit ago I never thought I would be able to get one, but it was such an incredible price! I think the second most beautiful steam locomotive in the US is the 844! I have been looking for an HO version of her for a long time, but they are so expensive unfortunately!
I will always enjoy real steam locomotives of an impressive stature :)) And there are one of those former bay-window cabooses in the Hornell South Yards!
PghTrainFanatic Thanks! I had sentimental reasons to run the 611.....My papaw was a engineer for the Norfolk and Western, he ran the passenger locomotives, including the J class locomotives...It was a emotional day for me to know I was once in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's.
I saw you, congratulations and I am in your video watching! My grandfather was a 40+ year veteran of the N&W and ran the J from Roanoke to Crewe, VA until the "Redbirds" came along. Great to see her steaming again!
That's amazing Heath! I've sat in the engineer's seat of UP 3985 and I've driven a diesel on a tourist railroad, but for you to actually operate the most famous locomotive in the country and perhaps the world!? You have just made every foamer jealous! Hope you have a blast chasing 611 on all her future runs!
+Patrick3751 I have also been in the cab of UP 3985. i have gotten a cab tour and all that. But, Heath. that is super cool! the 611 is the best steam locomotive ever made! Hope you had fun!!
***** The J class locomotive is one of the most beautiful locomotives in the world!! My Papaw was the engineer on the Norfolk and Western and he ran most of the J class locomotives, It was very emotional to know I was in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's
If the original ad for the 'get in the cab' would have had the information that you got to put your hand on the throttle, I'd have been there with bells on, I thought $611 was a lot for just a quick view of the cab interior so I didn't pursue it. NOW I wish I had... Congrats!!
Tinsby Thanks! But I had sentimental reasons to pay the $611 for a chance to run the 611.....My papaw was a engineer for the Norfolk and Western, he ran the passenger locomotives, including the J class locomotives...It was a emotional day for me to know I was once in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's.
The Creepernator It was AMAZING!!!! My Papaw was the engineer on the Norfolk and Western and he ran most of the J class locomotives, It was very emotional to know I was in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's
***** Your Father was very lucky to get to drive her when she was in regular service. You are lucky that you got to drive her. I would love to. But I'm too young and it was expensive. I was just glad I got to see her running in real life. Which I thought would never happen.
What an absolute, and certainly humbling, honour to drive such a magnificent steam engine. You now have one amazing story to tell to others regarding Norfolk and Western Class J, No. 611 for the future. Congratulations.
Had a chance to ride in the cab of 611 back in '91. Also took a turn at the Throttle of 1218. I hope someday the 1218 will be brought back to operating status as well. They are both magnificent machines.
Congratulations Heath! That was an experience you will treasure for a lifetime! My brother and I were also at the throttle that weekend and will never forget it. Well done!!
Beautiful locomotive. Welcome back.
Wow Heath good for you!!! That is just so awesome to have an experience like that. Once in a life time.
MrEngineergeorge Thanks!! My Papaw was the engineer on the Norfolk and Western and he ran most of
the J class locomotives, It was very emotional to know I was in the seat
my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's
Wonderful looking locomotive. Really well-turned out, and listen to that whistle!
rg michel I agree! the 611 is the most beautiful locomotive in the United States
@@BackshopRailProductions she certainly is! I just picked up in HO Version of her a little bit ago I never thought I would be able to get one, but it was such an incredible price! I think the second most beautiful steam locomotive in the US is the 844! I have been looking for an HO version of her for a long time, but they are so expensive unfortunately!
Nice video! Also managed to ride in the cab earlier that morning. Really amazing to see the 611's operations during the run.
I will always enjoy real steam locomotives of an impressive stature :)) And there are one of those former bay-window cabooses in the Hornell South Yards!
Heath! You lucky dog!! Man I can't imagine the thrill to do that! You totally deserve it buddy!
PghTrainFanatic Thanks! I had sentimental reasons to
run the 611.....My papaw was a engineer for the Norfolk and Western, he
ran the passenger locomotives, including the J class locomotives...It
was a emotional day for me to know I was once in the seat my Papaw once
sat back in the 1950's.
That car at 11:36 must have been so happy to see you! :)
I saw you, congratulations and I am in your video watching! My grandfather was a 40+ year veteran of the N&W and ran the J from Roanoke to Crewe, VA until the "Redbirds" came along. Great to see her steaming again!
Very nice! What memorable opportunity.
I must say, you are one lucky railfan!I would love to take the controls on one of my favorite steam locomotives, even if it was only for a short run.
That's amazing Heath! I've sat in the engineer's seat of UP 3985 and I've driven a diesel on a tourist railroad, but for you to actually operate the most famous locomotive in the country and perhaps the world!? You have just made every foamer jealous! Hope you have a blast chasing 611 on all her future runs!
+Patrick3751 I have also been in the cab of UP 3985. i have gotten a cab tour and all that. But, Heath. that is super cool! the 611 is the best steam locomotive ever made! Hope you had fun!!
What an awesome engine. It must have been some thrill to be at the controls. Lucky you.
***** The J class locomotive is one of the most beautiful locomotives in the world!! My Papaw was the engineer on the Norfolk and Western and he ran most of
the J class locomotives, It was very emotional to know I was in the seat
my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's
Lucky you. I was there that day.
Wow,a dream come true. A cab ride would be amazing,but at the throttle????
Wow! What a great opportunity!
If the original ad for the 'get in the cab' would have had the information that you got to put your hand on the throttle, I'd have been there with bells on, I thought $611 was a lot for just a quick view of the cab interior so I didn't pursue it. NOW I wish I had... Congrats!!
Tinsby Thanks! But I had sentimental reasons to pay the $611 for a chance to run the 611.....My papaw was a engineer for the Norfolk and Western, he ran the passenger locomotives, including the J class locomotives...It was a emotional day for me to know I was once in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's.
Wow that's amazing. I know that throttle time with 611 was worth it.
I liked the "black smoke is waste be careful" written on the tender, wouldn't the operators already know this?
Happy for you!!!:)
ScottyRockTrains Thanks!!
Money well spent!
***** Yes!!
How much did it cost you to operate this beauty?
IIRC, it was $611. Way too much for my wallet, unfortunately.
What was it like driving the beautiful girl.
The Creepernator It was AMAZING!!!! My Papaw was the engineer on the Norfolk and Western and he ran most of the J class locomotives, It was very emotional to know I was in the seat my Papaw once sat back in the 1950's
*****
Your Father was very lucky to get to drive her when she was in regular service. You are lucky that you got to drive her. I would love to. But I'm too young and it was expensive. I was just glad I got to see her running in real life. Which I thought would never happen.
how munch was that?