I think I rode behind one of these beauties when I was very young. I was told that the engine pulling us was used to pull the Powhatan Arrow or Pocahontas (premium trains of the day). I didn't get a good look because it was past midnight but I did ask at the museum in later years 🕋 and they said it was a definite possibility. All I can say is that I could smell coal smoke and she was really MOVING.
In 1991 I rode behind 611 on an excursion from Columbia to Spencer. We stopped in Salisbury first so the 611 could be turned & serviced. Two high hoods pulled the train to Spencer Shops. While we were there, the train was pulled back out so the museum train could continue its runs. After servicing was completed, 611 backed to Spencer. The diesels once again pushed the train in front of the shop. After everyone was aboard, the train was pulled back out, and coupled to the 611 for the return trip back to Columbia. It was close to midnight when we returned. In 1992 the 1218 was supposed to pull an excursion from Columbia to Charleston, but this itinerary was changed to Kannapolis, NC . As we were waiting a mixed freight was entering Andrews Yard. It was kind of a surprise when we saw 611 was on the point. We were told there wasn't enough clearance for 1218 on some of the bridges between Columbia & Charlotte. Whether that's true or not I haven't a clue. Shortly after departing Columbia, we had to stop in Winnsboro to take on additional water. We got off the train in Kannapolis for lunch, and to mill around town. This time, the entire train was taken to Salisbury to be turned & serviced. Shortly before her arrival, a southbound mixed freight passed with two former Southern high hood SD40-2's. Not long afterwards the 611 came to pick us up. Nearly everyone was trackside to get that perfect shot. My parents asked the conductor if he could take a picture with me. Then we were off again towards Columbia. Again it was nighttime when we arrived back in Columbia. As we were leaving, I remembered looking back, and seeing the Mars light of the Mardis Gras as the train was pulling into Andrews Yard. I was 9 & 10 years old then. Unfortunately, some of the memories have been lost. Thankfully I still have those pictures to remind me of times long past.
A beautiful steamer! I have a almost prefect collectors edition model of number 600 in N scale with all the original box etc from my Grandpa, thing is amazing to look at and runs great.
No. Preston Claytor still has the whistle and he confirmed it. Pity he removed it because of the moniker "Spirit of Roanoke". To my knowledge the whistle was last used on PM 1225 in 2007.
I find it mighty peculiar that Union Pacific has been running their steam program for decades without any major issues. Even through the implementation of PTC & PSR. Even doubling down by restoring the 4014 to service. Now, CPKC is readying the 2816 to service. Ohh, but Norfolk Southern is too chicken s to allow any steam locomotive on the point?! NS first lost their way after the passing of Mr. Claytor. Then a promising revival with Mr. Moorman. Just for the rug to be pulled from beneath us after his retirement. Does NS realize or care that their public image has been tainted? Given how poorly they handled the E. Palestine disaster, it seems to me that they'd want to create some goodwill to the communities they pass through. I'm not in anyway suggesting that running steam excursions is going to ever correct the damage caused in E. Palestine. However, it's a proven fact that the steam program has always been a great public relations tool. Not it's great PR, but it also helps boost the local economy of the towns they pass trough. Win Win.
@@davidng2336 While true, it still doesn't mean NS will run steam excursions again. Even if 611 were to be PTC equipped, unless there's a positive change in management, look for NS to come up with some other bs excuse.
@@AngryCatMan1982Also Norfolk Southern probably wants to avoid something like the Dismal Swamp derailment from happening again. That particular accident in 1986 led to the 40 mph limit for NS Passenger excursions and the end of open-window coaches. The Chairman of the Board, Robert Claytor (W. Graham Claytor's brother) was at the throttle when this happened. It is said that he was very shaken up by the experience. Even worse, this happend to be during an employee special. Injuries came to be but no one died. In the end, 611 was not at fault.
@@uniontrains.8631Please keep in mind, the best alternative to class 1 railroads is short line, regional, and tourist railroads. The smaller railroads can handle mainline steam too.
I think I rode behind one of these beauties when I was very young. I was told that the engine pulling us was used to pull the Powhatan Arrow or Pocahontas (premium trains of the day). I didn't get a good look because it was past midnight but I did ask at the museum in later years 🕋
and they said it was a definite possibility. All I can say is that I could smell coal smoke and she was really MOVING.
In 1991 I rode behind 611 on an excursion from Columbia to Spencer. We stopped in Salisbury first so the 611 could be turned & serviced. Two high hoods pulled the train to Spencer Shops. While we were there, the train was pulled back out so the museum train could continue its runs. After servicing was completed, 611 backed to Spencer. The diesels once again pushed the train in front of the shop. After everyone was aboard, the train was pulled back out, and coupled to the 611 for the return trip back to Columbia. It was close to midnight when we returned.
In 1992 the 1218 was supposed to pull an excursion from Columbia to Charleston, but this itinerary was changed to Kannapolis, NC . As we were waiting a mixed freight was entering Andrews Yard. It was kind of a surprise when we saw 611 was on the point. We were told there wasn't enough clearance for 1218 on some of the bridges between Columbia & Charlotte. Whether that's true or not I haven't a clue. Shortly after departing Columbia, we had to stop in Winnsboro to take on additional water. We got off the train in Kannapolis for lunch, and to mill around town. This time, the entire train was taken to Salisbury to be turned & serviced. Shortly before her arrival, a southbound mixed freight passed with two former Southern high hood SD40-2's. Not long afterwards the 611 came to pick us up. Nearly everyone was trackside to get that perfect shot. My parents asked the conductor if he could take a picture with me. Then we were off again towards Columbia. Again it was nighttime when we arrived back in Columbia. As we were leaving, I remembered looking back, and seeing the Mars light of the Mardis Gras as the train was pulling into Andrews Yard. I was
9 & 10 years old then. Unfortunately, some of the memories have been lost. Thankfully I still have those pictures to remind me of times long past.
Nice shots there mate, cool to see 611 running on the main. Also nice first catch too!
I bet 611 had a glorious assignment at the Strasburg
Great video and catches
A beautiful steamer! I have a almost prefect collectors edition model of number 600 in N scale with all the original box etc from my Grandpa, thing is amazing to look at and runs great.
Did they changed the whistle on 611? It sounds like the one she used in the 1990s
No. Preston Claytor still has the whistle and he confirmed it.
Pity he removed it because of the moniker "Spirit of Roanoke".
To my knowledge the whistle was last used on PM 1225 in 2007.
Fun fact is that the whistle that 611 currently has is the original whistle from N&W j class No.609
I find it mighty peculiar that Union Pacific has been running their steam program for decades without any major issues. Even through the implementation of PTC & PSR. Even doubling down by restoring the 4014 to service. Now, CPKC is readying the 2816 to service. Ohh, but Norfolk Southern is too chicken s to allow any steam locomotive on the point?! NS first lost their way after the passing of Mr. Claytor. Then a promising revival with Mr. Moorman. Just for the rug to be pulled from beneath us after his retirement.
Does NS realize or care that their public image has been tainted? Given how poorly they handled the E. Palestine disaster, it seems to me that they'd want to create some goodwill to the communities they pass through. I'm not in anyway suggesting that running steam excursions is going to ever correct the damage caused in E. Palestine. However, it's a proven fact that the steam program has always been a great public relations tool. Not it's great PR, but it also helps boost the local economy of the towns they pass trough. Win Win.
There’s only one reason why 4014 can lead: it DOES have PTC. 611 doesn’t; however VMT wants to get it installed eventually.
@@davidng2336 While true, it still doesn't mean NS will run steam excursions again. Even if 611 were to be PTC equipped, unless there's a positive change in management, look for NS to come up with some other bs excuse.
@@AngryCatMan1982Also Norfolk Southern probably wants to avoid something like the Dismal Swamp derailment from happening again.
That particular accident in 1986 led to the 40 mph limit for NS Passenger excursions and the end of open-window coaches.
The Chairman of the Board, Robert Claytor (W. Graham Claytor's brother) was at the throttle when this happened. It is said that he was very shaken up by the experience.
Even worse, this happend to be during an employee special.
Injuries came to be but no one died. In the end, 611 was not at fault.
are they planning on running 611 at all whilst its at VMT??
She is sadly still not allowed to run on the mainline.
I am also wondering when her next 1472 day inspection is going to be.
@@uniontrains.8631 until her flue time expires i think
VMT is being tight-lipped while negotiations finalize but they have expressed plans for her to pull excursions in Virginia this year.
Stay tuned for an exciting announcement on future 611 excursions at a later date getting closer by the day.
@@uniontrains.8631Please keep in mind, the best alternative to class 1 railroads is short line, regional, and tourist railroads. The smaller railroads can handle mainline steam too.
Just glad she is back home where she belongs, she needs a break anyway
You mean back home not running.
@@charlesgreathouse7376 Yeah
@@charlesgreathouse7376Stay tuned for an exciting announcement on future 611 excursions at a later date getting closer by the day.
Why the great legend needed a diesel to help her
Norfolk southern policies.
blame PRS. 611 doesnt have the computer set up
@@M-HWeldingAndMechanical I’m sure that’s *PTC.*
Not enough refueling and water facilities along the rails as there were during the steam era.
Was this today??!!
Yes. It passed through my town around 10:10. I literally ran out of my office to see it pass and take a horrible picture, lol
Yes it was today
@@starcityrails3114 son of a 🤬🤬🤬
I work at Carilion downtown and would have had a perfect view.
Alas, I had an offsite training class 😩😭
How degrading for the 611 to be pulled by a diesel sickening sorry now I watched the video!
Three letters: *PTC*
DS75921 this is for PTC reasons, as 611 doesn't have it at all. If she did, they the move may have looked a little differently