I rode one of the trips to Front Royal in 1988. In the spring of 1989; I was hired on by the NS Steam Locomotive Department. Learned a lot while I was there. 1218 is a beautiful machine. 611 is as well. Saw her last week at Strasburg.
Great Vid! Just FYI. Diesels behind Excursion Steamers are more about Insurance and Fuel Savings then anything else (As someone else already mentioned). J Class Locos used to pull 15+ Coaches at 100+ MPH. Less speed and they could easily pull 2-3times that. The A and Y Class Mallets could pull hundreds of loaded Coal Hoppers on even ground, but were routinely pulling ~150 up 3+% grades... Any of the operating Steamers left on Mainline Tracks *Could* run w/o the diesels....
Nice video. Rode behind the 1218 in 1988. Went to the passenger station in Alexandria late the night before the excursion to watch it arrive. Thrilling anticipation and then to finally hear that whistle in the distance and then finally see the approaching headlight. Shot video of the ride and the run by but some a**hole friend of mine recorded over it.
N&W 1218 was very enjoyable to observe operating in excursion service being one example of a handful of operating articulated steam locomotives post steam era. The 1218 had an excursion service career of only four years (1987-1991), I am glad that this engine still exists but it's a shame that the NS steam program had the operating financial issues that they did.
The Reading, and the N&W had the least amount of steam locomotives preserved. There's only 4 Reading T1's, and 2 large N&W steam at Roanoke and the 475 at Strasburg.
I rode behind 1218 a couple of times. Right now they are restoring her old stablemate the 611. "Steam into History" is now operating a replice 4-4-0 with period cars. UP is restoring a Big Boy. And the Western MD Scenic is going to restore C&O Allegheny #1309 to operation hopefully by 2016. Big Times for Steam!
oh indeed, ns is also the primary lines used by 765 since the nickle plate was sucked up by what became norfolk southern, but they usually are very tolarant to the use of their lines for excursions and steam as opposed to csx that is not so kind to steam anymore.
I am 74 years old. I think when I was a little boy I rode a steam passenger train. The reason I say I think is because I remember seeing steam coming from under the engine. At the time too young to appreciate it.
I remain surprised that more of these beautiful steam engines have not been returned to service. Popularity among the general public remains very high. Would think the railroad industry could use the positive PR. My late grandfather retired from SR with 40 years. Started out in the mid 40's on steam, retired in early 80's on diesel electric locomotives. Go Big Green!
+Sonny Dean Union Pacific does exactly this. They maintain a few steam engines and go to various events around the states with UP 844, Challenger UP 3985, and they are now restoring Big Boy UP 4014.
I, too, have history with Southern. Its where I hired in the 70's. Retired from NS. And, I always loved that "Green & Gold and the beautiful E8's! I rode on several of the steam locos--611, 4501, Hudson 2839 & CO 2716. Knew so many of the old Southern guys on the Piedmont Division!
Absolutely CLASSIC!! I came so close to riding these excursions but couldn't get around to it so I missed out! I am very familiar with Front Royal, having passed through there dozens of times on US 340, heading to Skyline Drive & points beyond, but have never noticed a train station! Do you know where it is?
There was some talk a few years ago of not just getting the 1218 back on the rails, but a complete overhaul using the latest upgrades to steam technology. The plan was, to make those changes, the compare her total operating costs to a modern diesel.
I sure hope that 1218 will run again someday. With Big Boy 4014 currently being restored which is expected to take another 2-4 years it'd be nice if we could have more than 1 articulated steam locomotive in operating condition. I've heard that the N&W Y class was more powerful than a big boy. It wouldn't surprise me if that's true.
Blake Trafford - Mile Post Productions Maybe she will. With 611 back in service it only seems fitting that 1218 gets restored too. I bet 611 is longing to see her big cousin riding the rails again.
Blake Trafford - Mile Post Productions The Y class only had more tractive effort due to their small drivers. Big Boys out rank the Y's on everything else though (speed, length, horsepower, etc).
Don't know if you are still monitoring your channel and comments, this many years later, but you did an excellent job on this video! Probably the best day I ever had in my life was a trip to Farmville and Crew, Va. in 1958 chasing N&W steam engines and getting up in the cab of one while stopping at Crew! Again, thanks for an amazing job!
Muito bom o trabalho, a iniciativa de se manter viva a história do setor que foi um dos responsáveis do progresso deste país, mais uma vez parabéns !!!!
They aren't always helpers. A lot of the time they are there only so if the steam engine fails they can get the train off the line so the business (freight) can get through.
no differents then N&S donating both 1218 and 611 to roanoak VA For out side display.. at least Up is running the 3935 challenger! I did get to see both 1218 and 611 stopped in Erie PA to pickup people for there excurtion runs..Theres talk about N&S butting 611 back into service and UP gettting one of there big boys back in running too.
If you got about 2 million laying around go talk to NS and the Museum they'd probly let her run if your paying for the rebuild. Shes a clean slate for someone with the cash to rebuild her, then even more cash to run her. Shes cold because of money my friend.
We all agree that we want to see 1218 run again. That's a given. They way it stands as of now, such a restoration IS possible, yet not likely to happen any time soon. Yes, she is missing MANY parts. However, new and replacement parts can be re machined. The question then is, who has the determination, and funds to get her steamed up again? Where will the restoration take place, and where will she be able to run, once she can be steamed again? For now, all we can do is hope and pray. But if UP 4014 and C&O 1309 can be restored, and if they can build a PRR T1 from the ground up, I think that shows that 1218 can be steamed up again. Honestly though, I don't see that happening in the near future.
The 21st century has really re sparked steam for a lot of the major railroads. 611 is back in service and I hope 1218 will be back again soon, Southern Railway 630 and 4501 are back, UP is restoring the big boy 4014, CSX is restoring Chessie system 1309, and the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad is restoring 1702.
The Creepernator Not only are the locomotives you listed will operate soon/have been restored, but here in Nashville there are plans to restore Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis #576. It's a mini Class J3 4-8-4, nicknamed the "Dixie Type". It is currently on display at Centennial Park here in Nashville, and it is expected to be fully operational by 2020 or 2021.
What is also wonderful is that the steamer is, this time, the sole motive power .. There's no 'cheater diesel' behind her showing that sort of 'mistrust' in the star's ability to perform the entire show. That's really cool !....Dig ?
UP went simple articulated right after they formed their BUREAU FOR RESEARCH,they refined the 2-6-6-4 of which 3985 is an example and then on that the 4000 series ,BIGBOY,was born.
I think the chance of 1218 coming back is the same as the chance of PRR K4 1361 coming back. It's in pieces, like 1218, although 1218 is fully assembled on the outside for public display. It's hard to believe that in 1987 and 1988 the 1218 and the K4 were operating but now they have parts missing. What a shame. Also, other locomotives that are no longer operating include Reading and Northern 2102 since Oct 1991, and the two PRR locomotives at Strasburg. What PRR and NW steam locos operate today?
UP is still studying the " BIG BOY " restoration,probably 4014,if they go ahead it could be about 4 years before she will be running,CHALLENGER 3985 is undergoing mandatory boiler work and while she is down some cosmetic work to keep her good looking,#1218 should never have been staged,she is such a handsome loco.
Well I never said I would be the one to do it, and I know running steam is not cheap, it took about 5 years I think to get 765 up and her boiler rebuilt due to the amount of work and funding is always an issue, I am just saying if she is not rusted out she could be restored I am surprised that there is not more interest to restore her, especialy as a mallet style loco with two sets of drivers, the only other running one I know of now is the challenger class out west.
eh why is it she is not returned to excursion service, if taken care of a locomotive can be rebuilt if it is in need of its recertification for the boiler it takes a few years but if it costs too much there are grants for historical preservation to help just like the ledgenary 765 we have here in north indiana. she aint a mallet, but she is no slouch herself having pulled a record amount of cars up the new river gourge, and running the fastest she has ran last year since 1992 .
Excellent video! please disregaurd the foamer comments left by others. yes it would be nice to see 1218 run agian, but its not economical at this time.
guess its safety before history for them I guess. But I dont really blame them. (For wanting safety before history that is,) But there must have been some way to keep these beautiful engines goin.
@speediracer4 I suppose you have a few thousand dollars to give for just an hour's operation under steam. If you do, why dont you go and spend several millions to get 1218 back on the rails. Add the price of the crew's wage and the cost of coal and water, insurance, and passenger car rental, and diesle assist.
We need N&W 1216 fire up again with N&W Y6a 2156 to run side side N&W J Class 611, NKP 587 and N&W 475 to compete with UP Bigboy 4014, UP Challenger 3875, UP844 and SP4449.
noo dont do that, i did not mean it that way, I am just saying if its not all weathered up it could be done, and I am surprized no one has the interest to do so right now. but money is tight all over the contry I understand.
+Carl Napp they didn't scrap 1218 they were overhauling her when the 1994 cancellation came and so the engine was stored until 2004 when its was cosmeticly restored and she is now back on display at the Virginia museum of transportation and i know this because i saw the engine when i was there for summer break last year along with 611
your welcome and btw the only remaining Y6B 2156 is on loan from St Louis and is back in her birthplace along with 1218.And 611 is back in steam and i also found a site that hopes to one day bring one of O Winston Link's Favorite N&W steam locomotives back to life steamlocomotive1218.webs.com/
Railroad,Preserver,2000 The Y6 at the museum isn't a Y6B, it's a Y6A. All Y6A's and Y6B's were scrapped, and the only reason Y6A 2156 even exists is because a museum bought it before the N&W could scrap it.
there are some strong feelings with the UP first there were Big boys in better shape it should not take so long for the C andO. 614 took only nine months and was in rather poor shape stay bolts took up the most timebut it was two shifts seven days a weekj some might not life to see it a person could have a massive strote illness in the family or not enough money as air fares go one way UP then there I the U tube fan
it always amazes me as to how tall the N&W engines are and engines built just before, during, and after WWII. they are just freaking tall
We need to get 1218 up and running again. Have her meet 4014.
Yep that sounds 👍
My son is named after you @Hayden young, but his last name is Clemons.
@Hayden Young But the N&W 611 still runs at the North Carolina Transportation Museum (NCTM) From time to time
@Hayden Young I'm here in NC to, just about an hour from the museum, sometimes less than that
@Hayden Young The only excursions she does now is at the NC Transportation Museum basically, she does have room there, that's for sure
that whistle is something that will be in my memory for the rest of my life
Wow those N&W engines sure had a virile whistle.! Beautiful.
I rode one of the trips to Front Royal in 1988. In the spring of 1989; I was hired on by the NS Steam Locomotive Department. Learned a lot while I was there. 1218 is a beautiful machine. 611 is as well. Saw her last week at Strasburg.
I would love the 611 and 1218 returned back to service. 1218 is a beast!!! ;}
I was just in front royal today heading back from Shenandoah NP! I think I paralleled these very tracks, If only I had known.....
Magnificent machine - she needs to be up & running again
Great Vid!
Just FYI. Diesels behind Excursion Steamers are more about Insurance and Fuel Savings then anything else (As someone else already mentioned). J Class Locos used to pull 15+ Coaches at 100+ MPH. Less speed and they could easily pull 2-3times that. The A and Y Class Mallets could pull hundreds of loaded Coal Hoppers on even ground, but were routinely pulling ~150 up 3+% grades... Any of the operating Steamers left on Mainline Tracks *Could* run w/o the diesels....
Back when trains were trains! Many of the men in my family worked for N&W: grandfather, father, uncles, etc...
Nice video. Rode behind the 1218 in 1988. Went to the passenger station in Alexandria late the night before the excursion to watch it arrive. Thrilling anticipation and then to finally hear that whistle in the distance and then finally see the approaching headlight. Shot video of the ride and the run by but some a**hole friend of mine recorded over it.
Great shot of 1218's articulation Y-6 style...
cheers
N&W 1218 was very enjoyable to observe operating in excursion service being one example of a handful of operating articulated steam locomotives post steam era. The 1218 had an excursion service career of only four years (1987-1991), I am glad that this engine still exists but it's a shame that the NS steam program had the operating financial issues that they did.
Great to see new footage of her. Thanks for the vid. She is greatly missed along with 611.
That's an amazing machine . . .
The Reading, and the N&W had the least amount of steam locomotives preserved. There's only 4 Reading T1's, and 2 large N&W steam at Roanoke and the 475 at Strasburg.
There is a Y6 preserved at the museum at St. Louis. There is also a locomotive at the Ohio Railway Museum at Columbus, Oh.
The 3985 is a 4-6-6-4....The 1218 and 611 being stuffed and mounted is a crying shame. Such a sad time back in 94'.
I rode behind 1218 a couple of times. Right now they are restoring her old stablemate the 611. "Steam into History" is now operating a replice 4-4-0 with period cars. UP is restoring a Big Boy. And the Western MD Scenic is going to restore C&O Allegheny #1309 to operation hopefully by 2016. Big Times for Steam!
oh indeed, ns is also the primary lines used by 765 since the nickle plate was sucked up by what became norfolk southern, but they usually are very tolarant to the use of their lines for excursions and steam as opposed to csx that is not so kind to steam anymore.
I am 74 years old. I think when I was a little boy I rode a steam passenger train. The reason I say I think is because I remember seeing steam coming from under the engine. At the time too young to appreciate it.
I remain surprised that more of these beautiful steam engines have not been returned to service. Popularity among the general public remains very high. Would think the railroad industry could use the positive PR. My late grandfather retired from SR with 40 years. Started out in the mid 40's on steam, retired in early 80's on diesel electric locomotives. Go Big Green!
+Sonny Dean Union Pacific does exactly this. They maintain a few steam engines and go to various events around the states with UP 844, Challenger UP 3985, and they are now restoring Big Boy UP 4014.
I, too, have history with Southern. Its where I hired in the 70's. Retired from NS. And, I always loved that "Green & Gold and the beautiful E8's! I rode on several of the steam locos--611, 4501, Hudson 2839 & CO 2716. Knew so many of the old Southern guys on the Piedmont Division!
Absolutely CLASSIC!! I came so close to riding these excursions but couldn't get around to it so I missed out! I am very familiar with Front Royal, having passed through there dozens of times on US 340, heading to Skyline Drive & points beyond, but have never noticed a train station! Do you know where it is?
Nice demonstration of articulation and style not repeated by diesel locomotives.
Yes I saw her last weekend. I love going to the Transportation Museums but it kills me to see them sitting there never to operate any longer
*unless I win the lottery. ;-)
As we all know, 611 has long since been restored to service. But I don't think we'll see 1218 again.
There was some talk a few years ago of not just getting the 1218 back on the rails, but a complete overhaul using the latest upgrades to steam technology. The plan was, to make those changes, the compare her total operating costs to a modern diesel.
Are there any plans to restore Norfolk and Western Class A #1218 to operational condition with the latest modern steam technology?
I sure hope that 1218 will run again someday. With Big Boy 4014 currently being restored which is expected to take another 2-4 years it'd be nice if we could have more than 1 articulated steam locomotive in operating condition. I've heard that the N&W Y class was more powerful than a big boy. It wouldn't surprise me if that's true.
Blake Trafford - Mile Post Productions Maybe she will. With 611 back in service it only seems fitting that 1218 gets restored too. I bet 611 is longing to see her big cousin riding the rails again.
Blake Trafford - Mile Post Productions
The Y class only had more tractive effort due to their small drivers. Big Boys out rank the Y's on everything else though (speed, length, horsepower, etc).
BEAUTIFUL train! what a shame its the last run.
Don't know if you are still monitoring your channel and comments, this many years later, but you did an excellent job on this video! Probably the best day I ever had in my life was a trip to Farmville and Crew, Va. in 1958 chasing N&W steam engines and getting up in the cab of one while stopping at Crew! Again, thanks for an amazing job!
Hey, thanks
Superbe !
Man he's sure got that blower turned up when he's dragging around that curve.
Muito bom o trabalho, a iniciativa de se manter viva a história do setor que foi um dos responsáveis do progresso deste país, mais uma vez parabéns !!!!
I love hearing her engines
Put her back in service NOW!
They aren't always helpers. A lot of the time they are there only so if the steam engine fails they can get the train off the line so the business (freight) can get through.
no differents then N&S donating both 1218 and 611 to roanoak VA For out side display.. at least Up is running the 3935 challenger! I did get to see both 1218 and 611 stopped in Erie PA to pickup people for there excurtion runs..Theres talk about N&S butting 611 back into service and UP gettting one of there big boys back in running too.
Great video....sad shes gone
Im at the vmt
If you got about 2 million laying around go talk to NS and the Museum they'd probly let her run if your paying for the rebuild. Shes a clean slate for someone with the cash to rebuild her, then even more cash to run her. Shes cold because of money my friend.
We all agree that we want to see 1218 run again. That's a given. They way it stands as of now, such a restoration IS possible, yet not likely to happen any time soon. Yes, she is missing MANY parts. However, new and replacement parts can be re machined. The question then is, who has the determination, and funds to get her steamed up again? Where will the restoration take place, and where will she be able to run, once she can be steamed again? For now, all we can do is hope and pray. But if UP 4014 and C&O 1309 can be restored, and if they can build a PRR T1 from the ground up, I think that shows that 1218 can be steamed up again. Honestly though, I don't see that happening in the near future.
very nice!
The 21st century has really re sparked steam for a lot of the major railroads. 611 is back in service and I hope 1218 will be back again soon, Southern Railway 630 and 4501 are back, UP is restoring the big boy 4014, CSX is restoring Chessie system 1309, and the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad is restoring 1702.
Not CSX, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is. CSX just transported 1309 on their flat cars. BTW, 1309 is a C&O locomotive.
09trainman
oh. okay
The Creepernator
Not only are the locomotives you listed will operate soon/have been restored, but here in Nashville there are plans to restore Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis #576. It's a mini Class J3 4-8-4, nicknamed the "Dixie Type". It is currently on display at Centennial Park here in Nashville, and it is expected to be fully operational by 2020 or 2021.
Check out the "Fire up the 611" website from the VA Museum of Transportation. They're trying to bring her back.
Shame they don't use her anymore. That whistle!!!
Beautiful
Honestly, I would rather see 1218 go back than 611. That N&W Hooter is so haunting!
What is also wonderful is that the steamer is, this time, the sole motive power .. There's no 'cheater diesel' behind her showing that sort of 'mistrust' in the star's ability to perform the entire show. That's really cool !....Dig ?
I have been told with in 3 to 5 years the 1218 could be up and running
I hope so. 1218 is one of my most favorite steam locomotives.
I should think you could build a new one in that time frame.
That sounds great
UP went simple articulated right after they formed their BUREAU FOR RESEARCH,they refined the 2-6-6-4 of which 3985 is an example and then on that the 4000 series ,BIGBOY,was born.
She would've made a great double header with the engine Hisself, Big Boy
Notice all the Dutch door riding. They don't let you do that anymore. These were great excursions under Claytor.
I think the chance of 1218 coming back is the same as the chance of PRR K4 1361 coming back. It's in pieces, like 1218, although 1218 is fully assembled on the outside for public display. It's hard to believe that in 1987 and 1988 the 1218 and the K4 were operating but now they have parts missing. What a shame. Also, other locomotives that are no longer operating include Reading and Northern 2102 since Oct 1991, and the two PRR locomotives at Strasburg. What PRR and NW steam locos operate today?
Oh yeah I know she is at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, I just meant gone from the rails.
Awsome footage of the Awsome A! :)
UP is still studying the " BIG BOY " restoration,probably 4014,if they go ahead it could be about 4 years before she will be running,CHALLENGER 3985 is undergoing mandatory boiler work and while she is down some cosmetic work to keep her good looking,#1218 should never have been staged,she is such a handsome loco.
Hows that working out for the piece of shit Challenger that Steve ran into the ground?
Wow! A train od a reasonable size and no Diesel helper. This was a powerful loco, I guess.
1:15 Kids get off the track, because that thing is going to start moving and there's nothing you can do about it.
I think the consist here is nothing for 1218 to haul compared to what it was intended to do.
Well I never said I would be the one to do it, and I know running steam is not cheap, it took about 5 years I think to get 765 up and her boiler rebuilt due to the amount of work and funding is always an issue, I am just saying if she is not rusted out she could be restored I am surprised that there is not more interest to restore her, especialy as a mallet style loco with two sets of drivers, the only other running one I know of now is the challenger class out west.
Wow
This beautiful locomotive is still running today?
You are a formidable people, congratulations to preserve its railway history.
It's not still running, it's sadly on static display and it's unlikely for it to return to steam since 611 is restored already
gibiliz
This is an old vhs tape from the 1990's. 1218 doesn't run and is currently on static display at a museum.
Is there a date stamp on this recording? (When was the recording made?)
eh why is it she is not returned to excursion service, if taken care of a locomotive can be rebuilt if it is in need of its recertification for the boiler it takes a few years but if it costs too much there are grants for historical preservation to help just like the ledgenary 765 we have here in north indiana. she aint a mallet, but she is no slouch herself having pulled a record amount of cars up the new river gourge, and running the fastest she has ran last year since 1992 .
damn what a bad ass steam loc is that, twice a big as we got in europe.
Excellent video! please disregaurd the foamer comments left by others. yes it would be nice to see 1218 run agian, but its not economical at this time.
@rwk360 actually there are 13 engines for the NW i believe
nice train
they should diffently restore this engine now that j611 is restored
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩
i wanted if the n&w 1218 ran again
guess its safety before history for them I guess. But I dont really blame them. (For wanting safety before history that is,) But there must have been some way to keep these beautiful engines goin.
Yeah. Not sure how much the 844 can supply for that thru its generators.
I wish 1218 could come back to service, but she is in such horrible condition that it would be easier and cheaper to build a new locomotive. :(
@david245611 Hey, if you can find out where Front Royal Station is, that would be great!
Yes we do
I'd like to add, I've noticed these days that many historic cars have been converted to Head End Power and need an HEP diesel on the consist.
Shame it'll never run again
@speediracer4 I suppose you have a few thousand dollars to give for just an hour's operation under steam. If you do, why dont you go and spend several millions to get 1218 back on the rails. Add the price of the crew's wage and the cost of coal and water, insurance, and passenger car rental, and diesle assist.
Atleast she was not sent to the scrappers torch
what year was this?
i rekon this will pull more than a big boy
Why did they retire her wasn't that N&W's job in the '50s
Where was her "safety diesel" :)
765 did the same without the diesel
We need N&W 1216 fire up again with N&W Y6a 2156 to run side side N&W J Class 611, NKP 587 and N&W 475 to compete with UP Bigboy 4014, UP Challenger 3875, UP844 and SP4449.
Hey mouth breather, you forgot to put FEF3 by UP84tyfucking4
@@threehead99 ... I only knew it by number and mentioned it in my comment because I am not American. Just adore those grand old iron lady bro... 😂😂😂😂
y6b!?
Nope it’s a Claas A 2-6-6-4
Articulation at work.
Zoltan Bebto from WA.Silverdale.
I wouldn't say never.....
noo dont do that, i did not mean it that way, I am just saying if its not all weathered up it could be done, and I am surprized no one has the interest to do so right now. but money is tight all over the contry I understand.
To scrap such a monument is as evil as to kill an elephant!
+Carl Napp they didn't scrap 1218 they were overhauling her when the 1994 cancellation came and so the engine was stored until 2004 when its was cosmeticly restored and she is now back on display at the Virginia museum of transportation and i know this because i saw the engine when i was there for summer break last year along with 611
Railroad,Preserver,2000
What a relief that is. Thanks a lot for letting me know!
Cheers
your welcome and btw the only remaining Y6B 2156 is on loan from St Louis and is back in her birthplace along with 1218.And 611 is back in steam and i also found a site that hopes to one day bring one of O Winston Link's Favorite N&W steam locomotives back to life steamlocomotive1218.webs.com/
Railroad,Preserver,2000
The Y6 at the museum isn't a Y6B, it's a Y6A. All Y6A's and Y6B's were scrapped, and the only reason Y6A 2156 even exists is because a museum bought it before the N&W could scrap it.
there are some strong feelings with the UP first there were Big boys in better shape it should not take so long for the C andO. 614 took only nine months and was in rather poor shape stay bolts took up the most timebut it was two shifts seven days a weekj some might not life to see it a person could have a massive strote illness in the family or not enough money as air fares go one way UP then there I the U tube fan
stt
hlf
nhtd
DOLORES IGLESIAS MENENDEZ