N & W 611 invited to participate in 2014 NS 21st Century Steam Program
Fire Up the 611 is an effort to restore the last of the Norfolk & Western J Class 4-8-4 steam engines to operation and return her to passenger service. It is an ambitious campaign that will require the financial support of rail fans around the world.
April 28, 1992 westbound from Roanoke to Bristol with a ferry run, N&W 611 is just outside Glade Spring, Va. The engine will be turned on the wye with the old Saltville Branch, and towed into Bristol to be in place for a round trip passenger excursion the next weekend. There was no place to turn the engine in Bristol (until the end of 1957, the Js and other N&W steam power were turned on the turntable at the roundhouse, about a mile north of the depot). Photo by Ron Flanary.
The 21st Century Steam program provides steam rail excursions throughout the Norfolk Southern’s operating territory. To participate in the Steam program in 2014, the Museum will need to raise the necessary funds by October 31, 2013.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation must reach its goal to raise $3.5 million by the end of October for the 611 to participate in Norfolk Southern’s 21st Century Steam Program in 2014.
No. 611 was built in May 1950 to pull the famous Powhatan Arrow passenger train from Norfolk to Cincinnati. After retiring in 1959, the engine was displayed at the transportation museum in Wasena Park then withdrawn in 1981 for restoration at the Southern Railway steam shop in Birmingham, Ala.
Donate to Fire Up 611!
21st Century Steam is a partnership between Norfolk Southern and TVRM to operate steam-powered excursions throughout the territory Norfolk Southern serves. More information is available on the 21st Century Steam website at www.21stcenturysteam.com.
21st Century Steam Program
Fire Up 611! Posted by Fire Up 611! Team | June 28, 2013. The Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Locomotive is one of the finest American locomotives ever made. For years she pulled the famed Powhatan Arrow passenger train from …
Publish Date: 06/28/2013 4:20
http://fireup611.org/watch/
Update on The Virginia Museum of Transportation: Fire Up 611 …
The Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Fire Up 611! Committee will announce the findings of the Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Feasibility Study on Friday, June 28 at a press conference at 11 am. The public is invited …
Publish Date: 06/24/2013 12:57
http://daysofsteam.com/?p=318
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