How do we bring back the N&W steam program?

[Anonymous]

I actually have a great idea as to how to accomplish this.  It is giong to take some work and a bunch of volunteers.  I am currently in discussions with the Fort Wayne Railway Historical Society to get details on costs of restoration, operation, etc.  The FWRHS operates the Nickel Plate Berkshire 765 and have restored the engine as well as operate it with a huge volunteer staff.  Once I have this information, I am going to work on a business plan to see if this can be accomplished.  It is a bit detailed, so I am not going to post it on this board, as of yet.  Id like to see what kind of interest there is on making this happen.  My email is [e-mail] and I would love to hear from any of you that love the Norfolk & Western steam program as much as myself.

 

[VAPEURCHAPELON]

What kind of reaction do you expect after your post on this forum? If you were useing the search engine you could have seen that this has been discussed to some degree. You could get positive statements and any form of written and spoken support, but - you know - this isn't enough. What do you expect here?

[cnwfan51]

   I have to agree with the above post You will get ALL kinds of positive posts here but bottom line is of course MONEY and INSURANCE, Who does own the engines I dont think the Norfolk Southern does any more but rather the city of   Ronoke,   Dont get me wrong i would love to see those two monsters under steam and Hope you can get something accomplished  to see these two run again but I feel that you are whistling in the wind on this one   Happy New Year    Larry

[Cheese]

Oh No,

NS still owns the locos, hence why they will never operate again. The Virginia Museum or Transport has apparently made offers to buy 611 as they would like to restore it, but the NS wont budge.

I would love for this to happen, and even though it won't help much, I would contribute money when I could, but being a 16 year old, it wouldn't go far. Good Luck and I hope it works.

Cheese

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Reviving the NS steam program is just not going to happen.  It would take a whole lot more money and time than most of us can put together.  NS is running a transportation business and has apparently decided that the cost of maintaining and operating 611 and 1218 outweighs any public relations value.  It is not an unreasonable decision.  Similarly, I would think that it is a matter of time before UP comes to the same conclusion regarding 844 and 3985.  The locomotives aren't getting younger and replacement parts are getting more expensive.

[cnwfan51]

   You more then likely right about the Union Pacific and thier attitude about the steam program   rumor has it if and when Steve Lee retires then the steam program will be allowed to die on the vine  like FRNs everywhere I hope and pray this doesnt happen   CNW FOREVER   Larry