I have heard that there is a movement afoot to get N&W Class J #611 back under steam. Is this ture? If so, how is the money to be appropriated and when would one expect to see this beautiful locomotive back in service? Is there a plan to allow extersions for the public like those in the 1990's? I was disappointed that NS restored the old 2-8-0 Southern Railway locomotive, only to have it used by "important people" and not the public in general for excursions.
Craig North Carolina
From what i've heard on this subject, NS would be agreeable to hosting a restored 611, but will not participate in the restoration nor fund the venture , thus you are correct that there is a movement afoot between her owner the VTM and private indvidules to determine the fesibility, current mechanical/physical condition, cost to restore and operate and as a private venture I suppose would be expected to pay for itself through lease and/or public/private excursions. NS has no desire to revise the steam progam.
I wouldn't be so quick to deride the restoration of 610, not owned or restored by NS, she fulfills her owners requirements who devoted hard earned dollars and many years of labor to bring her back from the dead, those same caring indvidules are also returning the Sou 4501 to service after many years of slumber, personally 4501 will always be a favorite and I look forward to her return.
Cool, now we have East Coast equivelent to our West Coast Big Boy restoration rumor!
Dave
Find out more here: http://fireup611.org/main/index.php
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I remember watching 611. One thing I recall is that the front trucks are hard sprung(laterally) for speed and so it doesn't like sharp turns/turnouts. I've also seen it hit it's knees.
Richard