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Friends of 611, I hope

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  • Member since
    July 2004
  • 803 posts
Posted by GP40-2 on Friday, November 20, 2009 11:34 PM
There is a high probability that the N&W J and A will never move on their own power again. Not impossible, but unlikely. The only big Eastern steam that may get running again is the C&O 614, but with the economy in shambles, I wouldn't hold my breath for that happening any time soon either.
  • Member since
    April 2001
  • From: Roanoke, VA
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Posted by BigJim on Friday, November 20, 2009 1:38 PM

I think the point about the geometry is that most of the elevation has been taken out of the curves.

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  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Over yonder by the roundhouse
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Posted by route_rock on Friday, November 20, 2009 9:29 AM

  Wow Jim thats pretty cool! Mr Link would love that shot I am guessing Gary Mullis is a fan of his work?

  As for friends of the 611. It would be tough but not impossible.I dont get the track geometry deal. If that were the case no steam would run. Plus most of the tracks I have run on have never been changed  I think that might ahve been a piece railroads used to keep steam specials off their lines.

  Friends of the 261 are looking for a loco now, but I dont know if 611 would fit the bill or if they were even interested in it.Might be a dream for you but never say never I guess.

Yes we are on time but this is yesterdays train

  • Member since
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  • From: Roanoke, VA
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Posted by BigJim on Friday, November 20, 2009 12:51 AM

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  • Member since
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Posted by NSdreamer on Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:14 PM

I would do it myself, but I'm still in school without a job.

Is that 1218 below your name?

  • Member since
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Posted by dinwitty on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:46 PM

 

thats too much doom and gloom perception.  As far as rigid wheelbase goes it has plenty of equilization for uneven track. Unlike our model counterparts with stiff unflexing wheelbases.

And for specialized parts, its always reproduceable, and for money, start passing the hats around, ready to make some donations?

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Southwest US
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Posted by tomikawaTT on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:34 PM

Help with what?

611 was put out to pasture because the NS was no longer interested in running her.  At the same time they sold all the specialized spare parts needed to maintain her - for scrap.  In the years since, I don't doubt that they've long since been converted to saw blades and mattress springs.

Then there's the minor detail of having a place to run a stiff, long-wheelbase locomotive.  Since the demise of steam there have been subtle changes in track geometry that make it better for diesels and not as good for steam.  Granted that track utilization is down for the moment, but it will probably pick back up to a level that finding a gap in a busy schedule may get to be an adventure.

How about people to rebuild and maintain her?  Those with the necessary skills are mostly punching the timeclock in God's Big Backshop.  The few still on earth are all plenty busy working on locos that are still in steam or being prepped for use by certain dates on operating railroads.

Last, but hardly least, Ton$ and ton$ of $$$$!!  And very little possibility of EVER making enough to repay the base cost - or even cover ordinary operating expenses.  Since the Obama High Speed Rail plan doesn't include locomotives that can only cruise at 90mph...

Don't get me wrong.  I would LOVE to see 611 back in operation.  I would also like a (fill in most improbable dream here.)

Chuck

  • Member since
    February 2009
  • 61 posts
Friends of 611, I hope
Posted by NSdreamer on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:41 PM

Could someone PLEASE start a program to run J 611. I can't stand the fact that it's fading away in a museum. YOU, I MEAN YOU, HAVE TO HELP. If you can't, tell someone who can.

J 611 is currently store at the VMT in Roanoke, VA.

Cars for an excursion can be found at http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!

Tags: J 611

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