Fans of the locomotive have long said this railroad-built Class J is the most stylish, powerful, and useful engine ever built for passenger service. Though as years progressed they openly doubted if the 4-8-4 passenger locomotive would ever again turn a wheel under its own power.
Hope returned with mainline steam excursions in recent years and a promise from Norfolk Southern’s then-CEO, Wick Moorman, that 611 would run again. It ran this year sounding its three-chime Hancock long-bell whistle through the Blue Ridge mountains to the North Carolina Piedmont. Trains that 611 pulled nearly all sold out. Its passengers hailed from as far away as Japan and Russia.
Just shy of its 65th birthday in March, No. 611’s firebox glowed. It had been the first time the boiler had steam pressure since December 1994 — at the end of the original NS steam program. Restorers found and repaired only a few minor leaks. Before long, the J was buttoned up in a streamlined sheet metal dress and ready for service.
The homecoming trip that followed and other excursions saw crowds upon crowds of people trackside. All the trips went as planned expect for her Spencer to Greensboro, N.C., break-in run that had the tender and the cab touching on a sharp wye.
No. 611 now sits side-by-side with fellow Roanoke, Va., clan members N&W Class A No. 1218 and Y6a No. 2156 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation awaiting future excursions for next year.
For the joy brought to the public and railfans as a result of 611’s return and the improbable, but welcome, support of a billion-dollar corporation (Norfolk Southern), Trains editors mark The Return of 611 as the No. 3 story of 2015.
For the last 10 (business) days of the year, Trains editors will present the Top 10 stories of the year in reverse order starting Dec. 16 and finishing on Dec. 31.
See the other stories here:
It amazes me that with the many great steam engines that built our country, that everyone slobers all over 611 like none of the others matter. Can't wait til 4014 comes out. We will see who even remembers those digits 6-1- and 1 together anymore.
could a fire up 1218 be in order soon? hmm…..
I'm curious what #2 is. I'd bet good money that #1 is the late breaking, but irresistible and still much unresolved ongoing merger/takeover drama between CP & NS. I can't possibly fathom what other story of 2015 could top that. But we'll know soon enough.
I'm kinda surprised this isn't #1