"GOING HOME" - N&W J

An old tape I have highlighting the rebirth of Norfolk & Western J #611 in the early 80's. Considered among the finest examples of late-era steam, these streamlined, efficient thoroughbreds were built by N&W and pulled passenger trains for nearly a decade. Fortunately #611 was saved from the cutting torch and pulled excursions from 1982-1994. This film documents the work leading up to that era. It has since been displayed at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, alongside another N&W excursion star, Class A 2-6-6-4 #1218. This film really captures the spirit of running one of man's most beloved creations. Both railroaders and railfans alike wait patiently for her return....
Sorry about the 3 parts- - this was uploaded before KZbin allowed longer videos.
Thanks to switchstand for the content and CoasterTroy80 for video transfer & sound.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

There are many reasons why the Js were phenomenal: Roller bearings all over, acceleration, extremely precise counterbalancing that led to very smooth riding, huge boiler and firebox to generate prodigious amounts of steam, easy to fire, quick and easy to maintain (by steam locomotive standards), can go hundreds of miles without greasing stops due to automatic lubrication on 220 parts, the list goes on.

[@TommyZTrains]

Doesn't get any better!!

[@Midland1072Productions]

Not many things make me cry now adays. This one of them.

[@arrowguy173]

Thanks! Glad everyone enjoys this. We can only hope someone with the right authority (& money lol) will make the decision to bring her back to life. Programs like this and the 1218 (link above ratings) demonstrate their impact on people. As wonderful as it is to have mainline steam in the western states, it is heartbreaking to visit the Roanoke museum, knowing these machines should be running.

[@PrimeMoverVideos]

It was a great time for sure, I was blessed in that I saw the 611 many, many times. If there ever was an engine that DESERVES to run it is her, she is the pinnacle plus she was home built by Roanoke. If the UP can maintain a steam program so can NS.

[@NWPowhatanArrow611]

I love that 3-chime hancock whistle! Even though I've read that UP 3985, 844 and SP 4449 carry 3-chime hancocks as well, they each sound slightly different than the 611's whistle.

[@southern2716]

Great seeing Bill Purdie in action! He gave me the same speech about left hand thread water column parts (6:00) when we were working on A&WP 290 a few years ago.

[@NorfolkWestern484]

I LOVE THE CLASS J N&W 6-1-1

[@GregHool]

Thanks so much for posting these. Somewhere locked away above my father's house we have a copy of this video. It's likely been 20 years since I've watched it and I still get the same chills I got when I was younger. 611 is a true gem of engineering and railroading. As unlikely as it is that we'll see her move under her own power we all can dream of the hopeful day in the future when a string of cars will be pacing her while she steams down the rails once more. Thanks for the memories!

[@rancocaskid]

Wow Nothing like a great steam engine, and that fits 611

[@Beatles65Shea]

Wow, this video brings tears to my eyes. In the early '50s I rode on the Powhatan Arrow between Welch and Bluefield, WV. I will never forget that experience and also will never forget the sound of the whistle as the train came through the tunnel into the station. I would love to see one of the J class 611 locomotives again. Also rode many N&W passenger trains back and forth from Cincinnati (Union Terminal) in the '60s. I feel very fortunate to have had those experiences.

[@auburn2008db]

Great video. Was enjoying to watch! Thanks

[@trainmanjg611]

The thing I like about the N&W J 611 is this. She has a modern look like the 4449. 2 she was built in the state I was born. She's from Virgnia and I'm from Virginia

[@Ericstrains]

great vid!

[@arrowguy173]

Thanks for sharing. I hope the 611 & 290 return to the rails someday.

[@jamesbelcher8509]

Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 J Class Locomotive 611 0:21 [train chugging] 3:16 [train chugging raced] 3:20 [train chugging] 2:26 [Narrator] The J's pulled America's last fine 2:29 steam train the Powathan Arrow daily between Norfolk and Cincinnati, Ohio. 5:25 In the 1940s, Norfolk and Western & Southern jointly operated passenger trains over their rails. 5:30 And these crack 5:33 streamlined trains were often pulled by the power of J class locomotives.

[@jamesbelcher8509]

5:25 In the 1940s, Norfolk and Western & southern jointly operated passenger trains over their rails. 5:30 And these crack 5:33 streamlined trains were often pulled by the power of J class locomotives.

[@arrowguy173]

@betjon It's an honor to hear from you! How great it must have been. I want nothing more than for 611 to reclaim her place alongside the finest in steam.

[@KD5XB]

We need another Jim Bistline!

[@rcnut5112]

Next to flying scotsman this is one of the best

[@RyanChugg]

magical! Engine

[@jamesbelcher8509]

2:29 The J's pulled America's last fine steam train the Powathan Arrow.

[@trainmandan05]

Welcome Back N&W 611!

[@jamesbelcher8509]

2:26 The J's pulled America's last fine steam train the Powathan Arrow daily between Norfolk, Virginia and Cincinnati, Ohio.

[@arrowguy173]

I do too, along with the NYC Hudsons.

[@danielboone3770]

I really love this video of N&W #611. This is one of my favorite trains and the locomotive is just downright spectacular. How grawesome is this?

[@arrowguy173]

@Beatles65Shea Great post! Thanks for sharing.

[@thatvintageguyXD]

611 is running in 2015

[@southern2716]

@Bassfanatic94 The rails used in the 80's and today are not only heavier, but are welded instead of jointed. The J ran on far better track in excursion service than she did in actual service.

[@BritanniaPacific]

norfolk and western built the most sucsessful and best steam locomotives 611 is one of them

[@Bassfanatic94]

I'm surprised that 611 did snap some of the tracks it ran on. It's weight wasn't made for the rails it ran on during the 80s. Diesels ran on most of them and obviously, diesels don't weigh as much as a J class steam locomotive.

[@mmandmcb14]

Footage used for Shining Time Station.

[@Bassfanatic94]

At 1:15 is that another tender except in black behind her? I love this series of clips!

[@IKAPPYI1]

Part of the reason that we can't have 611 back now is because of the economy so NS decided 2 smaller consolidation locos were better and since they were smaller means less maintenance an more money to keep. Maybe when the economy turns around we'll get some real results. So give to time and something will come. NS's new CEO Wick Moorman says he'd like 611 better but it's too much money to restore so satisfy the public with a steam program while benefiting the company.

[@jay600katana]

@betjon,I wish I could have heard her bark, maybe one day NS will bring her back. at least shes being taken care of

[@arrowguy173]

1950, along with 612 & 613

[@TG-cf6qb]

5:20 Thomas: WHAT THE FUCK

[@jamesbelcher8509]

0:21 [train chugging]

[@mcr0928]

everyone, i have a 1942 aug 1-15 book with this origanal add for the new haven railroad with this locomotive in it.......and its real.!

[@Marky2029]

What is the name of the track that comes out at the beginning of the video? or what artist he is, I would like to know

[@arrowguy173]

Sorry I wish I knew. You might try Shazam app on your phone while playing this.

[@mcr0928]

ubt it has that # on it. and im sure its real cuz i got it from my closest college.

[@BritanniaPacific]

@trainmanjg611 damn

[@Rckstar113]

Not this one... she wasn't built until 1950 ; )

[@robertgift]

SHUT UP and LET US HEAR the cylinders drawing air. Want to hear more of what ENGINEERS said instead of narrator. Otherwise, good film.