N&W 1218: Birmingham to Columbus November 12, 1989: Part 1

[@dcoursey82]

Wow...I've never heard an N&W hooter wail and moan the way it did in scene 3. Such a lonesome and eerie sound. I can't imagine how beautiful that would sound at night echoing from far away.

[@BWAProductions]

Wow! I was a kid on this excursion!! My dad chased it on Sunday!! Memories.

[@Jakey611]

I was on this trip, working in The Heart of Dixie railway museums Commissary car. What I wouldn't give to do this trip again! HOD sponsored NS's trips out of Birmingham, and we were the first and last trip each year because 611 and 1218 were wintered in Bham. What a priviledge it was to host these trips AND ESPECIALLY see the joy and excitement on a childs face that had never ridden a train before! I miss all of it!!

[@larrywisener1375]

I too was working in the commissary car along with Gilbert Routman on this run. The morning was quite cold with a heavy frost. We kept the side doors open much of the time, leaning against the rail enjoying the cold air, coal smoke, and extraordinary viewing. Especially when crossing the tall Hatchet Creek trestle near Hollins. I always felt that this route was the most scenic of all the excursion routes sponsored by the Heart of Dixie out of Birmingham. An odd note--motive power for this route was provided by Southern 4501 or Norfolk & Western 1218. Norfolk & Western 611 could not be used because the weight concentration on the smaller 611 locomotive exceeded the weight distribution limits of the Coosa River bridge at Childersburg. The much heavier 1218 has an acceptable weight distribution over the longer wheelbase, twelve drivers, and six bogie wheels.

[@benlyons7752]

I was just a kid back then. I have a vague memory of this.

[@Spiritpup5]

I remember seeing excursion in the 70's from b'ham to Columbus,Ms... and it stopped to pick up riders in Millport,Al

[@atsfevan0242]

Don't you mean the 80s

[@atsfevan0242]

@sable Animal crossing hey be nice

[@NW-gi1cp]

Nice

[@bhamrails]

Great vid.