N&W J, 611 roars past at 60 and 70 mph on the Nickel Plate Road in PA & NY. August 12, 1984

[@JerryNSretired]

I watched 611 thru Lowell, NC one night when they are way late due a derailment. I heard the dispatcher ask 611 if he could make it into Charlotte (NC) ahead of Amtrak. The reply was, "Yes, over". "How fast ya runnin' now, over" Answer: 79 MPH!!!! That was maximum passenger train speed permitted on the Division. He was BOOKIN' when the gates came down, and clickety-clack, clickety-clack----GONE! Yep, He made it to Charlotte without clearing up, Amtrak couldnt CATCH him if they tried! ;)

[@PrimeMoverVideos]

Frank Collins was a sight to behold, he hired on back in the early 50's and was a Radford man....he knew steam very well. He ran the J's and A's back in regular revenue service and when 611 returned in 82' he very quickly became "the go to guy" as a RFE on the N&W and with his past steam experience he was a natural fit. He could always get the maximum out of the 611 and then the 1218 before finally retiring. And no one, I mean no one could play that Hancock like Frank...it was pure music. Sad that he passed not long after retirement.

[@haroldfannin9554]

O Scale Chris Frank was indeed the best!!

[@dylanwatson1287]

He, Bill Purdie and Jack Taylor were the best engineers ever!

[@1940limited]

My wife and I were on this trip. I'll never forget it. What a great experience it was. We didn't take any video, but did get lots of color photographs. I'll never forget the roar of the stack at 60+ as we approached Erie, PA.

[@dylanwatson1287]

I love how at the end the exhaust seems to get louder and louder as Frank was gettin her hooked up again. A true master showing folks how a J class engine would depart with tons of acceleration back in the regular steam era.

[@Thej611]

This really shows the queen's grace and speed. And it looks effortless. It's amazing that she can pull such a long train and maintain these speeds over long distances. She really is an incredible piece of engineering

[@jay600katana]

AMEN! N&W didn't build steam engines, they wrote the book on it! Long live the queen.

[@southwestvirginiarailfan729]

That's what the J was built for, hauling ass with a 20+ car train when necessary and when required, digging in for a climb.

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

I wish the great dismal swamp accident didn’t happen because we could still have steam locomotives going this fast

[@justahillbilly7777]

@@That_Thicc_Cat The Great Dismal Swamp derailment happened in 1986, not 1984.

[@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast]

I can now say with confidence that I have watched 611 on video whilst riding on 611. Good stuff Jack!

[@1jackdk]

Thank you novarail, and thanks for watching.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

To think we'll never see 611 go past 40 mph ever again, she was built for high speed running, and sister 610 did 110 mph with no issue. Yeah her left gear ran dry later, but not because of how fast she went, but because she went 2,100 miles without refilling the lubricators. Still, a real treat we still have 611 today, regardless of being limited now.

[@T-rick]

There's a few clips of 611 doing 60mph back in 2015 for the first test run. Still better than nothing

[@bov634]

Frank wasn't scared to let her eat. I've watched this video 100000 times, never gets old

[@JerryNSretired]

Thanks! As a retiree, it was nice to work with the 611 and the others of the Southern/NS steam program.

[@tomshiba51]

This engine came through the town I was living in during the eighties. When it blew it's whistle, my oldest daughter dove through the driver's side door open window of the family car. She didn't like that noise at all.

[@TrainBubba]

That whistle is so recognizable, an everso mournful sound. A shame her fires have been put out for no one to witness anymore, instead, a static display in Roanoke. Great video Jack!

[@dylanwatson1287]

The last shot of her getting underway again is just pure awesomeness and don't get much better than that!

[@1jackdk]

She sure did sound fantastic. Would love to see her hit the rails again.

[@Eggomania86]

I got to ride behind 611 twice! My first time was when I was 7 back in 89 from Connieaut OH to Buffalo NY. I got to ride behind her again from Manassas to Front royal. last year. she is a beast that's for sure! I know NS restricts its steam excursions to 40 mph. it's awesome to watch 611 running at speed before they placed speed restrictions. at 70 mph she doesn't even break a sweat. The Roanoke shops rated a J class steam locomotive to run at top speeds of 142 mph. But she never attained that speed. the fastest recorded speed from a J was 115 mph. pulling 14 cars she is the most powerful 4-8-4 ever built 5000hp 84000 lbs of tractive effort.

[@randgust]

I'm pretty sure this was the trip I rode. Really appreciate this video! YES, it really was going this fast. I remember that riding in the open recording car, the exhaust was just a blur - no beats at all. We overtook and passed a Conrail TV train on the parallel double track just outside Buffalo. The acceleration of 611 with the train from 50 to 70+ was astounding.

[@craigm2520]

Haha not surprised N&W's engines were designed so well they still could beat diesels today in terms of pulling power and speed. Maintenance was the only downfall although N&W even had that pretty well streamlined.

[@jmcuoco9986]

Look at that beast haulin' ass! 611 is such an extraordinary locomotive!

[@dylanwatson1287]

And yes she really turned it on that day as she flew like a swiss watch to Buffalo and back to Erie. There's some footage from that same video I have someone pacing her along the old Nickel Plate back to Erie at almost 75 or 80+ miles an hour. Frank and the guys running really knew their stuff in how they can run her extremely fast and do it without derailing.

[@craigm2520]

My Aunt & Uncle were on 611 in 94 from Buffalo to Conneaut. They have footage on the train and their cruising at 45 mph. Not 60 but still very cool none the less

[@CSX8954]

if you look at it too long you would never think it was 1984 with the quality it look like it was vintage steam age. Love this video

[@AlexTrain5249]

THAT WHISTLE!!!!!

[@tomtroszak]

@jackmp294.5™ I think these may be the fastest runs of 611 on youtube! Thanks so much for posting them. :-)

[@rwk360]

NS allowed open window coaches and open vestibules back then. There will be public excursions with 765 this year, in central PA west of Harrisburg and possibly this line to Buffalo, NY and other lines.

[@TheNWClassA1218]

Great video, chase, and actions! I still love 611's whistle! I can't wait until it gets fully restored and runs its first excursion in 21 years. It'll be great to see something other than diesel-electrics on NS for once

[@wiestbound]

NorfolkSouthernTrain3406 *cough* 765, 630, 4501 *cough*

[@jamesmccann1097]

+Jordan W now remember that steam locomotives were designed for particular jobs. 611 was designed for passenger service 765 was designed for mile a minute freight and that's something that 765 likes to do. The 765 and her sister designs ushered in the super power era and 611 came later. 630 and 4501 were well before the the super power era. The ATSF 3751 class were rated for 100 MPH with 10 mph tolerance ( 110 mph ). And don't forget the Daylight, if you never have seen the Daylight make an effort to see it in person videos and pictures don't do it justice. I had got to ride behind the J on these trips and it was awesome!! I hope we get to see that again some day.

[@mrshea924]

cough Seven sixty-five, six-thirty, forty-five "o" one cough

[@jamesmccann1097]

But were lucky to have them all these days!

[@mrshea924]

I agree. I've never seen them, though.

[@dongaiser]

Oh man! I had the pleasure of working the commissary car for two trips to Front Royal VA the last year she ran. I was so depressed when they retired her. Thanks for the fond memories!!!

[@hiawathabeast]

24 cars huh? i'd like to what's the longest excursion train 611 ever pulled. btw, she was MOVING, 1 thing that sucked being born in '92 for me was never getting to see her run. i'd love to see that, 611 is pretty much my favorite northern, and i hope she returns to the mainline in the future. we still love you 611.

[@justahillbilly7777]

The longest excursion 611's ever pulled, as far as I know, was a Detroit to Fort Wayne excursion in 1992 that was sponsored by the Bluewater Chapter of the NRHS. You can see a video of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5qtfKuoYsR7bZI

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

Man, 611's whistle here sounds like it wasn't broken in properly. I can see why she would get two more whistles during her exercusion career on the NS 20th Century Steam Program.

[@haroldfannin9554]

JCBro2014 611's whistle sounded best in 82,90,mid 93,and 1994!!

[@1jackdk]

Yes, your right! I checked my notes, and the actual date was August 12, 1984. Thanks for watching...

[@ffjsb]

110 mph was the fastest a Class J ever went, but they had a theoretical top speed of 140. The British Mallard has the record at 126, but it's only about half the weight of a J Class. Way more impressive to see a J go flying by.

[@bov634]

The mallard was pulling 6 cars downhill when it made 126.5 mph, then it broke down and had to be towed to the next station....most North American 4-6-4's and 4-8-4's would slap mallard with a boat puddle. Love the J, steam on my friend

[@brianfalzon6739]

Wish 611 would return to PA again one day, maybe a Layover in Jim Thorpe and pull excursions out of Scranton as well too.

[@kansasstatealerting2874]

Brian Falzon You know 611 has been going to Strasburg, PA and had been running at the Strasburg Railway Museum.

[@anasiacameronelijahedcpndc4324]

Imagine if she operated at the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern railroad?

[@brianfalzon6739]

@@anasiacameronelijahedcpndc4324 that’ll be awesome!

[@PrimeMoverVideos]

That is a great story...I loved watching her run....beautiful. Thanks

[@1jackdk]

Sounds like the ole black beauty is going to roll again! Cain't wait. Thanks for watching...

[@LumityCanon4131]

the good old Norfork and Western steam engine I heard that the Norfork Southern already made the Heritage for it already but its not the Steam engine though great shot Jack. Michael Scott

[@1jackdk]

I like it!!! He was WHEEEEELIN!!! I know that olr girl would have no problem doing it. Thanks for sharing that neat story, and thanks for watching...

[@PrimeMoverVideos]

Before NS mandated a 40mph speed limit for steam they really hauled the mail. Great running like that could always be counted on with Frank at the throttle...he became one with the 611. And since he ran steam back in the day he knew how to get the best out of her. Her whistle is a Hancock long bell 3 chime, this is what all the "J's" carried. Great clips...looks like that was from her trip up to Buffalo.

[@JimKissane]

On think that on that day (Aug 12th) Robert Claytor was the Engineer

[@gregrowe1168]

If they would allow, 611 could go much faster. I've heard she's topped 100 mph back in the day before she was retired. Her and UP 844 4-8-4 were probably 2 of the fastest passenger steam locomotives ever ran here in the U.S.

[@dylanwatson1287]

I have a video called "Bridges to Buffalo" from Hopewell Productions which shows that same excursion to Buffalo from Erie. It actually begins with 611 making deadhead ferry move to Erie from Bellevue, Ohio yard via Cleveland, etc. and the at end covers 611 doubleheading with 765 for the NRHS convention in Cincinnati. Yes Frank Collins was the engineer with his protege and successor of road foreman of steam for NS Bob Saxtan firing. Great video that shows some of both 611 and Frank's finest running together.

[@jamesmccann1097]

+Dylan Watson if you get the chance watch Queen of the fleet by Hopewell. It has 611 running from Bellevue to Fort Wayne at 86 mph at the end and I know this because i'm good friends with the gentleman who is filming the pace. I own both videos and Queen is the better of the two.

[@dylanwatson1287]

+James McCann I just finally received that video the other day and yes I prefer over it also over "Bridges to Buffalo 1984." Both videos are tons of fun to watch especially when 611 was running at speeds that she was meant to do in the first place between Continental, Ohio and Fort Wayne with Bob Claytor at the throttle. I love it when Rich Melvin says, " Remember Mr. Claytor- Who's gonna tell the boss to slow down." The folks on board especially the crew always got a real ride on the 611 when Claytor and Frank Collins as well was at the throttle.

[@jamesmccann1097]

They're both great videos I don't think any other commercial videos show 611 running that fast. Maybe someday she can go to Chicago someday and they will turn her loose like 765!

[@dylanwatson1287]

+James McCann I sure hope so too although I am always grateful she is back running again in my generation which is most important but she still needs her new maintenance shop to be built at the museum in Roanoke so she can stay in tip top condition regardless no matter if NS is only allowing a few trips a year nowadays. They are being kind and generous to let her and the crew use Schaffer's Crossing(just up the road from downtown) also in Roanoke and Spencer when she does need maintenance and a rest.

[@dylanwatson1287]

+James McCann It also depends on mostly how well or bad traffic is on NS as a whole and of course the insurance and liability factors that play a huge role in these excursions and locomotives also.

[@davidhyer3404]

Now lets get 1218 fired up...

[@1jackdk]

I couldn't agree more. FINE machine she is....

[@GTWDude]

David Hyer well lets see we have big boy 4014 in restoration 1309 chessipeak and Ohio that's going to be running during the Fourth of July week we just got nofolk and western 611 running again 3 years ago still running so maybe we could see 1218 get another run but the huge problem wit that his that I hear that it has a boiler crack in it so it would make it almost impossible to restore but then if it was restored and being pulled by Diesel engine at least we would be able to keep some of the rods on the locomotive

[@jay600katana]

don't know about the crack but as I'm to understand 1218 is an empty shell with a brand new firebox, anything can be fixed with money. IF the money could be raised, it would be something to see her working hard at the head of a heavy freight train if NS would allow it. We can be thankful NS is allowing steam to operate and1218 is safe in a good home at the very least.

[@haroldfannin9554]

611 doing what she does best! Running and running fast!!

[@1jackdk]

For sure. That baby sure did run. Thanks for watching...

[@NSHorseheadSD70]

Incredible footage Jack. Always love watching the J especially at track speed.

[@phantombrakeman4983]

Those were the days! Steam program at it's best. How I miss the early trips.

[@chambs123]

Love 611....always have & always will do! Best regards, John.

[@jamesmccann1097]

Good memories as i was riding sundays trip. No watching the engine out the window that day as the cinders would tear your skin up at those speeds. Had made some stereo recordings on board but it just sounded like a jet engine as you see here.

[@aidennies7966]

Cool video!!!!!! I LOVE that engine.

[@brianfalzon6739]

It’s upsetting how mainline steam excursion operations aren’t like this anymore. Wish they will just come back to the mainline in the future!

[@jim40135]

Two tenders (?) plus Load 24 and it accelerates like that?! No shortage of horses there...

[@Mogadad1]

Before the Dismall Swamp Accident and the 45 Mph speed limit

[@TrainmanBrando]

she entered service in August 1982

[@MaestroDawg65]

Look at ole Black Beauty roll!

[@Crusader1815]

This is what the whistle should sound like.

[@AlexTrain5249]

OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!

[@luketansiongco3953]

Crusader1815 The Flying Scotsman needs a whistle like that.

[@17nhvrailroader]

Man, just think what it would be like in 2015 when they get her rollin if they would let her pull a 24 car train at 60-70 M.P.H. with NO DIESELS!!! But, I guess, she could still be a museum piece... so 40 M.P.H. with a diesels isn't too bad. Can't wait!!!

[@KLTrainz]

611 only needed a diesel if there is a grade that required dynamic brakes. The few times she went to Saluda and to the Loops, other than that, she rarely carried one. The smaller engines like 630 and 4501 take diesels also to help stretch out how far the engine can go without refueling or replenishing water. And the speed limits have been 40 ever since the Great Dismal Swamp Crash in the mid 80s. They were lucky there weren't going 75-80 when that accident happened, otherwise there would have fatal results.

[@tomshiba51]

I just noticed that the engine pulled the whole train without the assist and back-up of a diesel engine. Is the diesel locomotive required by regulation on these nowadays?

[@bsnare1797]

Diesel locomotives are not required by regulators. The two main reasons you will see diesel locomotives are: 1), To help alleviate insurance costs and fears of a break down on the mainline, and 2), to provide head-end-power to passenger cars. That is the reason you see Amtrak locomotives behind engines like 261, 4449, and 3751. Occasionally, diesel locomotives are actually required to help the steam locomotives. Examples of this include 611 with the SOU heritage unit when going to Asheville, due to the long passenger train and gradient. When the 765 ran the Horseshoe Curve public trips, the two diesels were used to help increase the 765's range.

[@tomshiba51]

BSnare17 Thank you for the details.

[@justahillbilly7777]

@@bsnare1797 And when she first went up Horseshoe curve in 2011 with 8100, it was there to also extend her range and it was used to help her get up to the 25MPH limit for the majority of the trip. It was cut off when coming up to the curve and going through it so that 765 would put on one heck of a show on the curve and that she did!

[@GTRailFanProductions]

What crossing is the first scene in Erie? Greengarden Blvd?

[@1jackdk]

I believe it was GT Rail Fan.

[@trainmanjg611]

did the auxillary tender in this video that had 611's paint scheme get sold to milwaukee road 261?

[@NW-gi1cp]

Good times 😌

[@MarkRambo]

Excellent!!!

[@aerobee58]

Where is she now? Great vid.

[@LukeTansiongco]

I seriously wanna know what whistle she used here, it sounds quite different to the one she used in '83, as well as the years after this. That being said, I know it's a 3 chime of sorts; could literally be it's OG whistle as far as I know.

[@PrimeMoverVideos]

Virginia Museum of Transportation along with the 1218.

[@PainesvilleRailfans]

How in the world could you beat the 611 from erie to northeast, then again at ripley??? At 60 mph?

[@1jackdk]

They stopped for a bunch of run-bys, plus a couple of meets. Or he would have been gone. LOL. Thanks for watching...

[@HOscaleRR]

611 doing what she was built to do

[@anasiacameronelijahedcpndc4324]

I wish 611 would run excursions from trendon new jersey to mystic, CT at speeds from 60MPH to 70MPH to 80MPH to 90MPH they would have done that from 1982-1995

[@1jackdk]

Oh yah! That baby can fly! Thanks for watching...

[@gregrowe1168]

They've also got 2156, a class Y6a over at the St Louis Museum of Transportation along with #4006 UP Big Boy

[@arkitect156]

I'd love to see more steam engines do excursions like this. Higher speed long distance trains. Like when they used to run.

[@Kashi-K]

too bad we wont ever see 611 run at 70 mph anymore

[@EngineerDaylight]

611 sounds a lot like 4014 at the start

[@brucetharpe762]

2:20 611 at speed!

[@deshaunstrains9962]

I know i maybe wrong but is it true that 611 hit a semi truck in 1953

[@1jackdk]

611 seemed to be in a lot of mishaps. 1950 it hit a car in Ohio. 1952 it hit a tractor trailer loaded with ice cream, also in Ohio. 1953 it hit a bakery truck in WV. Four days later, it hit another tractor trailer denting its nose and crushing the foot steps. 1956 it derailed at 50mph on a 30mph curve, rolled down an embankment killing the engineer, and injuring 51. The locomotive was repaired and remained in service a few more years. 1986 it was involved in a derailment at 56 mph with an employee special, when several cars derailed injuring 171, 19 seriously. After that, excursion trains were limited to 40 mph. Quite a history, but yet still here.

[@nicholashuynh6907]

The video's sound is way too high pitched!

[@railpicsandvids]

Given the size of their drivers, it is so hard to believe that they could reach 110 mph. I just don’t think it’s within their capability

[@bov634]

The PRR did it, it's recorded somewhere. There was concern over valve gear speed I believe

[@railpicsandvids]

@@bov634 oh gotcha. The worry would make sense, its gotta be moving at some insane speed

[@StocktonSubber]

DANK.

[@jay600katana]

I can't stop watching this video. 3 thumbs down...they must work for the E.P.A

[@hiawathabeast]

*like to know*

[@josephignudo7405]

Film was clearly sped up. Tho she is a fast and powerful steamer.

[@jamesmccann1097]

+Joseph Ignudo Hi Joseph, I can testify that the film wasn't sped up. We also chased one day and rode one day. Almost impossible to keep up with the J as it was running well over 80 mph. I have great stereo recordings that when the J got up there you no longer heard a chug but the roar like a jet engine. The trip was cool as i remember Conrail had a parallel line. We came up on a Conrail local and the Fireman waved them on and then the J just blew them away. You could not even stick your head out in the recording car as the cinders were extremely painful. One person came up from the Observation car and said the speedometer reached 96 mph. Ah great memories.