Norfolk and Western Thunder On The Blue Ridge

[@tylerperson5052]

What I wouldn’t give to go back in time for a day just to see these things in action during their heyday.

[@haroldwilkes6608]

I did see them regularly, this was filmed in my neck of the woods and, yes, they were magnificent. Even saw the Jawn Henry once. You can see the Peaks of Otter a couple of times here and I lived in the valley below.

[@1940limited]

I'm with you!

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

I 100% agree, Tyler!

[@billbye2427]

i rode the old N&W from cinncy to Norfolk,va in 1959. very nice folks ran the rr then' a conductor used to come thru the car with the news butcher, "peanuts , popcorn, cracker jacks! hey sailor how about a baby ruth!! that was the was it was in the summer of 1959. Baggage room had one 25 Watt light bulb hanging down from the ceiling. great place for a young sailor to haul a seabag up to a bus on Granby St. of course after Easy main St. (East Main) no body cared! Yep! everything changes.. Damn , i still love ya norfolk!!!!!

[@infaredxkingz8786]

How old are you now?

[@apfelsnutz]

The last of these I saw was when I was 8 years old, 67 years ago ! Just wonderful to be able to see them again ! Thanks !

[@1940limited]

At least you got to see them When I was 8 I lived too far away from the N&W to get there although I wish we had taken a summer vacation to these spots for train watching.

[@PowerTrain611]

The 2 people that disliked this are out of their minds. This is incredible footage. Seeing the J side by side with a diesel freight flying past is ominous. I hear tell from ex N&W employees that at least one Y6 mallet was in service in the Blue Ridge coal mines well into the 60's because it did it's job that much better than the diesels of the era. One Y did the work of 4 or more GP9s. The N&W was truly the pinnacle of steam locomotion. Would love to see more like this. Cheers from a fellow diehard N&W enthusiast.

[@thunderbird1921]

There's a really interesting picture I saw from years ago of a Y6 shoving an uphill coal train being passed by another Y6 flying with a six car local freight. I didn't know they put such huge engines on local trains. Perhaps it was a ferry move for the engine?

[@PowerTrain611]

@@thunderbird1921 Probably. Railroads aren't (and never have been) keen on wasting power, especially in the days of steam. It could be that was the closes available power. It's also possible they were just coasting downhill and it didn't matter what power they had on the head end. Still, that sounds like a great image! I recall seeing several images of the Y6's in pusher service coupled AHEAD of the caboose. That's a telltale sign that the caboose was still made of wood, because the force of the Y6 against the heavy train would have crumbled the caboose to splinters!

[@PowerTrain611]

@Иван Ангелов Slightly? ...I read a document from the Coalition for Sustainable Rail that said they were way better on maintenance on 2 E6 diesels of the era. Maintenance spiked with overhauls, but overall life expectancy was much longer and maintenance costs dropped significantly after major overhauls were carried out. Here's a link to the PDF with this research, it's an incredibly interesting read: static1.squarespace.com/static/55e5ef3fe4b0d3b9ddaa5954/t/55e63647e4b06159647b2fb9/1441150535974/WP_SLRWD_1.pdf

[@PowerTrain611]

@Иван Ангелов Agreed. A Steam Locomotive built y the N&W was truly a marvel of engineering to behold.

[@PowerTrain611]

@Иван Ангелов I would assume the Y6b would be longer because of the extra sets of driving wheels, but that's just a guess.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

3:23 Man, that's one long train, hauled by a single A! Those 2-6-6-4s never disappoint.

[@stevetessier6568]

Norfolk and Western Railroad. Manufactured their steam locomotives. At their Roanoke shops. They also manufactured their hopper cars. The majority of their steam power were articulated steam locomotives. They were a class 1 railroad . That was thinking, always how best that they could improve their on time performance. Throughout the system. And provide transportation, to and for their shippers. And provide outstanding passenger transportation. That was safe, on time, and economical. To the passengers pocketbook. Norfolk and Western prided themselves upon these philosophys. And deeply cared about people. That is solid testimony, as to why that . Railroad was an undisputed leader in the transportation industry. For so many many decades.....

[@jamesvance8456]

this man knows something

[@jamesvance8456]

Yea, and now they are moving them all to Juniata Shops in Pa.

[@hughrainbird43]

I've been fascinated by the Norfolk & Western Railway (it used the English description rather than the American "Railroad") since visiting an exhibition in London of O. Winston Link's evocative "Rail, Steam and Stars" photographs of the railway The "J" Class were probably the ultimate in Passenger express train steam power, and the "articulateds" hauling their amazing loads over the grades of the Appalachians make stirring viewing of the end of the "steam age", though when I hear the term" "Blue Ridge" I just think of Laurel & Hardy and their song!

[@thunderbird1921]

A shame that no K2A's were saved. They may not have been as mighty as the Js, but they were beautiful, hardworking engines.

[@nicholasmedovich8691]

Indeed. If there were any 4-8-2s from Datong or Tang Shang built, definitely looking if it would be possible to have one dressed as a K2A and another as a K1. Numbers 138 and 139.

[@sniper.93c14]

K2As survive in Australia's 3801 whose class (38 class) was based on the K2As and J-class locos, but in a 4-6-2 configuration due to NSW's curvature and mountains

[@AlexTrain5249]

I love how the sound is perfectly in sync.

[@marybethfrain7165]

What memories here !!! My father worked for that railroad ...part of my childhood

[@mattjohnston7686]

He was a lucky man, that's my DREAM JOB, if it was still in operation.

[@jamesvance8456]

@@mattjohnston7686 Volunteer for the 611, they would love to have you.

[@jamesvance8456]

Engineer on 611 used to say, "and I get paid to do this.

[@nigelmitchell351]

Wow, those Y6B's, with 39 inch bore low pressure cylinders, short stocky, purposefully beautiful.

[@jamesvance8456]

56 inch drivers

[@nigelmitchell351]

@@jamesvance8456 incredible as the low pressure cylinders could take high pressure steam for starting !! Love to see the Y6A, but living in GB I don't suppose I ever will. Cheers mate.

[@jamesvance8456]

@@nigelmitchell351 2156 y6b is in Roanoke Transp Museum, come on down and take a look. Had 5 yrs with these engines, did not like handing up messages to this engine-too close.

[@nigelmitchell351]

@@jamesvance8456 A good friend introduced me to the N & W lending me the Pocahontas glory videos. I've watched them many times over. Even got interested in the electrified lines, seems the N&W had real flare with everything they built. Thanks for the invite I'm 63 and just saw the end of steam in the UK as a boy. I think that 2156 is actually a Y6A, but how that differs from a B, I'm not sure. Where I live, in Rugby is pretty much dead center or the country and we are lucky enough to have about 7 or 8 quite large preserved steam railways not more the 1.5 hrs drive away. Take good care of yourself in these strange times, James. Good to correspond with you.

[@nigelslade5276]

@@nigelmitchell351 I have the complete set , 6 videos

[@markeverson5849]

One of the best videos I've seen of aesthetic video from the era awesome thanks

[@christophers.o622]

Great video of the steam locomotives pulling various trains on the Norfolk & Western during the late 1950’s. The Norfolk & Western railroad was the king of steam locomotives. The very best steam locomotive whistles were on the Norfolk & Western railroad.

[@KCSRailstudios]

They had some pretty cool ones, but I wouldn’t say the best.

[@stevetessier6568]

Indeed, I couldn't have said it better. My dad's army pal. Was the Road Foreman of steam locomotives. For the system.

[@jamesvance8456]

@@KCSRailstudios what better.?

[@Eli_Santin]

Wow! Live sound!

[@1940limited]

How exciting it must have been to stand trackside and see all this action. I love ll the freight cars with road names, advertising slogans and no graffitti!

[@gwrstudios5181]

It’s nice to see locomotives run basically where I’ve grown up

[@usmale4915]

What a beautiful video. Great shots of those fantastic steam locomotives. Just a great video, period!! Thank you for the upload!!

[@stevetessier6568]

Solid film, as usual. Thank You so much for such heartwarming film....!!!

[@riondoesthings1988]

Wow beautiful footage

[@harris9784]

Those Y-6b's we're beasts!! Comparable to a modern day SD-70 !!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Nice video! 👍🚂

[@maciekkra539]

That whistle with high tone in the background 5:56♥️

[@BackshopRailProductions]

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[@jameshennighan8193]

Outstanding footage..... Clag, Thrash and Noise...... What more could one desire in life....? This will drive the global warming, climate change clowns up the wall.....! Marvellous... James Hennighan Yorkshire, England

[@timothybrooks4042]

It's nice to see the video of the steam trains I really think they should bring them back I am an avid railroad fan nice video

[@andyharman3022]

That shot of the diesel train following close after the steam train was sort of ominous.

[@1940limited]

I think Southern had trackage rights over the N&W. They dieselized before N&W. You'll notice it's a Southern train but with one N&W coach cut in.

[@fermincuervo8613]

GREAT....

[@j.christopherlindsey8933]

That had to have been a challenge for the helper crews. No real communication, just knowing what the train ahead is doing and how to react.

[@joelmarksbury4376]

It's actually kind of simple. After the helpers couple on and the air is cut in, the engineer listens for the whistle or watches the brake pipe to indicate the brakes are released. From that point it's apply as much throttle as possible until you get to the top OR the train reaches the speed limit. If the train is at the speed limit, it is the helper's job to back off the throttle.

[@jamesvance8456]

@@joelmarksbury4376 then go back to the "honey hole" and toast sandwiches.

[@jamesvance8456]

@@joelmarksbury4376 you had to have (40) yrs seniorty to get these jobs.

[@1940limited]

@@joelmarksbury4376 I wonder how they cut off the helpers. Who released the coupler?

[@1940limited]

@@jamesvance8456 40 years seniority and it wasn't an easy job.

[@SantaFe19484]

Totally awesome!

[@alcopower5710]

Awesome footage 👍

[@adriankingston4338]

Unreal just brilliant!!!

[@pressstart1490]

Im here because the thumbnail

[@onecolossalrubikscube2554]

Y: S ame

[@evanstraintubeyt6950]

Same

[@timothybrooks4042]

that's a thumbs-up for the video

[@prairierailproductions6737]

It’s sad when you realize all the engines scene here are probably scrapped.

[@teddawg327]

NW had some biggies

[@7kslair153]

Well, I’ve s en this before but it’s good to have a version without the text you’ve already read so it’s a pain waiting for the actual video to start.

[@haroldwilkes6608]

I often wondered what a diesel would have looked like if built by the N&W...the J's or the Jawn Henry?

[@stosh64]

I was born in the wrong time.

[@JacobBigYankee]

Do you know where that field is today? (6:26) I keep trying to figure out what angle of the mountains that is.

[@howiesmith1504]

Lots of good regular service action and excellent use of N&W's mountain scenery! Were these films shot silent with sound dubbed in later? There are scenes where a whistle is heard with no corresponding emissions of steam visible above the engine. At c.10:01, a freight passes with the sound of working steam exhaust, but the cars are surrounded by a haze of blue brake smoke, obviously going down a steep grade...where the throttle would be closed or cracked only very slightly, a "drifting throttle." The action also looked unnaturally fast, so I watched at .75 speed, closer to the 16 frames per second silent speed, which is 2/3 (.66) of 24 fps sound speed. It seems better that way.

[@TheBerkshire759]

Nice!

[@lydmik]

great video...nothing like those steam beasts...any idea when this was?

[@howiesmith1504]

1950s, probably late '50s, because some diesels are showing up.

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

The N&W is good.

[@markeverson5849]

I guess I missed the steam era I was born in 1956 maybe I seen a few Steamers back when I was very little but don't remember I wish I did I do remember same to my brothers and sisters there goes the Caboose the old cabooses I still remember them! Who can tell me about the cabooses? When were they use how often what did they stay in their how many days at a time? Was it used for lunch overnight anyone having information my grandfather was an engineer on the steam trains up in Altoona Wisconsin Chippewa Falls in Colfax area

[@1940limited]

I always wonder what the little building in the hillside is at 13:18. It shows up in a lot of scenes Must have been a popular filming spot.

[@gregleuze6657]

Looks like there were double tenders. Was that for shoving or was that because of water use? They were magnificent engines and are impressive in video, they must have been something in person.

[@railenthusiast4830]

One coal tender and one water tender

[@gregleuze6657]

@@railenthusiast4830 How common was it to run two tenders? Was it because of the engine, length or route, or size of the train? I appreciate your response as I like watching vintage footage and running a train around the tree which is the extent of my knowledge. Those steam engines are a thing of beauty, shame they were so labor intensive.

[@railenthusiast4830]

@@gregleuze6657 sorry it took me so long to respond. As far as I know, it wasn’t too common a practice because they had water towers wayside.

[@VincesArtDesigns]

I wonder if this is real sound or just really good editing! The whistle noise and whistle steam are on point! Great!

[@stevetessier6568]

Real sound, and superior editing. By skilled craftspeople that care deeply. I realize that in 2019 .You may not believe that. But this company, strives continuously, to produce a superior product. This is not the Golden Arches of Mc. Donald's.

[@VincesArtDesigns]

Steve Tessier wow!! That is so cool!

[@danielboone3770]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@jamesmdean1987]

What locomotive was that at 8:20? Didn’t look to have but 4 drive wheels

[@jamesbelcher8509]

1:58 [train chugging] 2:45 [train chugging]

[@NWGuyNWchallenger]

Is it a N&W J class or N&w K2a Mountain type

[@jamesvance8456]

611 is "J" class - K2 is called "baby J"

[@NWGuyNWchallenger]

@@jamesvance8456 Why

[@justahillbilly7777]

@@NWGuyNWchallenger Because they were streamlined the same way as the J's but were Mountains, so the nickname came about and stuck.

[@kaseyleitchnextgen3281]

It was more on the articulated side than the J side.

[@lindsaymoore7232]

What year was this filmed and where?? I'm guessing the late '50's to early '60's.

[@raspergrey4935]

like train

[@austinross1825]

Anyone able to identify the locations of these clips?

[@NS6711]

What year was this footage taken?

[@Ryan_Rail]

Someone play cargo moving people

[@robertcooper6853]

I guess that beginning footage is what it means when your partner has some baggage?

[@rogerlollar4325]

611 x 1218