My parents rode behind # 611 when still in revenue service from Roanoke, Virginia to Bluefield, West Virginia in the 40's and 50's. Mom was from southwest Virginia and dad from southern West Virginia. After dad returned from US Army Air Force Combat Duty in the South Pacific Campaign of WWII, he went to work for Appalachian Power Company as a Class A Transmission Lineman in Bluefield. So, they were able to ride behind her after she retired and was used by APCO for the company trip to Norfolk. My paternal Grandmother lived in Roanoke and dad used to always tell me about the Steam Shops for N&W.
Great video of the most beautiful steam engine in the world. I took many pictures of her when she was on static display in a park in Roanoke. The renovation began about the same time we left Virginia, so I have never seen her in action. Since we are the same age, it does me good to see her on the rails pulling passengers. A machine that wonderful needs to be active and not just put on display.
My family and I were lucky enough to be able to ride this beautiful engine in early October. And the best part is that I own a model of a J-Class N&W! And when I first heard her whistle, I thought of something a little sad. To me it sounds like a mournful cry, as if the Queen of Steam continues to grieve the loss of her sisters.
Those are some great shots. You must have a hell of a camera. I shot at some of the same places you did, but my primary objective was photography, the cell phone video I took from a small tripod was incidental for me. But you have captured it well. Small niggling detail because I'm a geography nerd: Goshen is in the James River Valley. I know exactly where you were in the intro, driving west on 64 just before the Bratton's Run exit. The train crosses into the Shenandoah Valley at North Mountain.
Thank you for the kinds words and the clarification! I should have made mention of that.. but either way, I was infatuated by the pure beauty of area. Definitely planning more trips up that way in the future!
Great video, love seeing the engine back out on a longer run. I got to see it on several trips on the former N&W a couple years back and I’m glad I did, as we all know in the world of preservation, nothing is forever.
Incredible video sir!! As cool as it was having 611 so close to my house, it’s great to see it doing what it’s meant to do. Awesome shots and catches, well done!
This is some kind of feature, the best i have seen. Seeing the modern steam and the up to date diesel in the same scene. These runs will be remembered for years to come. This was food for the soul, when i watched it on the last run to bristol. I knew then, never see it run again.
Amazing footage. Interestingly, Buckingham Branch owns the tracks clear east to Crozet or Charlottesville IIRC (they run freight trains out of there regularly). I don't know if 611 will ever run excursion trains over the Blue Ridge, but if they ever did, man would it be impressive considering the grades and huge tunnel that line has at Afton. The biggest issue would probably be where to turn the train around, as hauling it backwards with diesels over the mountains wouldn't be easy or efficient. Charlottesville decades ago had a turntable built by the Southern Railway that 611 actually used at least once or twice in the 1980s, but I'm pretty sure it's been torn down. That leaves only 1-2 wyes at best. Ah well, at least she can run on this beautiful portion!
I would absolutely LOVE to see them run East of Staunton… that Blue Ridge tunnel would be the money shot of the entire trip. Fingers crossed… thanks for watching!
He was actually advertising! The building directly behind us off screen was hosting home made meals for lunch time… prime real estate for attracting some hungry customers!
Happy Saturday folks! This was an incredible weekend of fun.. certainly one of the best I’ve had in a long time!
Enjoy your weekend!
Dropped some 🔥🔥🔥🔥 here!
They had Amtrak in the hole for 611?!?! Wild!
I bet the passengers had quite a surprise seeing 611 passing by.
My parents rode behind # 611 when still in revenue service from Roanoke, Virginia to Bluefield, West Virginia in the 40's and 50's. Mom was from southwest Virginia and dad from southern West Virginia. After dad returned from US Army Air Force Combat Duty in the South Pacific Campaign of WWII, he went to work for Appalachian Power Company as a Class A Transmission Lineman in Bluefield. So, they were able to ride behind her after she retired and was used by APCO for the company trip to Norfolk. My paternal Grandmother lived in Roanoke and dad used to always tell me about the Steam Shops for N&W.
I rode her a couple of weeks ago and she is definitely the Queen of Steam and what a smooth ride 611 lives on 🚂
Great video of the most beautiful steam engine in the world. I took many pictures of her when she was on static display in a park in Roanoke. The renovation began about the same time we left Virginia, so I have never seen her in action. Since we are the same age, it does me good to see her on the rails pulling passengers. A machine that wonderful needs to be active and not just put on display.
100% agreed… I never understood the hype surrounding 611 until this weekend. She’s one incredible machine… thanks for watching!
Best video I’ve seen if the excursion so far! Amazing meet with the Cardinal too!
Thank you for the kind words! The Cardinal meet was wild… crazy to see the past meet to future!
Love the narration!
Great video!
Absolutely incredible production. One of the best I've seen from these excursions!
My family and I were lucky enough to be able to ride this beautiful engine in early October. And the best part is that I own a model of a J-Class N&W!
And when I first heard her whistle, I thought of something a little sad. To me it sounds like a mournful cry, as if the Queen of Steam continues to grieve the loss of her sisters.
Man you’re camera work and shot choices are simply A1! Killer job my boy!
My brotha! Thank you man, I appreciate it!
That is right
Very very cool, I enjoyed that one! (Dave).
Thanks for watching, friend. Have a great weekend!
That shot at the west end of North Mountain was awesome!
Awesome shots man! 611 looks really good not doing Strasburg speeds lol.
Absolutely… great to see 611 stretch her legs some!
Sweet video! Gosh I gotta get out there if this happens again
That steam whistle sounds haunting and beautiful
Absolutely Beautiful part of America's History 🇺🇸
Those are some great shots. You must have a hell of a camera. I shot at some of the same places you did, but my primary objective was photography, the cell phone video I took from a small tripod was incidental for me. But you have captured it well.
Small niggling detail because I'm a geography nerd: Goshen is in the James River Valley. I know exactly where you were in the intro, driving west on 64 just before the Bratton's Run exit. The train crosses into the Shenandoah Valley at North Mountain.
Thank you for the kinds words and the clarification! I should have made mention of that.. but either way, I was infatuated by the pure beauty of area. Definitely planning more trips up that way in the future!
Great video! Also nice meeting you for the shot at Little River Rd
Also found myself at 6:01 lol
I wondered if that was you haha! Great meeting you too man, hope our paths cross again soon!
NS is treating the steam locomotives bad. 611 and 4501 were meant to run on their own rails again.
Riding tomorrow!!
Great video, love seeing the engine back out on a longer run. I got to see it on several trips on the former N&W a couple years back and I’m glad I did, as we all know in the world of preservation, nothing is forever.
Top quality content
Thank you kindly!
Incredible video sir!! As cool as it was having 611 so close to my house, it’s great to see it doing what it’s meant to do. Awesome shots and catches, well done!
Amazing footage! Maybe someday I will see the queen of the Shenandoah in person.
This is some kind of feature, the best i have seen. Seeing the modern steam and the up to date diesel in the same scene. These runs will be remembered for years to come. This was food for the soul, when i watched it on the last run to bristol. I knew then, never see it run again.
8:47 I can imagine that guy sitting on the ground got a great photo there.
Yeahhh… the established photo line wasn’t too happy with him photobombing the scene 😬
@@rail.tennessee Sometimes it pays to be different from the pack.
I saw 611 leave Melrose junction and take on Saluda grade the last time in 1994.
At least 611 is not pulling a diesel locomotives behind the train
Actually, on the trip I rode, they towed two diesels to Staunton and ran 611 backwards all the way back to the wye at Goshen!
Amazing footage. Interestingly, Buckingham Branch owns the tracks clear east to Crozet or Charlottesville IIRC (they run freight trains out of there regularly). I don't know if 611 will ever run excursion trains over the Blue Ridge, but if they ever did, man would it be impressive considering the grades and huge tunnel that line has at Afton. The biggest issue would probably be where to turn the train around, as hauling it backwards with diesels over the mountains wouldn't be easy or efficient. Charlottesville decades ago had a turntable built by the Southern Railway that 611 actually used at least once or twice in the 1980s, but I'm pretty sure it's been torn down. That leaves only 1-2 wyes at best. Ah well, at least she can run on this beautiful portion!
I would absolutely LOVE to see them run East of Staunton… that Blue Ridge tunnel would be the money shot of the entire trip. Fingers crossed… thanks for watching!
Ok at 21:50, what was the guy on the left protesting about?? He was holding a sign
He was actually advertising! The building directly behind us off screen was hosting home made meals for lunch time… prime real estate for attracting some hungry customers!
@@rail.tennessee Ah ok
Finally getting to stretch her legs!
Lärmschutzwand auf der Strecke 130
mit 611 ja 611