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Free News Wire story:
Quote:Committee to study restoration of Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611
Published: February 22, 2013
ROANOKE, Va. – Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 No. 611, the homemade streamliner that became famous as one of the greatest steam passenger locomotives ever built, may return to the main line again.
That’s the objective of the “Fire up 611!” committee that the Virginia Museum of Transportation announced Friday. The seven-member panel will study and research what it will take to restore, maintain, and operate the iconic locomotive that pulled N&W varnish and pulled Norfolk Southern excursions. Findings are due within 90 days.
http://trn.trains.com/en/Railroad%20News...20611.aspx
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Encouraging news. I wonder what kind of shape she was in when parked.
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Very good news. I wish success! The 611 is one of the greatest engines for me.
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Hope it comes to fruition, it would be great to see the 611 back in steam.
Cheers,
Kev
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nachoman Wrote:Encouraging news. I wonder what kind of shape she was in when parked.
To the best of my knowledge, she had just completed a trip, late fall? 1994? when she was retired.
http://chatanuga.org/pics/trains/j611/j611-15.jpg is a pretty good shot of her.
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The most beautiful locomotive on the planet. I sure hope we get good news in 90 days.
Dave
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She is in quite good shape. She'll need the now-required ultrasonic testing of her boiler thickness, but she wasn't anywhere near as worn out when parked as 765 was in 1993, 261 in 2008, or 1225 right now.
Scott Lindsey is a professional steam locomotive mechanic. He was a major contractor for the NS Steam program 20 years ago. He's also done work on 765 and quite a few other locomotives. A couple other notables in this field are Gary Bensman and Matt Austin.
Preston Claytor's father was none other than Bob Claytor.
I suspect that the lease on 611's auxiliary tender (to 765) won't be renewed, as she'll be needed.
Considering Preston Claytor's family background (Uncle was Sec of Navy and president of SOU, father was president of NS), and his own experience as a railroad executive (head of safety for Rail America), he has both the connections and pockets required to make this happen. Scott Lindsey has been performing annuals on 611 each year...he doesn't need a study to know her condition, this announcement is a subtle way of announcing a fundraising campaign to overhaul and run her.
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