611 to Return to Service

[kilroy]

Good news for sure. All they need is money so now's the time to robby the piggy bank.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation announced today its intention to return the iconic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Locomotive to excursion service if her supporters will fund the project.
"We are pleased to say that we can Fire Up 611! But the time is now and it will take fans of the 611 around the world to stoke her fire," says Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr., executive director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation. "Today we are kicking off the official Fire Up 611! Capital Campaign."
The Fire Up 611! Committee determines that $3.5 million will be needed to return the locomotive to the rails. The costs include a complete mechanical restoration of the locomotive, a shop maintenance facility, and support to develop the excursion program. Ultimately, the goal is to raise $5 million so that the 611 has an endowment to keep her running for years.

From the PR News Wire.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 78581.html

[Gadfly]

Good news for sure. All they need is money so now's the time to robby the piggy bank.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation announced today its intention to return the iconic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Locomotive to excursion service if her supporters will fund the project.
"We are pleased to say that we can Fire Up 611! But the time is now and it will take fans of the 611 around the world to stoke her fire," says Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr., executive director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation. "Today we are kicking off the official Fire Up 611! Capital Campaign."
The Fire Up 611! Committee determines that $3.5 million will be needed to return the locomotive to the rails. The costs include a complete mechanical restoration of the locomotive, a shop maintenance facility, and support to develop the excursion program. Ultimately, the goal is to raise $5 million so that the 611 has an endowment to keep her running for years.

From the PR News Wire.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 78581.html

Nice. This was a logical and inevitable result. I have fond memories of 611 "snoozing" quietly in Charlotte (NC) yard awaiting a call for the excursion the next day. I, driving the crew suburban, brought supplies to the engine and hauled crews to the dormitory. Neat stuff.