On June 7, 2015 Norfolk Southern hosted the Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 #611 for two round trips between Manassas and Front Royal, Virginia on the "B-Line". The B-Line is a former Southern Railway branch that was upgraded to allow trains to switch between the original Southern main line to Washington D.C., and the Norfolk and Western between Roanoke, VA and Hagerstown, MD. Because of its branchline origins, the B-Line has some very steep grades and sharp curvature. The grade approaching Linden, VA is in excess of 2% westbound and in excess of 1% eastbound. This video shows the 611 on both the morning and afternoon trips. I have included location notes in the video, and if I have made any errors please feel free to correct me. The show begins at Manassas as the train is being loaded and then backed through the station to access the wye that allows trains to enter the B-Line. The return trip to Manassas begins at Front Royal. The coverage of the second trip begins with the second visit to Broad Run, and concludes with the shot at Front Royal (Happy Creek Rd grade xing). It was a great chase and I hope you enjoy the show!
7 окт 2024
