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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
![Queen of the Shenandoah | N&W 611 [4K]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
