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611 In Steam DVD
It is well done but the main thing I don’t like is that it wasn’t done or available on Blu Ray. So many folks have large screen tv’s now that a regular DVD didn’t do it justice.
Very well done. Great sound and pictures.
Great
#611 in Steam is an excellent video. I am enjoying it.
Just watched this video and I found it very attractive and well done. The production video is top-notch, and the narration splendid! If you are a fan of the Old Girl, “611 In Steam” is for you!!
I was disappointed in this video. It was advertised as being about the restoration process and there were only a couple scenes about this. The rest of the video was showing it in operation. This was done well but would have liked to have seen more of the restoration.
Too many run-bys Not enough in cab running with explanations of the uniqueness of its “modern” coal burning high pressure steam technology. Its lateral motion, and all the things that are engineered into this amazing machine. Not talk and shots of still photos but rather use the 611 in action with knowledgeable railroad people providing information. Mark 1 video of the 614 used “chooch cams” in the cab and on the outside of the engine to show it at work and to see and hear the engineer and fireman in the cab at speed. Rich Melvin in his DVD “Running the New River Train” has in cab footage of the 765 at work, on grades, slipping, etc. Trains Magazine should have made a more “scholarly” informative presentation that would has been exemplary rather than this rather “soft” use of run-bys as “eye candy” Since the 611 exists, has undergone documented restoration, is in use, and Trains has access to archives and to NS, a much higher quality DVD was expected. Provide How and Why as well as first hand interviews with current engineers and fireman, etc. as well as taking us into the cab at speed. Provide a fast moving, hands on educational program, not a “sleeper” Trains can do much better. Get “down and dirty” and show and explain lubrication, taking on coal and water, firing, injectors, water sight glass/crown sheet, use of throttle and cut off (reverser), brakes, gauges, cylinder cocks, bell, whistle, (does it have snifter valves?) etc. as related to 611 as a special locomotive.
Title your next DVD “Get on board the 611” There are many 611 DVD’s available. A Train’s 611 DVD should be unique and it should set the bar high.
I’m ready to purchase your next new and improved DVD.
Thank you,
Vincent Bellafiore
N&W 611 is truly a remarkable locomotive. History was absolutely amazing. 611 is one of the locomotives I’ll be having a train ride in the future.
If you are looking for a super brief overview of the history of the Class J #611, and a lot more regarding its 2015 inaugural excursion season, then this is the DVD for you. I am very disappointed that the DVD is only one hour long, and that most of the hour is filled with a bunch of “eye candy run-by shots”, as another reviewer mentioned. I, as many others do, would have loved to have seen a lot more informative presentation regarding the history of its operations on the Norfolk and Western in the 1950s
If you are interested in seeing a super brief history of the Class J #611, and a lot more coverage regarding her 2015 inaugural excursion season, then this is the DVD for you. I am very disappointed that this DVD is only one hour long, and that most of the hour is filled with a bunch of “eye candy run-by shots”, as another reviewer mentioned. I, as many others do, would also loved to have seen a more informative presentation of the 611’s history operating on the Norfolk and Western in the 1950s, and especially more of her operations in the famed Norfolk Southern Steam Excursion Program between 1982 and 1994. Also, in line with her 2015 return to operation, it would have also added a lot more purpose, meaning, and value to the DVD if there were more scenes of the entire restoration process in Spencer, as well as more interviews with those who made it all possible. There are simply too many scenes from the 2015 inaugural excursion season, and not NEARLY enough scenes of the more important background stories and events that brought the 611 to this point in her now 65 year long life. One more critique of this DVD is regarding the variety of shots. As another reviewer mentioned, there should have been much more than just shots of 611 moving down the track. It should have been a more “hands on, educational program”, instead of just generic shots of the outside of the locomotive. The narration was also muffled by the video sounds in numerous spots within the 60 minute time span of the DVD, meaning in certain parts, you cannot make out what the narrator is saying. Either the narrator should have spoken louder, or the narrator’s volume level should have been turned up during the editing process. As I previously mentioned, if you mainly want to see highlights of 611’s 2015 inaugural excursion season, then buy this DVD. If you want a more complete, in depth story, and are looking to possibly introduce the locomotive to family, friends, and strangers who have never heard of her before, then t
I was very pleased with this video. The train, the scenery, The story, and the quality was top notch. One of the best steam videos ever. I hope to be privileged to ride behind 611 one day in the future. Hopefully the chance to be an engineer will be offered again.
I was sort of disappointed in not seeing more of the actual restoration of the 611, the actual operation of the train and engine was great but I was hoping for more of the actual restoration, thanks.
I agree with Richard Walters’ review. I was expecting video of the restoration process as well as run-bys. The VMT site had as much footage of the 611 being tested and restored. The item description was deceptive.
I just received the email request to review the video. Without having seen anyone else’s remarks to this point, and having viewed the video only a couple of times with my grandsons, my one big beef is that I wanted more detailed explanations of what was involved in the restoration. I am not just a fan of steam, I am also a student…I want to learn about steam locomotives and what it takes to tear them down and to rebuild them, and why all that is necessary. Other than that, it was a rather good DVD. I would say between 3.75 and 4 stars.
611 IN STEAM. Thats the title and thats what one gets. Sounds great with soundbar and subwoofer turned up. More detailed info on what made the 611 unique would have made it a much nicer video. If it was made from the perspective from someone that doesn’t know anything about it- which is common to younger audiences- there would have been more information for all. 10 more minutes of tech info would have made a big difference.
As far at the sound and video quality go this is a fine film. There are some great quality shots and sound recordings that were just not possible when the 611 last ran.However I must say that I was expecting more information on coverage on the restoration process. Most of the film covered the first excursions more that the actual reforestation. Be familiar with the 611 there is not a lot of “new” information that I can acquire. That said a lot of people are being introduced to the 611 for the very first time. This may have been the first time they have seen of ridden a steam train. Since it has been over 20 years since the 611 last operated this video could have gone deep into explaining the operation of steam locomotives and the particulars which set the 611 apart from other steamers. I’m also disappointing that the video is only a hour in length. Overall I still enjoyed the video.
DVD was sold as an exploration of the history and most recent restoration of 611. However, the DVD focus is on 611 puffing up and down the excursion tracks of VA and NC. Great action shots of 611 pulling a long line of vintage passenger rolling stock. Very little info on the history and 2015 restoration. The quality of the audio and video is outstanding. Not as much fun as actually standing along side the track while 611 rolls by but a good second choice.
My only complaint is that it does not have a menu on the DVD. The shot of video from above Roanoke as the 611 starts to leave town with steam shooting from the cylinders is breathtaking - you could swear it was the 1950’s again - the video is worth it for this shot alone. Many great scenes - a nice video bridging both eras - well worth it for any fan of this engine.
It is great to see the history of this locomotive unfolding before you.