Join the discussion on the following article:
N&W 611 sees action as freight hauler
Hmmm, well Mighty 611 can do anything, but it seems a case of lese majeste’ to tie freight cars to a queen’s tail!
As I remember, the majestic PRR T1s suffered the same indignity in their last days.
Nothing better than watching Steam pull revenue freight and not a couple old freight cars used for photos,much less the usual passenger trains.
I understand the need to add the cars for braking power, and it makes sense that they would be revenue cars heading that way anyway, but she just doesn’t look right hauling freight!
Even more rare than steam hauling revenue freight is steam hauling a scheduled passenger service. I think the last one was 2472 some years ago running a trip with Caltrain.
Awesome!
In Germany now and then they have “Plandampf” days during which certain preserved steam locomotives haul regularly scheduled passenger trains. “Plan” refers to the “Fahrplan”–the timetable. Dampf is German for steam or vapor.
Any time a restored steamer has to make “ferry moves” it just makes good sense to have it haul freight for the host railroad. The engine usually operates more efficiently and it saves wear and tear on the engine’s braking systems because steam locos don’t have dynamic braking. Also creates lot’s of good will with dispatchers because they get their freight where it has to go and it helps cut down on congestion. The President of the railroad may say it’s okay for steam to run, but it’s the dispatchers who have to “fit” the teakettle into the overall scheme of things. With the help and hard work (and patience) of all modern railroaders everywhere, we railfans and “foamers” get to see and hear our favorite locomotives from the past (and present) roll down the mainlines of our great nation. May God Bless Them All.