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Norfolk & Western No. 611’s historic first move in steam was unplanned
The J should have an escort locomotive, able to rescue it on its return to Roanoke,
The rehabillaters, restorers, reconstructers, expert at their crafts, know Murphy’s law ain’t been repealed…
…And what a glorious surprise it was! Jim Wrinn did a fabulous job covering the event with the live stream of 611 under steam… The Queen of Steam is back and in the best shape of her 65 year long life! Lord willing, the next generation can keep her running for another 65 years and beyond with this second chance of “steaming forever” in a third career. As sad is it was, it was God’s plan that Norfolk Southern ended the first steam program in 1994. The 611 needed a 20 year long resting period. Now, because of God’s Faithfulness, she is ready to go again with the dedication and support of countless railfans and the remaining old timers who had a vision and carried it through to the end. No other steam locomotive has EVER had and EVER WILL have, the steel, guts, and glory of 611! May the Spirit of God’s Faithfulness and the Spirit of Roanoke ever shine through this Steam Star! It is an honor and a privilege to have her running in the 21st Century, despite an ever changing world, where not all things stay the same.
Still needs some fine tuning on the whistle, but I can’t wait to see this baby in steam on the 4th of July!