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Trains News Wire Breaking News: Fire Up 611! campaign has money in hand for locomotive restoration; needs more for shop
Awesome news it is great to see another restoration project like this being undertaken.Now there are 2 steam locomotives the UP BIG BOY AND THE 611 WHICH WILL BE RESTORED BACK TO OPERATING CONDITION AS WELL. I t seems as if railroad preservation is gaining huge interest all over the country despite the very difficult financial and employment issues for this country. Perhaps all these restoration projects are a rallying point for all generations of the AMERICAN PEOPLE and just goes to show what can be accomplished and how important it is to keep the interest of future generations in railroading. After all Railroads are what helped to develop and build this country. I’m currently a new voulenteer out at THE COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM IN GOLDEN , CO and it is just so enjoyable to be involved in the operations side ( train crew) and to be able to help out in preserving history for future generations to enjoy…
This excellent news proves again the axiom “Where there is a will, there is a way.” This restoration is only right to be happening and I am glad to have contributed in a modest way to this funding.
It’s been too long 611, but I will see you again soon!
Considering how they sold everything off years back, I wonder what heavy machinery still exists out there that some other society hasn’t snapped up?
What puts that Spenser roundhouse/shop out of the running for the shop&storage
So did I miss something? How much money does the group “have in hand?” If the milestone is so significant, then a dollar amount, heck, even a ballpark figure, should’ve been mentioned. This reads like a news release; if so, maybe it should labeled as such.
Don’t stop there. Do this right. Raise enough to restore N&W 1218 as well.
C’mon Norfolk Southern,There has got to be SOME loose change in those deep pockets.A generous Corporate donation would really help this worthy cause!I would love to ride behind her again.
Only 2000? Must be some big ones compared to mine. Glad I did and will made another for the building. Living in Seattle hope to see it in person.
UP’s Big Boy lucky to have deep pockets to draw upon.
Outstanding. I wish the NYC saved a Hudson, or Niagara.
I’m a volunteer at the NC Transportation Museum and I would love to the 611 in the shop
yea NS. " pony" up a huge donation to get this done!
Having 611 based at the Spencer Shops at the NC Transportation Museum would be a real coup. This could make Spencer a site for maintenance of several steam locos operating across the country. Spencer is an awesome facility. As a former North Carolinian, I am proud.
VMT, why not rebuild the 611 NOW in an existing big steam shop and not wait for the additional $2 million to build your own shop?
AFAIK, the 611 is in fine shape for unpowered towing.
611 will be RESTORED at Spencer, not based - it will be returned to Roanoke after the restoration. I look forward to its arrival, and since the restoration bays are open to the public with an observation gallery, you can see the process up close. I anticipate lots of railfans when it arrives - will be quite an event in Spencer.
What does an educational center have to do with the core goal of operating and maintaining this locomotive? Sounds like mission creep and money leak to me.
As a stock holder in Norfolk & Southern I would approve of the company setting up a matching fund drive to provide the needed facilities ~~~ D. B.
Richard,I understand that the NYC museum in Elkhart,IN. would restore Mohawk #3001 to operation if the money were available.What a treat that would be to have an NYC 4-8-2 added to the NS steam program.
Hey, someone write wick and some investors, I am sure NS can do something.
Re: Dave Hyer’s comment. An education center will go a loooong way toward keeping this project in the public eye over the long haul thereby helping to generate continued financial support. Remember, “It’s hard to stop a train (sic)”.