N&W 611: Storming Through Virginia

Norfolk & Western Class J 4-8-4 #611 returned to polish the rails of North Carolina and Virginia this past Spring with excursions from Greensboro, Petersburg, Lynchburg and Roanoke. This video showcases the ‘J’s assault of the Blue Ridge and Christiansburg grades over the Memorial Day weekend in May, 2017. Part one showcases ‘The Powhatan Arrow’ between Roanoke and Lynchburg while part two follows ‘The Pocahontas’ between Roanoke and Walton. Part 1 - ‘The Powhatan Arrow’ Roanoke - Lynchburg 0:35 - N&W 611 is near the end of the first excursion on May 28 as she motors westbound through Bonsack, VA, seen from the shoulder of US 460/221. 1:50 - With heavy whistle, 611 thunders toward the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass on the morning of May 27 amidst a crowd of about 100+ people on and below the bridge. 2:55 - 611 sprints back to Roanoke, seen crossing Brickyard Road and passing new signals in Webster. 4:00 - Though not quite the same without the old signals, the brand new equipment wasn’t a complete disappointment as 611 charges through the curve at the famous location of Villamont, VA on the morning of May 28. 5:20 - 611 powers eastbound into the morning sunlight west of Thaxton, VA. 6:12 - I arrived at Lowry with not five minutes to spare. The train appeared as I was still setting up, and some latecomers were caught off guard as the ‘J’ flies eastbound under Lowry Road. 6:56 - I followed some people back to the Big Otter River Trestle, where we set up and waited (for a good 90 minutes). It started to rain when the ‘J’ approached, seen blasting onto the trestle on the return run to Roanoke on May 28. 8:00 - 611 slows for the signals at Forest, VA on its return trip to Roanoke. Quite the crowd was gathered on the narrow shoulder of Thomas Jefferson Road waiting for the ‘J’s appearance. Part 2 - 'The Pocahontas’ Roanoke - Redford (Walton) 10:03 - 611 slides eastbound down the grade of the Christansburg District through Glenvar, VA. 10:59 - Brakes squealing, the ‘J’ brings the May 29 morning excursion down the grade through Glenvar. The sun happened to come out just at the right moment! 11:53 - I was the first to arrive at Wabun on the morning of May 29, thinking it would be quite full, and boy was I right. 611 storms the grade of Christiansburg amidst a heavy crowd at Wabun. 13:00 - Dropping down the grade, the ‘J’ eases the excursion through the curves at Wabun, back to Roanoke. 14:14 - This was not the shot I planned for at this location. NS Norfolk to Detroit stack/rack train 29G was routed up the Christiansburg District the same time at 611. Judging from scanner conversations and fearing I may be blocked, I switched to the other side of the crossing at Cove Hollow Road. 29G appeared first around the bend. You can see the smoke from 611 as the camera zooms out, as well as hear someone in the background shout ‘It’s right behind him." 14:49 - 611 appears around the bend, attempting to overtake 29G on the grade. 15:36 - Returning to Roanoke on the May 29 morning excursion, 611 motors eastbound over Cove Hollow Road. 16:36 - I came across so many people who got so bent out of shape when someone got in their shot, or hearing conversations about people needing to be ‘edited out’ of photos. When I pulled up in Elliston and saw this photo line, I couldn’t help but include it as the ‘J’ quietly drops down the grade. 17:25 - Some awesome stack talk from 611 is quite audible as she approached the famed location behind Shawsville Elementary School. 19:21 - More stack talk and thicker smoke billows as 611 runs the grade of Christiansburg between Basham Hollow Road and Ryan Road. 21:03 - Fighting a bright morning sun, 611 works through the S-Curves at the Friendship Road crossing just below Montgomery. 22:23 - Now on the downgrade, 611 approaches the crowds of people gathered at the Cambria Street crossing in downtown Christiansburg, VA. 23:48 - After spinning at Walton, 611 moves through the curves on the west slope of the Christiansburg Grade, crossing Christman Mill Road on its way back to Roanoke. 25:03 - Storming through the curves, 611 tackles the Charleston Grade with ease. 26:13 - Nearing the end of its westbound morning excursion on May 29, 611 approaches Switchback Road in Vicker. 27:20 - It was not easy finding a spot at Vicker for the morning return trip. I resorted to sitting on the ground next the bridge over the creek. After spinning, 611 returns eastbound under the coaling tower. 28:30 - Finally, 611 slows for Walton Road as she prepares to be spun and sent back to Roanoke. Many thanks goes to the folks at Norfolk Southern, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and the city of Roanoke, VA for hosting these excursions and keeping steam alive in the 21st century. Thank you for the wonderful memories and experiences that will truly be treasured for a lifetime. Enjoy, subscribe, thanks for watching and Merry Christmas!

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