In a brief update the Fire-up 611 Committee posted a photo of a carload of new flues for the locomotive - see this link: http://fireup611.org/category/uncategorized/ 
. I borrowed the following herald and text from Chris CWEX in the interest of supporting the Fire-up 611!
Help support the Restoration, Operation and Preservation of N&W Class J 611
and donate today to the Fireup611 group.
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Exceptionally nice website of 611 restoration in progress. The photos are exceptionally clear and the restoration crew appears to be doing a great job reconditioning the engine. I'm hoping the UP crew does equally well on the Big Boy restoration!
It wouldn’t shock me if they were doing pop tests before Christmas at this rate. When they committed to a 2015 full steam up, I thought they were nuts. Now, I believe they could make that if nothing unforeseen happens. Who’d have thought this would happen if we’d been asked, say, ten years ago?
That is great progress.
One thing I noticed is the broad side shot of the engine they are using at the site has the wrong trucks on the tender for the 611. Those were good for the 600-610. I think they photoshopped the number 611 on the side of a photographed 605-610 engine. The only problem with this comes when some model importer uses this as their reference. If anyone has any evidence to the contrary, I'd like to know that also.
Thanks for posting the link Ed. I was going to do it, but got busy.
Pops before Christmas?...Hmmm that wouldn't shock me either. It just shows what a great plan and great team comprised of truly knowledgeable people can accomplish...it was a smart move bringing back the folks who maintained her during the 80'-90's.
They are making great progress. Definitely need to plan a road trip next year!
That is great progress.
One thing I noticed is the broad side shot of the engine they are using at the site has the wrong trucks on the tender for the 611. Those were good for the 600-610. I think they photoshopped the number 611 on the side of a photographed 605-610 engine. The only problem with this comes when some model importer uses this as their reference. If anyone has any evidence to the contrary, I'd like to know that also.
Yeah they stitched 3 separate photos together of the 608 and indeed the trucks are incorrect for the 611. I would hope the importers would go to the historical societies or the like for accurate photos and/or drawings.
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