611 will received her Federally mandated boiler inspection and other maintenance through the winter.
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@superwarp1 posted:611 will received her Federally mandated boiler inspection and other maintenance through the winter.
Most likely the result of NS change in their "policy" of ferry/deadhead steam moves. Reportedly, only ONE round trip per year, thus the decision to leave 611 at Strasburg for her annual boiler inspection & hydro test.
And think how much money they are saving by not moving her anyway.
2 years ago I inquired multiple times, actually DOZENS of times, from October to September, calling Strasburg asking of 611’s schedule. Not one single person knew. Many times my calls were forwarded to a call center, NO WHERE NEAR Strasburg, I believe Michigan. I spoke to actual people, left messages, never a call back. I was not able to even reserve tickets to ride behind 611. OR SEE IT! The absolute worse customer service I ever experienced. I wished to make the 4 hour trip with my son & 2 young grandsons. We could only stay one night & one day. We took a chance & made the trip. We got to see 611 from an overpass for 15 seconds, minutes before we were heading for home.
Before making the trip I also reached out to this forum for anyone who had any information. My response was crickets, nothing.
Following our trip, I’ll admit that it was quite disappointing to hear what a great experience it was from forum members. Sure seemed like some members knew what the scoop was.
So will 611 be available to be seen or off limits to the public this winter?
I was recently at Strasburg about 6 weeks ago and 611 was parked near the engine house. No problem at all seeing it but it was not running while I was there.
The first time 611 was at Strasburg I had absolutely no problem going on Strasburg RR’s website and buying tickets for a ride. Yes, the more desirable dates were sold out but there were still many dates available and I was easily able to get tickets. I never had to call anyone in another state and I just happened to be on the trip where they derailed the front two wheels on the front truck. I was asked if I wanted a refund due to the almost 1 hour delay and I said No but Strasburg gave me a refund anyway. The refund was a little over $100 since there were 4 of us. They are a first class organization. Just a guess but it sounds like you were calling the wrong person. I am sure if you go there you will be able to see the 611 but if it will be running is another story.
Strasburg does have a backshop tour you can go on. I would do that if the 611 is not outside
I’m planning to go to York for the TCA Meet on October 21-23. Sure would be nice to see 611 running so people could go to see & maybe ride behind a beautiful mainline locomotive starting the 20th of October. PLEASE!!!
I'm spending three nights in Gallitzin at the end of the month. I was not really considering making a day trip to Strasburg, but with this development. Hope they display her outside.
@ironman1 posted:2 years ago I inquired multiple times, actually DOZENS of times, from October to September, calling Strasburg asking of 611’s schedule. Not one single person knew. Many times my calls were forwarded to a call center, NO WHERE NEAR Strasburg, I believe Michigan. I spoke to actual people, left messages, never a call back. I was not able to even reserve tickets to ride behind 611. OR SEE IT! The absolute worse customer service I ever experienced. I wished to make the 4 hour trip with my son & 2 young grandsons. We could only stay one night & one day. We took a chance & made the trip. We got to see 611 from an overpass for 15 seconds, minutes before we were heading for home.
Before making the trip I also reached out to this forum for anyone who had any information. My response was crickets, nothing.
Following our trip, I’ll admit that it was quite disappointing to hear what a great experience it was from forum members. Sure seemed like some members knew what the scoop was.
So will 611 be available to be seen or off limits to the public this winter?
611 will most likely be stored on the siding between engine house and back shop where it has been stored for the last few months when it hasn't been running. At some point, it will be moved into the back shop to have the inspection/maintenance work.
I am sorry about your bad luck with calling the railroad. The workers there are very passionate about what they do; unfortunately after the last president retired in 2019, the board brought in a Disney guy to run (it into the ground) the tourist side of the railroad. Since then, I have noticed the railroad become very tacky: from the pre-recorded narration and the outsourcing of the call center to the outlandish "Great Diamond Heist" show. Trains are also now passing in the station area rather than at Groff's Grove.
I love Strasburg and it is one of the reasons I fell in love with the hobby, but sadly Strasburg is becoming more "Disney-ified" ever season. The board need to get this president out and appoint a "home-grown" as next president.
The pre-recorded narration is what erg's me the most. Especially the music on the return trip... I just want to enjoy the serenity of the Amish countryside
@ironman1 posted:2 years ago I inquired multiple times, actually DOZENS of times, from October to September, calling Strasburg asking of 611’s schedule. Not one single person knew. Many times my calls were forwarded to a call center, NO WHERE NEAR Strasburg, I believe Michigan. I spoke to actual people, left messages, never a call back. I was not able to even reserve tickets to ride behind 611. OR SEE IT! The absolute worse customer service I ever experienced…
I hate to say this, but nobody does business by phone these days. I don’t like it, but that’s the way it is. The center of business is on the internet these days.
If you wanted tickets, they were available for purchase online.
@Prr7688 posted:611 will most likely be stored on the siding between engine house and back shop where it has been stored for the last few months when it hasn't been running. At some point, it will be moved into the back shop to have the inspection/maintenance work.
I am sorry about your bad luck with calling the railroad. The workers there are very passionate about what they do; unfortunately after the last president retired in 2019, the board brought in a Disney guy to run (it into the ground) the tourist side of the railroad. Since then, I have noticed the railroad become very tacky: from the pre-recorded narration and the outsourcing of the call center to the outlandish "Great Diamond Heist" show. Trains are also now passing in the station area rather than at Groff's Grove.
I love Strasburg and it is one of the reasons I fell in love with the hobby, but sadly Strasburg is becoming more "Disney-ified" ever season. The board need to get this president out and appoint a "home-grown" as next president.
The pre-recorded narration is what erg's me the most. Especially the music on the return trip... I just want to enjoy the serenity of the Amish countryside
From the linked article, it appears the president of the Strasburg Rail Road is "home-grown."
@ironman1 posted:2 years ago I inquired multiple times, actually DOZENS of times, from October to September, calling Strasburg asking of 611’s schedule. Not one single person knew. Many times my calls were forwarded to a call center, NO WHERE NEAR Strasburg, I believe Michigan. I spoke to actual people, left messages, never a call back. I was not able to even reserve tickets to ride behind 611. OR SEE IT! The absolute worse customer service I ever experienced. I wished to make the 4 hour trip with my son & 2 young grandsons. We could only stay one night & one day. We took a chance & made the trip. We got to see 611 from an overpass for 15 seconds, minutes before we were heading for home.
Before making the trip I also reached out to this forum for anyone who had any information. My response was crickets, nothing.
Following our trip, I’ll admit that it was quite disappointing to hear what a great experience it was from forum members. Sure seemed like some members knew what the scoop was.
So will 611 be available to be seen or off limits to the public this winter?
Umm...the excursion schedule is easily found on the internet. If you are visiting during those days in which it's running for those who purchased an in-cab experience it's easily viewed at Lehman Junction as that's where those trips begin and end.
-Greg
I went back to my earlier post in 2019 inquiring about 611. I apologize, some forum members did respond.
I'm sure anyone & everyone who wants, will argue my earlier reply. My main point was the conflicting, to no information I received from Strasburg. It became critical for my family & myself because of the timing. I was fine with not riding behind 611, if sold out. We were only able to make it the last 2 week ends in October. I just wanted to actually see it running. Being told it was heading to North Carolina October 18th was contrary to ONLINE information. I even called the Virginia Museum of Transportation & they confirmed that. Called back Strasburg & the answer was, NOT SURE.
While visiting Strasburg would not be a waste of time even if 611 wasn't there, it still was the driving force to make the trip. We did go & I enjoyed the time with my son & grandsons.
@PGentieu posted:From the linked article, it appears the president of the Strasburg Rail Road is "home-grown."
Sadly, Craig passed away only 6 months into his tenure as President. The Disney guy came after him.
From what I have heard, Craig was a great guy and was an excellent president during the short time he was in that position.
