N&W 611 test run successful

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Good question - I would expect so as mainline clearances have been improved to handle double stack trains on the former Middle and Pittsburgh divisions.  The old double track tunnels at Gallitzin and Spruce are now single track with lower floors.  Passenger platforms and shelters (like the one on the super-elevated curve at Tyrone, PA) had clearance issues - but they're mostly gone.  Large locomotives like the big S2 steam turbine made a limited number of test runs over the Middle and Pittsburgh divisions but were restricted as to which of the 4 tracks they could run on. Perhaps an NS employee can shed some light for us on any current clearance issues on NS main lines in central PA.

Ed Rappe

You're right - up the Great Lakes (must have been just after the St. Lawrence Seaway was completed). (The submarines built for the US Navy in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, during WWII were taken down the Illinois River to the Mississippi and on down to the Gulf of Mexico).

I suppose with regard to steam engines, it depends a good deal on the upkeep of the paint as to amount of resistance to weathering effects.

You say potato I say patoto...

Larry. getting popcorn...

It's not the tunnels that will pose clearance problems for 611. She is only a few inches taller than the 765. And if they run double-stacks through the tunnels, there is PLENTY of room for 611 in there!

The clearance issue for 611 is that big alligator crosshead. When 611 was in Chicago back in the day, the crosshead hit the sides of several of the small deck girder bridges. And I don't think much has changed there.

No B.S. just getting down to buisness. I guess when you know what your doing, you just do it. Can't wait, hope it gets somewhere near Chicago someday.

Thanks for the updates, photos and links Chris!

Your welcome Rick...How about a short video from the F/B page, just click on the arrows in the lower right corner and maximize the video. 

Yes, all the information is much appreciated, Chris! I didn't have much hope of ever seeing this great engine run, and then the rebuild plans were announced, so this has been great fun following the adventure. I've wanted to see this engine running since I was a kid looking at pictures of it in the '50s, and never had a chance before.

I'm hoping for summer time excursion next year.  Chomping at the bits to take my son to ride behind some big steam.  611 could be his first one.

Can't wait, eh?

I can't even begin to tell you, and I'm really looking forward to my boys seeing her.

Here's a link to video of the stoker running on air, posted on the fireup611 F/B page.

Sorry if this was asked before but is there a live webcam of the progress?

No not to my knowledge.

Wonder when they're going to bring her inside? I'm delighted to see the progress, just surprised to see all of the work being done outside. If my memory is correct they're going to be changing the tires at some point. I assume that means that they will be dropping the drivers???

Gilly

They have said on the F/B page that they are doing all the work outside that requires the lift and the media blasting ect as it's easier for them.  The engine and tender are going to be separated soon and they will move both indoors soon.  All of the parts that have been removed thus far such as the jacket,skirting & air pumps and so on are stored inside.

Thanks Chris. I'm not on F/B so I missed that. Makes sense.

Gilly

I don't think you need to belong to FB to look at their page but I might be wrong. Try to see if it works for you.

https://www.facebook.com/Fireup611

Your welcome. You can view the F/B page w/o signing up as J611 stated. 

Thanks Chris. Keep the updates coming.

I am new to the forum. Been a follower for awhile.

Planning a vacation to NC in Sept. Was wondering how close one can get to the 611 when visiting the Spencer museum. I know they have week-end tours but we won't be able to make it then. I know about the viewing area in the RH but was hoping to get closer.  

Bob

If it were me, I would phone the Spencer Museum and explain your situation, and see how they will accommodate you.

Thanks HW, I spoke to LeAnne at the museum. She told me that we would have to stay in the viewing area and take pics. from there.

Sort of figured that, due to insurance & safety requirements, since the folks will be working on her while you are there.

How close do you need to get? The viewing area is pretty good.

When are they going to start work on the ceiling in the shop?  

Wanted to get up close and personal like when we took an excursion trip in "84". 

Sorry, Rich, but that can't happen until EVERYONE with any knowledge and experience are all runoff first!

A couple of pics last weekend from two different viewing points.   BUT during the tours that weekend people were taken in right up to 611.

Ron

This thread just blows me away. The progress on the 611 is amazing. I took my family to the NRHS convention in Richmond back in the 80s and spent a very long day riding behind this great engine. It looks to be in excellent condition and a good candidate for the restoration. I can't wait to see her back in service. 

Conductor Earl 

When PRR tested the 610, she had various strike points in the Chicago Terminal area.

According to Trains Mag online news last week they are almost 50% complete with the overhaul.  Not bad at all for it not even being the end of the year yet.

I'd like to thank Chris (CWEX) for going to the trouble to keep us informed on the progress of 611.

The many pictures provide us a rare view of the "innards" of a steam engine boiler. And these same pictures certainly show the aggressive effort and resulting progress being made by the restoration crew.

Thank you!

Your very welcome.  It is certainly exciting to see the progress the group is making...the 611 has been cold for far too long and her returning will be a thrill for many. 

I'll throw in my thanks, too, Chris.

611 will run in 2015...

Thanks Chris.  I sure am pleased to see our donations to the 611 fund being well spent.   Next I'll order a new set of Virginia license plates with 611's  image on them -  our state locomotive.  For years Virginia is for Lovers was our tourist slogan.  They'll have to change that in 2015 to Virginia is for Steam Rail Fanning

Ed Rappe

a Big Thanks!

Visited the museum on 9-14-14. The wife and I were able to get into the RH and chat with Scott Livingston. What a great guy! Also got some neat photos. This was the best part of our vacation for ME! The wife enjoyed it also. 

Quick question, and an assumption.. did they have to take the front flue sheet out to get the rear sheet out, or were they able to get it out the bottom of the firebox? The 611 group shows how a professional group runs a program..