VMT releases 611 2017 Schedule

Norfolk Southern has some very difficult logistics and operational issues in and around Manassas that make that trip a very difficult one to run. That's why it''s not on the schedule.

Excellent! Making my plans already! Looks like 2017 will be a good year for steam already! 

Sorry not to see it in Manassas again this year but it was a real thrill seeing it and riding it in 2015 and 2016. Hope to see it back in Northern Virginia/DC area again soon.

I hope to ride it on the Lynchburg - Petersburg leg.  Perhaps someday they'll do a run out of Norfolk.

At least the NS is letting her run.  Thank goodness for that.

I'm glad I rode it this year from Manassas. What are the logistics and operational issues with Manassas? Is it a busy railroad there? Train blocks the crossings in town while it loads and unloads? Is the B line to Front Royal a busy freight line? I understand NS uses that to bypass the NEC by routing freights via Hagerstown to Enola or Newark, NJ coming from the Southern route from Atlanta, Charlotte, etc. Are the other routes less busy? The one runs on the mainline from Greensboro to Hurt, VA then on a less busy line to Roanoke. The Lynchburg to Petersburg route is the ex-N&W to Norfolk. No Asheville again either. Speed restrictions is the reason they said. Does NS go to Richmond? They could do Richmond to Roanoke in the future. Or Charlottesville to Roanoke. No wye at Charlottesville but train could be turned at Manassas overnight if two trips would be done back to back.

Dominic Mazoch posted:

At least the NS is letting her run.  Thank goodness for that.

Quite right, NS is being very gracious and accommodating...Thank you NS!  Looking forward to seeing the 611 out in 2017. 

Nobody goes to Manassas anymore, it's too crowded.