i was on facebook and seen that someone said that workers was disassemble the n&w 611 to maybe see how hard to get her running but i have my doubts just wondering if it was true or not

Don't believe everything you read on the internet, especially Facebook.

She was still sitting in her usual spot on Sunday. There is some touch up work planned on her paint (not a complete repaint) soon, along with some other projects at VMT. There is no reason to take her apart anyway. It is pretty well known what work would be needed to get her running. The starting point would be a check with lots of zero's on it.

For general enlightenment, what work is known to be needed other than the Form 4 boiler work?

Steve

There was some minor firebox work that was needed when she was retired in '94, that would now be addressed as part of the Form 4 work. The lead truck needs to be overhauled, including replacing one thin wheelset. Other than that, she is in very good shape. She has been lubed and moved regularly since her return to the museum. During the festivities held for 611's return to display in 1996, a former member of the NS Steam Crew was asked what it would take to get her running again. (remember that this was prior to the new FRA boiler standards) The totally deadpan response was "coal, water, and a match....."

Ha, I've heard that one before ironically, and dang it if I wish it was all that she needed, along with a huge amount of track to run on.

But, yeah, she's doing fairly well as a static display, which reminds me that I really need to see her and 1218 soon......

Martin

Oh, and I also want to point out in case anyone hadn't noticed in any recent pictures of the J is she has a new headlight. She is now carrying a single beam headlight as she would have during her career with the N&W. During her excursion career with NS, she wore a twin beam. Just wanted to point this out.

Gary, just sent you an email via this website on a related topic.

considering the museum had no idea what happened to the original single-beam at Lerro's photo session last fall, as they said they never saw it again once the engine left Roanoke in 1981, I wonder who stepped forward with a donation?

Rick Rader donated the headlight. It was aquired from Virginia Scrap Iron & Metal before they closed, and was a "new old stock" replacement, probably from East End Shops. 1218 was converted back to a single beam shortly after her return to VMT, using a reflector & socket that was in storage at the museum

Folks,
since this locomotive got so famous during her excursion years; I think that some of you Norfolk & Western fans should raise the money to get a shed roof built over her. She look good now and a shed will keep her looking that way a lot longer.

Ted Miles

I could be wrong, but I believe 611 and 1218 both normally reside under the shed of the Claytor Pavilion of the Virginia Museum of Transportation........

no, you are correct. The only time the engines get moved out from the shed is when NS drags one down to the depot. It's not perfect, and limits photo options, but it certainly slows down any effects from mother nature.

Except for a brief period in 2002 while the pavillion was under construction, 611 has been under cover since her return to the museum in 1996. She does occasionally come out for special events

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=328739

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... ?id=141780

They couldn't hand signs saying, "Do not climb?" Even better, just tack weld some sheet metal and block out the steps on the pilot. The current solution is a bit on the tacky side.