Steam & Excursion > C&O 614 and N&W 611

April 22, 2011 was my first time ever seeing C&O 614 and the first time I saw class J 611 since it was running in the early 1990s. It was bittersweet to see the 611 again as a museum piece rather than the living, breathing, powerful working locomotive I remember.

I asked a lady working in the gift shop if she heard any rumors about 611 running again now that NS is restarting its steam program. She said, no, but there is always hope.

S.P. Gass
http://lowtechtimes.com
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I like the banner, and your photos prove they are true thoroughbreds. I don't remember seeing pictures of C&O 614 before, that's a nice looking engine.

Nathan

I visited back on April 9th. It was the first time I've ever seen the 611 (and 1218), and the first time in 16 years since I've seen 614 (she was in pieces at New Hope back in '96). Fantastic museum, good lookin' engines. Just waiting on a fusee and some coal in their fireboxes.... ;)

Could these locos run again now or would they have to be torn down and inspected?

Just add water, strike a match........

Sorry, none of these fine machines are ready to run. They all need FRA Certification and varying degrees of work and BIG $$$$$ to make that happen.

Thanks, I'm not that familiar with the FRA rules, but the 611 was operable when placed in the museum. I think the 614 (and 1218) would both need some more work. 614 since moved to C&O Railway Heritage Center in Clifton Forge, VA.

Here are a couple more pics:

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#1218 was in the middle of an extensive overhaul when NS called it quits on steam in '95. If you opened the smokebox or firebox door you could see clear through to the other end. Tubes, flues, grates are all absent, and the new firebox which was being installed is just tack-welded in. Lots of work and $$$ to get #1218 running again!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/06/11 18:15 by davew833.