Steam & Excursion > The Future of Virginia Mainline Steam

Obviously, mainline steam in the East took a big hit after NS ended their steam program again.  However, I am intrigued with this Washington Post article about Virginia buying up some of the CSX ex-RF&P right-of-way and the entirety of the Buckingham Branch from Doswell to Clifton Forge:  https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,4936695,4936695#msg-4936695

While the focus is on new and expanded passenger rail service, I hope that a state-owned railroad would not be opposed to steam excursions due to a desire to bring tourism dollars into the state.  Possible future opportunities for the 611 and/or 614?  Time will tell...

Steve Gass
B-LineRailfan.Com

I don't know what the future holds for mainline steam, perhaps nothing, but given recent "hell freezing over" moments I'm optimistically looking forward to October. That's all I'll say.

Hope springs eternal. !!!

   Ross Rowland

That was first thing I thought about when tis deal came out

hollywood
NS  B Line MP 74

I wouldn't be suprised considering that the 611 excursions in the state contributed over $4 million dollars in economic impact and even the General Assembly named 611 the official steam locomotive of Virginia.

Maybe by the next 5 years we could 611, and even 614, do excursions from Charlottesville to Clifton Forge and even Alexandria to Richmond (former Broad Street Station). I do remember that the C&O museum in Clifton Forge supposedly has plans to reinstall the former CSX 115 foot turntable on their grounds. Also it has been years since the 611 ran on the RF&P and I'm sure they'll require PTC on that railroad because of the traffic but I don't believe there is PTC on the Buckingham Branch.

And where will they get 14  maroon cars...or doesn't that matter to anyone anymore?

Keystone1 Wrote:
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> And where will they get 14  maroon cars...or
> doesn't that matter to anyone anymore?

Not really. Steam is steam!

Keystone1 Wrote:
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> And where will they get 14  maroon cars...or
> doesn't that matter to anyone anymore?

I’m grateful for mainline steam no matter the consist. Asking for a set of color matched passenger cars is unrealistic to say the least.

Posted from iPhone

Keystone1 Wrote:
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> And where will they get 14  maroon cars...or
> doesn't that matter to anyone anymore?
No, it doesn't to anyone but you Mike, and maybe andersonb109...  But hey you got your wish, no more mismatched consists on the mainline!  Now go enjoy all those pictures you have from 40 yaers ago :)

Keystone1 Wrote:
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> And where will they get 14  maroon cars...or
> doesn't that matter to anyone anymore?
I'm with Oddball...
 

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I don't know...  I guess NCTM and TVRM have some crimson coaches.  I'm like most people who would just be happy to see 611 or 614 running on the mainline with mismatched cars or with VRE cars.  You could always take a broadside shot with just the locomotive, tender, and tool car.  Of course all this is only wishful thinking at this point!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/31/20 17:34 by B-LineRailfan.

Lol, I used to read Mike Eagleson In Search of Steam Column all the time in my dad's Railroad / Railfan Magazine! 

Yes....and he is STILL searching for steam.

I hate to give some bad news - but when CSX has previously spun off lines in the last decade or so, they have crafted the agreement to forbit passenger trains.  I know of one pro-passenger shortline on the northern end of the system who took over operation of a CSX line, and tried and tried to get the rights to run passenger trains - but CSX would never allow it.  So don't get your hopes up yet with this takeover.

ctjacks Wrote:
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> I hate to give some bad news - but when CSX has
> previously spun off lines in the last decade or
> so, they have crafted the agreement to forbit
> passenger trains.  I know of one pro-passenger
> shortline on the northern end of the system who
> took over operation of a CSX line, and tried and
> tried to get the rights to run passenger trains -
> but CSX would never allow it.  So don't get your
> hopes up yet with this takeover.

I not sure how they'll do that considering that the state wants more passenger service (especially on the RF&P). I do remember specifically on the RF&P that the state will own half of the right-of-way and CSX will still own the other half. In the case of Ashland, CSX will own one track and the state will own the other track.

ctjacks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I hate to give some bad news - but when CSX has
> previously spun off lines in the last decade or
> so, they have crafted the agreement to forbit
> passenger trains.  I know of one pro-passenger
> shortline on the northern end of the system who
> took over operation of a CSX line, and tried and
> tried to get the rights to run passenger trains -
> but CSX would never allow it.  So don't get your
> hopes up yet with this takeover.

I believe those conditions were part of a lease agreement, not purchase. You own you, you can do what you want on it...

Keystone1 Wrote:
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> And where will they get 14  maroon cars...or
> doesn't that matter to anyone anymore?

Beggars can't be choosers some days!