Steam & Excursion > 611 WV Excursion Train Proposal

There was apparently a recent article in a local newspaper that the city of Princeton, WV wants to start an excursion train (summer and possibly Christmas) with N&W 611 to go from Princeton to Mullens on the former Virginian. However, I heard the line between Elmore and Princeton was mothballed or taken out of service years ago.

---

If NS allows it, it can happen.
Trackage is OOS between Elmore and Princeton, but reportedly is regularly inspected.
Part of Princeton yard has been repurposed, but it appears there is enough left to allow a passenger operation.
I personally would like to see Princeton-Kellysville in the mix.

"...railway course...".  That's a new one...

I would ride it

Is Princeton area able to support ridership beyond the initial year or so?  Are the area big roads and hotels for out of town travelers?

could 611 and Princeton get into a bidding war with Virginia?

How would that work?  How does it work now?   My Town offers X thousand dollars to 611 ( VMT) Bring your engine and cars.  My Town gets Y% of ticket sales and pays for track maintenance and leasing yard space etc.  I could see that the devil is in the details in a hurry

Princeton is one of those interstate towns today on the intersection of I-77 and US 460, so it has more 'stuff' in it that most small towns, at least on the outskirts.  8 or 9 chains.

The other thing it has going for it is a newly-built railroad museum that functions as a potential passenger depot off the Virginian side, fairly large building, new, ADA accessible.

https://www.princetonrailroadmuseum.com/

https://cityofprinceton.org/departments/princeton-railroad-museum/

And the Virginian 'parallel route' was part of a bidirectional main line under NS for a while, signalled, and welded rail.   

So don't pass the idea off as wishful thinking.