NORFOLK AND WESTERN 611 THE EARLY YEARS

One of the most famous fantrip engines of the 80s and 90s was Norfolk and Western Class J number 611. Now in 2014-15 it is being restored to operation once again. So, lets turn back the clock to the first restoration in the early 80's and see the action of 611 in 1982 and 1983. First we see the finishing touches on the engine at Birmingham, before the train heads east on the Southern Mainline for a trip to Roanoke.

Later we see the first run east on Blue Ridge Grade as it heads to Norfolk for the first time. We also catch a neat trip to Bluefield, where it would run a roundtrip to Iaeger and back the following day, through the mountainous Pocahontas Division. We also have a bit of history of the 611 in this show, including a little bit of 1950's film footage. Back to the 80s we have a good bit of 1982 footage, then continue with several trips in 1983, including scenes at Shaffer's crossing roundhouse in Roanoke, and a run toward Atlanta. Later we are back In Roanoke for 2 days of the Independence Limited, chasing as far as Bluefield and Portsmouth, Ohio. This features one of our favorite spots at Cooper, WV where it exits a tunnel onto a high curved bridge with the town down below.

Later in 1983 we see 611 making a one-way trip to Portsmouth hauling a fast trailer train at 60 mph, and at Portsmouth, the engine is turned, and takes another short freight on the Peavine toward Cincinnati. We finish up with a few scenes of 611 on the former CNO&TP south from Cincinnati including Erlanger Hill. 611 does all the work as there were no diesel helpers on any of these early trips. If you are a fan of 611 you will find this show to be one of your favorites with tons of great action.

80 Minutes $29.95