N&W 1218, Rebuilt & Roanoke Bound

Norfolk and Western 2-6-6-4 #1218 is the only Class A that survives. In 1986 it was sent to Birmingham, Alabama for the Irondale shop forces to work their magic and bring this locomotive back to life. We get an exclusive visit to see some of the restoration work in the fall of 1986, as we see various parts being worked on, as the engine is separated from the boiler and much work is being done. Then in March of 1987, we are back in Birmingham for a test-run of 1218. This was nice as the engine pulled a freight train, which even included a caboose on the rear. After switching was done at Wilton, the 1218 took another freight back to Birmingham. On this trip the whistle was sounding a bit off, and was later fixed. Piney Woods trestle provided one of the highlights of this trip. Then in April we follow 1218 with 5 tuscan red coaches as it travels to Roanoke for its homecoming run. This trip was not without incident, but the train made it on the scheduled time. The first weekend of public excursions is shown with some scenes to Bluefield, turning on the wye, and then the following day trips. The Sunday trips were 2 runs, that included a morning trip up Blue Ridge Grade to Lynchburg and return, and an afternoon run from Roanoke to Walton and back. Several nice shots on grades are seen on this day. Norfolk and Western 1218 was indeed back in operation. The locomotive last operated in 1991, and was in the process of rebuilding when the steam operations ceased in 1994. It is now on display at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia.