N&W 611 The (Not Quite) Final Excursion
SKU: DVD-VVP-NW611$19.95
This program preserves what was thought to be the “final chapter” in the operating history of N&W 611.
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| Producer | Valhalla Video Productions |
|---|---|
| Narration | Yes |
| Run Time | 56 minutes |
| Technical Details | No Region Code |
611 is back in steam and back on the mainline! This program preserves what was thought to be the “final chapter” in the operating history of Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 J Class locomotive No. 611. This is the 1994 “Final Excursion”.
Norfolk Southern announced the end of its steam program, effective with the final excursion of N&W 611 on December 3, 1994. That cold Fall day gave us spectacular scenes of 611 steaming from Birmingham, Alabama through hills and valleys to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Two days later 611 left for her “ferry trip” back home to Roanoke. See all the action of her last five days under steam, including her arrival in Roanoke flying black flags.
Read the poignant inscription on her cab: “I am the thoroughbred of steam – Born to run – Born to be free – Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do!” No other streamlined steam locomotive can match the sheer power and excitement of the 611, with her throaty whistle and coal-fired smoke. Spoiler alert. This was NOT the final excursion. 🙂
jeremyschultz7 –
If you love Norfolk and Western 611, or just big steam locomotives in general, you will enjoy this DVD very much. All the footage of 611’s last five days under steam in December 1994 on this program was gathered from a variety of sources and put together in such an orderly, attractive manner. At the time, this really was the last excursion before Norfolk Southern would permanently terminate its famous Steam Program. Our beloved Queen Of Steam has now returned again for a third career beginning in 2015. However, you still do not want to miss out on owning an exciting journey back in time to her original glory days under steam on NS rails. This DVD is worth every penny. You will not be disappointed.
Ron –
Valhalla & Goodheart Productions were the only 2 cameramen to capture the final excursion run of N&W 611 in December 1994 as it ran from Birmingham, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee and return. Valhalla crew however recorded the last length of 611 between December 6 & 7 to Roanoke where she was built.
rickyfreni –
As this program contains the farewell move of 611’s excursion service, there is also a final one way ferry move from Salisbury to Roanoke with a small freight. Which Consists of 1 hopper, 1 gondola, 2 boxcars (1 railbox, & 1 BN), and another Gondola. In the Closing credits, a visit to the Birmingham Shops on December 2nd was shown which contains C&O 2716 in its 1981-1982 Scheme.
aw –
Not a major steam fan but this is an exception. The video was beautifully done, with lots of run bys. I missed my chance to see her in action when I was a kid and I am glad I was able to see it on video.
John S. –
Thankfully the title of this video isn’t correct now, it wasn’t 611’s final excursion but at the time it sure looked like it would be. Now that 611 is in it’s second career as an excursion locomotive it’s interesting to watch this video and look back at her last excursion before a long rest sitting cold in the museum. It’s a must have video if you are a fan of the NW 611!
Kevin Willie –
Good Video