N&W Powhatan Arrow and J Class Steam
SKU: DVD-SRP-PAOriginal price was: $29.95.$24.95Current price is: $24.95.
Bullet-nose J Class in regular service. (Ships to USA & Canada only.)
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| Producer | Sunday River Productions |
|---|---|
| Narration | Yes |
| Run Time | 35 Minutes |
| Technical Details | Region Code 1, USA and Canada |
Norfolk & Western made the bullet-nose J Class engine as the era of steam was coming to a close. See these amazing precision engines in regular passenger service in the 1950s cruising at 60 MPH over some of the toughest grades in the East. The elegant streamlined “Powhatan Arrow” raced 680 mountain miles in 16 hours behind J Class 4-8-4 thoroughbreds: Norfolk to Cincinnati in a single day. Filmed from on board and at trackside, the DVD captures the real 611 working the Columbus Section of the Arrow on the Scioto Division plus many more streamlined Js on the Pocahontas, the Cavalier and the Pelican. Js meet and pass other Js and overtake Norfolk & Western’s stable of steam, the A and Y class articulateds: true railroad history!
The story of the J Class continues as N&W’s 611 is reborn into excursion and ambassador service in 1982. See the inaugural runs of the reconstructed 611 with a perfectly matched maroon consist almost identical to the “Powhatan Arrow” of history. Aerials show the famed Wells Viaduct and other great trestles. Ride with the mighty Js!
Anonymous –
Originally released in 1982, this program features N&W steam passenger trains in regular service during the ’50s that was captured on film from Mr. & Mrs. Guy & Betty Brant at locations like Williamson, Bluefield, Iaeger, Montgomery Tunnel on Christiansburg Grade, & other unknown destinations. Aside from the J Class Northerns, a quick look at 0-8-0 number 237 switching on a local is included.
Next, we fast forward to August of 1982 as 611 is returned to service for the first time. Part 1 covers the return to Roanoke on August 20 at spots like Birmingham, Coosa River Bridge with Amtrak F40s, Anniston Depot, Route 78 near downtown Atlanta, Gainesville, Toccoa Viaduct, Catawba River Bridge, & Lynchburg. There are also Helicopter angles as well.
Part 2 covers the first fan trip with 611 on September 4 from Lynchburg to Norfolk as there are also some more scenes from the sky as well as a handful of pacing.
Part 3 covers the trip from Roanoke to Alexandria Virginia. A highlight of this journey shows 611 crossing over the James & Tye River Bridges, as well as passing by the stations in Orange & Manassas. Of course, there are more scenes from the sky included as well as some more pacing.
Aside from the Sunday River crew, other producers like Greg Scholl, Hopewell Productions, & Main Line Motion Pictures were also there for the J’s first excursions shortly after being restored in Birmingham.
The disco music was also used on another Sunday River Title: Battle for Blue Ridge from 1978 which was shown in the 1987 video: the Big A-the Sunday River version of 1218’s revival.