2. Railroad Photography
  3. Scenic Railroads, Museums and Special Excursions

N&W 611 on Blue Ridge and Christiansburg Districts, Memorial Day Weekend 2017

For three days on Memorial Day Weekend the fully restored Norfolk & Western Class J #611 ran out of Roanoke on the Blue Ridge and Christiansburg districts of the Norfolk Southern Railroad (formerly Norfolk and Western). The locomotive was running on home rails just as it did in 1950 when it was built at the Roanoke locomotive shops of the Norfolk & Western. The last day of the three excursions marked the 67th birthday for the "Queen of Steam."
Read More
On the first trip of the weekend the infamous 611 heads through Bonsack bound for Lynchburg, 5-27-17.
1 / 28

On the first trip of the weekend the infamous 611 heads through Bonsack bound for Lynchburg, 5-27-17.

  • On the first trip of the weekend the infamous 611 heads through Bonsack bound for Lynchburg, 5-27-17.
  • The times are a changin.' N&W 611 passes the brand new signal bridge at Villamont. Until recently the Blue Ridge District was guarded by original Norfolk & Western "CP" signals. The new signals just do not look right with the classic steam engine, 5-27-17.
  • The "Powhatan Arrow" heads West through Bedford on the first of six excursions out of Roanoke for Memorial Day Weekend 2017. The 611 will take 2 trips to Lynchburg and 4 trips to Walton in these three days, 5-27-17.
  • N&W 611 brings "The Powhatan Arrow" into Roanoke with the original Norfolk & Western headquarters building (now apartments) in the background. The construction in the foreground is progress on the new Roanoke Amtrak Station which if happens as planned will restore passenger service to Roanoke, 5-27-17.
  • The Westbound "Pocahontas" crosses under the old Virginian Railways Main in Wabun headed for Christiansburg on the Saturday afternoon trip. The old Virginian line is now the Norfolk Southern Whitethorne District, 5-27-17.
  • N&W 611 brings "The Pocahontas" up the steep grade through Shawsville on the first of the long weekend runs to Walton, 5-27-17
  • The beautifully restored "Silver Solarium" coach from the famous California Zephyr train had the honor of being the last coach on the NW 611 excursions out of Roanoke on Memorial Day Weekend of 2017. The neon sign was glowing proudly offering a view from the good old days, 5-27-17.
  • On the return trip from Walton NS 958 "The Pocahontas" lead by the infamous 611 crosses the bridge over the Roanoke River in Wabun, 5-27-17.
  • As the fog burns off over the Blue Ridge Mountains "The Powhatan Arrow" passes through the Village of Webster bound for Lynchburg on the morning run, 5-28-17.
  • The "Powhatan Arrow" highballs West on the Blue Ridge District headed for Lynchburg and return, 5-28-17.
  • This setting was once the home of original Norfolk & Western color position light signals. Just a few weeks ago they were torn down to make way for modern signals that allow for positive train control (PTC). The image was captured from where the CPLs used to be, 5-28-17.
  • After overtaking intermodal train 23G at John Farm in Shawsville "The Pocahontas" charges up the Christiansburg Grade and passes the rock cut at Friendship Road. The two trains were side by side from Salem to Shawsville, much to the disappointment of many railfans and photographers that were positioned on the firemen's side of the train, 5-29-17.
  • N&W 611 heads East for Roanoke with "The Pocahontas" and crosses over the South Fork Roanoke River in Elliston, 5-28-17.
  • California Zephyr train had the honor of being the last coach on the NW 611 excursions out of Roanoke on Memorial Day Weekend of 2017. The neon sign was glowing proudly offering a view from the good old days, 5-28-17.
  • 67 years to the day she was born, N&W 611 charges through the Hollows of Wabun with the Westbound "Pocahontas" bound for Walton, 5-29-17.
  • 67 years to the day she was born, N&W 611 charges through the Hollows of Wabun with the Westbound "Pocahontas" bound for Walton, 5-29-17.
  • Not long after making the flip at Walton, the 'Pocahontas" heads East for Roanoke under the Vickers Coaling Tower, 5-29-17.
  • 67 years to the day she was born, N&W 611 heads through the Elliston flats passing "The Big Tree" with "The Pocahontas." 5-29-17.
  • The Eastbound "Pocahontas" heads into Salem, 5-29-17.
  • On the final run of the weekend The Queen of Steam brings the Westbound "Pocahontas" through Elliston. The train is seen passing the Big Spring Mill which is a operating 1930s vintage grain mill, 5-29-17.

  • Kevin Poynor

    on August 30, 2017

    Nice shot. Great exhaust on this superb loco.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.