"i Have Got To Get Me One Of These!"

A real beauty!

Right about now - I'm sure there are quite a few folks that wish summer were sooner rather than later - unfortunately - I am not one of those. I do not look forward to a hot steamy summer - although this year - we are planning on Montana, perhaps 3 whole weeks - more likely just two - until the credit card begins to bounce.

John, your photograph, "Norfolk & Western #611" takes me back to my childhood and the house I grew up in about half a mile from Erie Lackawanna train tracks in the 1950's when a train (seemed) to come through town every 30 minutes or so. Use to hear the whistle while I layed in bed at night and wondered where that train was headed. Thanks for the memories and great shot! Can't wait for spring and summer too.



Bill Tomsa

http://billtomsa.blogspot.com/

An article in a Roanoke newspaper about the 611's restoration --

http://www.roanoke.com/life/steam-engine-s-return-to-glory/article_b867b09f-6c48-54f4-9aa5-fa7603c45778.html

They fired up the N&W 611 for the first time since 1994 today in the ongoing process of restoring her to active duty later this year. I'd like to think they chose today because it is my birthday, but it could have been a coincidence.

Happy birthday, Joseph! I'm sure that's what they were thinking LOL....

Happy Birthday Joseph!

Happy Birthday!! To many more....

Dave

Well, they announced at 6:11 this morning that the N&W 611 will be under steam this summer and making multiple runs out of Roanoke after a 21 year hiatus.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/local/roanoke/restored-train-to-steam-into-roanoke-on-may/article_2cba9243-bed9-5e9b-ab20-1a47810fa028.html

Really bittersweet for me because my son and I -- and even my wife -- have been looking forward to it since before they even made the official announcement they were bringing her out of retirement. But with how the family situation has changed, I doubt we will be able to make it up.

May 30th it leaves Spencer, NC to head back home to Roanoke. This trip will be crazy with a convoy of cars following it. As it gets closer to Roanoke, I'm sure the TV stations will follow on land and maybe in air. It will be a site to see.

Joseph,

Sorry to hear you won't be able to make the anticipated event, but hopefully there will others in the future.