The locomotive was fired all day and achieved its maximum working boiler pressure of 300 psi. The crew opened the throttle to blow out the ports on the pistons and valves and took the opportunity to celebrate by blowing a Class J Hancock three-chime long-bell whistle. A few minor pipefitting leaks were noted, but otherwise the steam test was a success. The safety valves will be set at the next fire up. Meanwhile the tender is getting painting and lettering.
“We’re ready for insulation next,” Fire Up 611! Chief Mechanical Officer Scott Lindsay tells Trains News Wire. “The test was a success from every aspect.”
The locomotive will mark its 65th birthday next month. It is expected that the locomotive will return under its own power to its home at the Virginia Museum of Transportation and pull excursions on Norfolk Southern in 2015, although a timetable for this and a schedule have not been set.
Restoration work on No. 611 began in June 2014. Trains Magazine will provide comprehensive coverage of the return to steam with a special magazine, 611 in Steam, available in July and with a DVD available in October, as well as online with Trains News Wire and in regular issues.
I tend to not agree with all Mr. Benham in NY says; but getting B&M Pacific 3713 back in steam after 20 or so years of effort at Steamtown is a most worthy endeavor! Big steam has been missing in New England for far too long!
Looks like a NASA rocket engine test. Leave off the "dinner jacket", it looks better that way!
The only thing sweeter would be the return of N&W 1218 as well, maybe that's a future surprise? *Crossing fingers and toes while wishing*
It's exciting to see steam making a comeback, hopefully mainline excursion will get more favorable with the big railroad companies soon, otherwise we'll run short of places to run steam :/ But happy to see steam making the comeback that it is!
Fact of the matter is the appetite and resources for steam restoration exist, especially when the plan is well thought out. The logical next step is the recreation of classics for which no examples were, short-sightedly, preserved. No shortage of candidates for that list.
Wow – I've never seen anything like this video! Excellent! Can't wait to see 611 on the road.
This is definitely a major milestone, but there's no time for the crew to celebrate. They have a rebuild to complete.
It may be April fools day, but believe this! Now, how about getting B&M 3713 out of the shop and on the road!
Why am I reminded of a dinosaur waking up after a long sleep?
Love that blast of steam from the valve housings! Like a roar of triumph! Like Godzilla victorious! Like the South rising again!
God has a special place in Heaven for those who brought her back!
LONG LIVE 611!