On May 21, 2015, Norfolk & Western Class J #611 returned to the mainline for the first time since December 7, 1994. The occasion was a test run from Spencer to Greensboro, NC and return in preparation for the upcoming Norfolk Southern steam season. The weather featured everything from overcast to rain and finally sun, as the 611 handled a matching 9-car tuscan red consist on the former Southern Railway main line. I've also included one shot from the previous day under clear skies with the 611 posing on the turntable at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, the former Southern Railway repair facility.
Very cool to see the 611 under steam on the mainline once more. Wasn’t sure if I would ever get the chance after watching the last car fade from view at Ridgecrest, NC on October 16, 1994. Very interesting times we live in.
Kevin
