The Virginia Museum of Transportation announced Friday that it is launching a study whether or not to bring back the Norfolk and Western 611 steam locomotive.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation launched the Fire Up 611 Committee to study the feasibility to bring back the locomotive. If a recommendation is made to bring back the 611, a non-profit group will be launched to begin fundraising.
The study is expected to take between 60 and 90 days.
The 611 was built in 1950, and retired from passenger rail service in 1959. In 1962 it was moved to the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Norfolk Southern restored the train in 1981, and it ran excursions until 1994.
Click here for more information about the restoration effort.
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Original story from February 22
The Virginia Museum of Transportation has scheduled a news conference Friday morning.
While the museum isn't providing specifics, this could be an announcement that relates to the future of 611, Roanoke's historic steam locomotive, and the possibility that it might one day roll under its own power again.
The news release promises information on a "strategic undertaking." Museum leaders, representatives of the National Railway Historical Society and the Norfolk and Western Historical Society will be there.
The 611 entered service in 1950, and it returned to the rails after Norfolk Southern refurbished the engine in the early 80s.
We know there is widespread interest in seeing 611 run again. We know that Norfolk Southern has pursued its 21st century Steam Program with other locomotives. The big question mark is what it will take and how much it would cost to get 611 running again.
We don't have confirmation from the museum. Specifics will have to wait until the news conference, but rail buffs and fans of the 611 should stay tuned for what could be an interesting announcement Friday.
