A message from the executive director at the
Virginia Museum of Transportation

To 611's friends all over the world:

 

It's been about three weeks since our big announcement about our plans to study the restoration and operation of the N&W Class J 611. We have been overwhelmed with your response, and we thank you! To date,

  • 3,300 people have completed our survey
  • 2,500 people have signed up for this newsletter
  • Donations have been received from 29 states and four foreign counties

Your enthusiasm is essential as we go forward with this study! Our initial investigation of 611 indicates that she's in pretty good shape, having been retired with care by the same individuals who are working now to study her restoration. This situation gives us confidence that a restoration may be possible, but that is not the only hurdle we face in moving forward.

 

If we are to operate 611, we have to be prepared to maintain her. With no shop facilities available in Roanoke, it is becoming obvious to the study committee that we will need to build a shop in order to provide the care she will require. This cost will have to be included in the amount we would need to raise before 611 can run again. We are now looking into the requirements for such a facility.

 

The potential logistics of operating 611 is the third big question under study. Your survey responses and comments are helping us understand the kinds of excursions that would be popular and what ticket prices would be reasonable. We must take all of that into account as we put together a business plan. The bottom line is that the Virginia Museum of Transportation does not have funding that can underwrite excursions.
Ticket sales must be able to cover our costs. Our hope is to be able to establish a reasonable ticket price that will enable the trips to operate at a profit-with all profits going back to support the Museum's stewardship of 611.

 

We are so excited with your enthusiastic response to our dream to Fire Up 611! The comments on the survey and the donations received to date inspire us, and let us know how deeply you care. Please continue to share our news with everyone you know. Ask them to visit FireUp611.org and take our survey.  

 

Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr.

Executive Director

Virginia Museum of Transportation

 

What you're thinking.What you're saying.
Fire Up 611
Initial Survey Results

Over 3,000 people have taken our Fire Up 611 Survey. The survey responses will help the Fire Up 611 Committee decide if operating the Class J 611 can be successful.

Here are the initial results:
  • 92% are male 
  • 78% are extremely interested in trains (Only 4 people are not very interested in trains. Don't worry. We'll get them to love the Class J 611.) 
  • 84% are fans of steam locomotives 
  • 74% are fans of the Class J 611 
  • 43% have ridden a steam excursion more than 10 times
  • 47% have never been to VMT
  • 75% plan to make a donation if the study's results are positive

In your words... 
Our favorite comments from
the Fire Up 611 Survey  

I am filling this out while on a rail tour of England. Do I get the
Photo courtesy of Jeff Hawkins.
prize for responding while furthest away from Roanoke?

(We've had respondents from Australia and New Zealand, too!)   

611 has, and always will be one of my favorite steam locomotives. Despite being born a few years late to see her operate, I was finally able to see her on display in 2011. It was quite an experience, being able to stand "eye to eye" with the beast, viewing the fine craftsmanship of an era long gone. I very much so look forward to her restoration, so not only those who currently appreciate the 611's true power and beauty can see her in operation, but so those of a younger generation can see what made American railroading, and craftsmanship so wonderful.   
     
It is very important to preserve some portion of this country's history and steam railroading history. For education & enjoyment. You never know what will trigger the mind of a young person to learn and grow.    

This survey gave me cause to reflect. I have looked at the photos of myself at Roanoke in 1984 with N&Ws finest (and the H8, the GG1 and so much more). 611 looks as young and fit as she ever was...I seem to have aged some (but my wife is still as beautiful as she was then...just like 611).    
     
First 611,then 1218 again plus the UP Big Boy. Then we scan for others. (lots of people are asking us to restore a Big Boy. There's just one problem with that...)   
      
Thank you for looking into this engine. It's nice to see there are people that don't look at steam engines as junk. I hope this works out for the 611.   
   
I am glad to see that this project is being considered. Time for us railfans to put up or shut up with our griping of, "The 611 needs to be restored." I hope to see the 611 steaming again in the near future. I don't care how long it takes, as long as its done properly, she deserves only the best.    
The museum should be commended for finally bringing this to the table. The 611 should be "alive" and doing what it is intended to do. It should be a rolling museum instead of a museum piece. Thanks for your consideration.   
    
Thank you for your efforts to get this National Treasure going again! You are my heroes!         
Please hurry as I am getting older.   
     
It's easy for me to remember how much my son weighed at birth: 6lbs 11oz.
 
I've been waiting for this day since 1994. I'm 50 years old and before I pass on I hope and pray I get to see and hear the 611 steam through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia! Thanks and Good Luck!   
  
My son has also asked that we put his allowance towards this...    

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