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The 611 Flue's Arrive!
The new flues arrived are waiting to be installed. In the next few weeks, team of steam specialists will install the rear flue sheet. Once the rear flue sheet is installed, the tubes, flues and superheaters will be re-installed into the massive boiler.
 | | The new flues. Photo by Scott Lindsay |
Staybolt caps, stoker screw,
appliance repair
The flexible staybolt inspection and cap project is practically complete. The mechanical team will make repairs to less than 10 sleeves which, when repaired, will complete this required and important portion of the 1,472 day inspection. Work also continues on the stoker screw, the tender deck and appliance repair on the hot water pumps. Making the 611 shiny
The team has also re-chromed various pieces for the 611. The cab valve handles, throttle quadrant, injector quadrant, hand rail stantions and other key pieces have been re-chromed so that the 611 looks just like she did when she rolled out of the shops in 1950.
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Mechanical Volunteer Spotlight
Larry Stanfill helps the 611 come alive
In early June, Larry Stanfill arrived at Streamliners at Spencer to see the incredible line up of locomotives. He expected to stay a few days.
 | Larry Stanfill works on the staybolts.
Photo by Scott Lindsay. |
He's still there.
That's because he took one look at the 611 and knew that he wanted to be a part of her restoration. "I heard the call for volunteers and decided to fill out an application," he says. "I'm glad I did."
Larry volunteers two days per week and is enjoying the tedious process of restoring the locomotive. "I'm impressed most by her size," he says. "It's amazing to see how the 611 was designed and engineered."
Larry's time in the restoration bay has seen him sorting through mechanical drawings, cleaning and inspecting staybolts and helping in any way he can. "I've gotten to know all 2200 of those staybolts," he says. "That's a lot of staybolts."
Larry has loved trains since he was "knee high to a grasshopper," he says. "I love steam locomotives. It's almost like they're alive - you can hear them breathing. I think it's a good thing we're restoring the 611. It will remind people how the railroad helped build our country."
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We're looking for mechanical volunteers!
Our mechanical team has received thousands of hours of help from dedicated volunteers. Much of our progress is due to their hard work.
We are still looking for individuals willing to help in the rebuild process in Spencer. Volunteers get t
o participate in important tasks, and learn what steam locomotive repair is all about. Everyone must be able to pass a basic background check. Beyond that we provide all training and instruction.
 | Will Sadler, one of our mechanical volunteers,
works in the boiler. Photo by Preston Claytor. |
We are particularly interested in volunteers with weekday availability. We also try to give precedence to those who can volunteer during vacations and larger blocks of time (4 days or more.)
No experience is necessary, but the following criteria are especially appreciated:
* Individuals with heavy mechanical skills
* The ability to lift 50 pounds or more
* Machinist skills
* Sheet metal skills
Click here to apply.
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Protect. Preserve. Sustain.
Join the 611 Society
Help us protect, preserve and sustain the Class J 611 for future generations!
 UPDATE: The 611 Magazine will be mailed in the next few weeks! We're putting the finishing touches on the design and updating information.
The 611 Society is an annual membership program designed to protect the investment of rail fans around the world in the Class J 611. By becoming a member of the 611 Society, you help to ensure that the Virginia Museum of Transportation keeps the 611 in top condition so that future generations can experience the beauty and power of the last J-Class locomotive in the world.
Members of the 611 Society will receive the 611 Magazine, a celebration of the history, design, power and beauty of the Class J 611 Steam Passenger Locomotive.
Every issue blends rich articles and amazing photography with the expertise of the historians of the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the Norfolk & Western Historical Society and the National Railway Historical Society. The 611 Magazine will be published four times per year.
The first issue of the 611 Magazine will be published later this month!
Join today and receive a FREE copy of the All Aboard Commemorative Guide! |
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Fundraising continues for the
Preservation and Education Facility
 Like what you see happening in the roundhouse at the North Carolina Transportation Museum? Then help us build the Preservation and Education Facility at the Virginia Museum of Transportation so we can preserve, maintain and sustain the 611 for generations to come. The Facility will house the 611, allow us to keep her in top operating form and protect the donations that rail fans worldwide have invested in the iconic locomotive.
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Fire Up 611!
303 Norfolk Avenue SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
Thank you for your support!
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© Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc.
vmt.org | fireup611.org
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