SPENCER, N.C. — Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, restored to life at the N.C. Transportation Museum in 2015, will return to Spencer in 2019 for special events this fall and into spring. The 611, a National Historic Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, has an enormous fan base and is beloved by museum visitors. It is currently at Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania.
A wide range of opportunities are being offered to experience this historic steam locomotive.
Special events will be held Nov. 1-3, giving visitors a chance to see the 611, enjoy a cab tour and blow the whistle, photograph the locomotive, take a caboose ride behind the train, and to take the throttle of this steam-powered behemoth.
VIP locomotive tours will be held Nov. 1. The $35 one hour sessions will include a presentation on the 611's recent operations, a visit to the cab of the engine and a chance to blow the whistle.
Nov. 2 and 3 will offer "At the Throttle" sessions, allowing visitors to operate the 611 under the supervision of a qualified engineer. These half hour sessions are $611 per half hour. "Be the Fireman" puts the visitor in the fireman's seat, keeping the locomotive running strong. A half hour session is $305.50. "Jump Seat Cab Rides" provide an up close view of the action in the cab of the 611 and are offered for $100/half hour. During these sessions, the 611 will be pulling an authentic N&W caboose. Visitors can ride along for just $10, plus museum admission.
On Nov. 2, the museum will offer a nighttime photo shoot from 7pm - 10pm with the 611 posed at the Bob Julian Roundhouse. It will be a chance to capture your Christmas card images with scenes inspired by Norfolk & Western holiday advertising. This photo shoot is $30 per person.
Event times and tickets are available now at www.nctrans.org/Events/611.aspx