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12/25/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Tom Beckett
Dates:1/1/1981 - 11/30/2011
Album Info:Photos of the Norfolk Southern steam program, primarily NS 611 and 1218, but some others as well.
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Coming into town
Title:  Coming into town
Description:  The NW 1218 trip approaches Manassas on the Strasburg line, rolling past a feel mill in a classic railroad scene.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:18:55 AM
Location:  Manassas, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  421   Comments: 1
S&A 750
Title:  S&A 750
Description:  Savannah & Atlanta 750 leads N&W 611 on a ferry move to Richmond for the 1983 NRHS convention. The interesting thing about this trip was that the fare for the one way trip was $14, vs $19 on Amtrak. Double headed steam, and a bargain to boot!!
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 8/20/2011 12:40:22 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2) NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  2052   Comments: 1
Builders plate
Title:  Builders plate
Description:  NW 611s builders plate, attached to the front of the boiler. Roanoke May 1950. I saw older diesels that trip.
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/17/2013 2:48:43 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  274   Comments: 1
Driving force
Title:  Driving force
Description:  The drivers on NW 611 seein in detail
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/17/2013 2:52:14 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  339   Comments: 1
S&A 750 builders plate
Title:  S&A 750 builders plate
Description:  Alco 1910
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/17/2013 2:53:47 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Steam
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2)
Views:  422   Comments: 1
Straight on
Title:  Straight on
Description:  S&A 750 ready to go south.
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/17/2013 2:57:21 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Steam
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2)
Views:  464   Comments: 1
Getting ready to go
Title:  Getting ready to go
Description:  S&A 750 and N&W 611 take on passengers at Alexandria for a ferry move to get the engines to Richmond for the 1983 NRHS convention. The fare on this train was $14, cheaper than the Amtrak one way ticket for the same points. The George Washington Masonic Memorial is in the background.
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/12/2013 1:08:28 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2) NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  802   Comments: 1
Doubleheader for Richmond
Title:  Doubleheader for Richmond
Description:  S&A 750 leads NW 611 as they take on passengers for their ferry trip to Richmond to position the trains for the following weeks NRHS convention
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/17/2013 2:58:53 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  733   Comments: 2
Smoking it up southbound
Title:  Smoking it up southbound
Description:  The NRHS fery move gets underway at Springfield VA on the RF&P with a pall of smoke.
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/12/2013 1:10:16 AM
Location:  Springfield, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2) NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  641   Comments: 1
Ceremony
Title:  Ceremony
Description:  The Old Dominion Chapter marked their 150th trip on this date. The gent on the left, in white shirt and blue hat, shaking hands, is Jim Bistline, who managed Southerns steam program for many years. I had a chance to chat with him for a few moments, and thank him for all his work bringing steam to those of us "youngsters" who missed it in regular service. Very nice man.
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/17/2013 3:04:13 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Steam
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2)
Views:  623   Comments: 1
Dropping off at Richmond
Title:  Dropping off at Richmond
Description:  The ferry move from Alexandria has arrived at Richmond, and is dropping its passengers. It will spend the next several days getting ready for the NRHS convention the following weekend.
Photo Date:  7/17/1983  Upload Date: 11/18/2013 1:08:01 AM
Location:  Richmond (Amtrak), VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  SA 750(4-6-2) NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  1022   Comments: 1
How to fuel a J
Title:  How to fuel a J
Description:  In the post steam era, putting coal in the tender of a locomotive is not the simple thing it was in the past, when there were facilities for such things. Now one has to be creative. NS was, using this conveyor set up to scoop coal out of a gon to load in 611s tender.
Photo Date:  9/29/1984  Upload Date: 7/8/2014 3:09:27 AM
Location:  Oak Ridge, TN
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  337   Comments: 3
What the engineer sees
Title:  What the engineer sees
Description:  While 611 was taking on coal and water, riders were allowed up to take a look at the cab. This is the view from the right hand side. Lots of gauges to observe
Photo Date:  9/29/1984  Upload Date: 7/8/2014 3:12:18 AM
Location:  Oak Ridge, TN
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  InCab,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  256   Comments: 1
Nose on
Title:  Nose on
Description:  NW 611 at rest while taking on coal.
Photo Date:  9/29/1984  Upload Date: 7/8/2014 3:14:13 AM
Location:  Oneida, TN
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  242   Comments: 1
NW 611 in Tennessee
Title:  NW 611 in Tennessee
Description:  NW 611 does a photo runby on a Lexington KY-Chattanooga trip on the ex Southern "Rathole".
Photo Date:  9/29/1984  Upload Date: 12/3/2011 1:41:26 AM
Location:  Oneida, TN
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 611(4-8-4)
Views:  569   Comments: 2
Odd couple
Title:  Odd couple
Description:  Conrails SEPY pulls up to back into Pot Yard, only to look over and see one of its ancestors in the adjoining Southern yard in a stark contrast of eras.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 2:52:05 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4) CR 6403(SD40-2) CR 6306(SD40)
Views:  699   Comments: 1
Blowing off
Title:  Blowing off
Description:  NW 1218 blows steam out of the sylinders as it gets ready to depart Alexandria for Front Royal.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 2:49:48 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  397   Comments: 1
Cab shot
Title:  Cab shot
Description:  A side view of the cab on NW 1218. Note the fireman in the gangway. Hell be monitoring the water shortly as the tender is filled with!the assistance of the local fire department.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:02:01 AM
Location:  Front Royal, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  643   Comments: 1
Last lap
Title:  Last lap
Description:  The N&W 1218 trip has dropped off its Manassas riders and is now starting on the last leg of the trip into Alexandria.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/22/2015 5:01:05 AM
Location:  Manassas, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  551   Comments: 1
Pouring on the coal
Title:  Pouring on the coal
Description:  NW 1218 lays down a pall of smoke as it rolls under I 66 on the return trip to Alexandria.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:28:10 AM
Location:  Haymarket, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  514   Comments: 1
At the station
Title:  At the station
Description:  NW 1218 rolls up to the Southern station at Manassas. It is still in use by Amtrak, the daily Crescent and tri weekly Cardinal calling here.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:22:19 AM
Location:  Manassas, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  387   Comments: 1
Smoking for photos
Title:  Smoking for photos
Description:  A photo stop was done here at Manassas. We see 1218 smoking it up for the photographers.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:23:54 AM
Location:  Manassas, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  391   Comments: 2
Classic power, classic building
Title:  Classic power, classic building
Description:  The NW 1218 excursion is discharging its Manassas passengers as the steamer sits next to the classic brick building of the Manassas Feed & Milling.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/22/2015 5:04:13 AM
Location:  Manassas, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Station,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  369   Comments: 1
Blasting through
Title:  Blasting through
Description:  I was able to catch the train at Delaplane, where a sizeable contingent of fans was out. It was a nice location, and the A put on a good show as it came through at speed.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:40:39 AM
Location:  Delaplane, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  485   Comments: 2
Here they come
Title:  Here they come
Description:  I staked out this hillside shot for a broadside of NW 1218. When the train arrived, so did the chasers, led by this Checker Marathon taxi. I hope the guy riding gave a good tip!!
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:30:37 AM
Location:  Haymarket, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  369   Comments: 1
Runby
Title:  Runby
Description:  The trip did a runby near, if I recall, Linden. A lot of people got off for the spectacle, which was everything we all expelted.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:42:20 AM
Location:  Linden, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  292   Comments: 1
Re`dy and waiting
Title:  Re`dy and waiting
Description:  One of the things about railroading in general, and excursions in particular, is there is always a lot of waiting. NW 1218 waits for clearance onto the main to back into Alexandrix station now that it has its train together.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 2:55:21 AM
Location:  Alexandria, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  233   Comments: 1
Checking it out
Title:  Checking it out
Description:  A group of fans look over NW 1218 during its service stop in Front Royal.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:11:45 AM
Location:  Front Royal, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  222   Comments: 1
Nose on
Title:  Nose on
Description:  A head on look at NS 1218 during its service stop at Front Royal
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:05:46 AM
Location:  Front Royal, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard,Steam
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  345   Comments: 1
This is how you do it
Title:  This is how you do it
Description:  In the gays of regular passenger service, watering a train was not a big deal, as most terminal stations, and some along the way, had facilities to do it. Now into the second decade/of the Amtrak era, such facilities are hard to come by, so trip operators have to coem up with solutions. For any kind of steam trip, it usually means assistance from the local fire department, which has the equipment to pump a lot of water quickly, such as we see here. The Front Royal fire trucks are connected to the train, and will have it completely watered in fairly short order.
Photo Date:  7/25/1987  Upload Date: 5/18/2015 3:15:50 AM
Location:  Front Royal, VA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  223   Comments: 1
Steam always brings em out.
Title:  Steam always brings em out.
Description:  NW 1218 makes a stop at North East PA on its return trip to Ashtabula, bringing out the locals to see the magnificent engine.
Photo Date:  8/13/1988  Upload Date: 9/1/2015 4:07:52 AM
Location:  North East, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  231   Comments: 1
Rolling hard
Title:  Rolling hard
Description:  NW steam excursions were not a slow ride in the country. They usually ran on busy main lines, and as such, had to keep up the pace. This NW 1218 trip on the ex NKP between Buffalo and Ashtabula was typical, as we see the engine blowing through Silver Creek at speed.
Photo Date:  8/13/1988  Upload Date: 8/30/2015 3:38:38 AM
Location:  Silver Creek, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  287   Comments: 2
In the vineyards
Title:  In the vineyards
Description:  NW 1218 rolls through the vineyards of the Lake Erie region as it gets a good roll going on its way back to Ashtabula from Buffalo. It has just crossed the state line, and is now in PA. Thats I 90 in the background.
Photo Date:  8/13/1988  Upload Date: 9/1/2015 4:15:06 AM
Location:  North East, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  262   Comments: 1
Blasting down the high iron
Title:  Blasting down the high iron
Description:  This NW 1218 trip ran the NKP from Ashtabula to Buffalo and return. The NKP was always a high speed road, and still is. NW excursions were no daisy picker specials. They had to mix in with the regular traffic. NW 1218 is showing shes capable, passing through Westfield at track speed.
Photo Date:  8/13/1988  Upload Date: 9/1/2015 4:19:25 AM
Location:  Westfield, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  258   Comments: 1
Leading the way
Title:  Leading the way
Description:  Steam excursions are a lot of work for the hosting railroad, even one with a lot of experience at it. Some of the unseen parts of the operation are such as this-a hi rail truck preceding the move down the street trackage on 19th St in Erie, making sure the way is clear, and there are no obstacles that might pose a collision problem once the train reaches that section of track.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 2:49:40 AM
Location:  Erie, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  180   Comments: 1
And following
Title:  And following
Description:  NS had a hi rail truck fore and aft on this passage down the famous street running in Erie. Im guessing the folks in the round end obs had a better view.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 2:51:20 AM
Location:  Erie, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  183   Comments: 2
Downtown
Title:  Downtown
Description:  NW 1218 stops downtown at the farthest reach of its trip from Buffalo. The engine will turn here, going back to Girard to wye, then gather up the crowd and return them home.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/24/2016 3:01:34 AM
Location:  Albion, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  246   Comments: 2
Kicking up the dust
Title:  Kicking up the dust
Description:  NW 1218 kicks up the dirt from a street department project as it paddles down 19th St.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 2:54:33 AM
Location:  Erie, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  265   Comments: 2
Watching the trains go by
Title:  Watching the trains go by
Description:  In this case, something quite unusual. The NRHS trip to Albion PA on the B&LE rolls slowly down 19th St on fresh pavement, grabbing the attention of local residents, who are enjoying the view from their porches.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 2:57:42 AM
Location:  Erie, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  246   Comments: 1
Almost there
Title:  Almost there
Description:  NW 1218 rolls through Fairview, almost to the famous street running section of Erie. It held here for an eastbound stack.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 2:59:59 AM
Location:  Fairview, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Signal,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  189   Comments: 2
Onto the B&LE
Title:  Onto the B&LE
Description:  NW 1218 rolls through the connection to the Bessemer & Lake Erie at Girard, west of Erie. Quite a crowd has turned out to see the storied 2-6-6-4.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 3:05:06 AM
Location:  Girard, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  237   Comments: 1
Blasting down the Nickel Plate
Title:  Blasting down the Nickel Plate
Description:  NW 1218 rolls west at a good clip on the former Nickel Plate, showing why it was well known as a fast freight route.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 3:09:44 AM
Location:  Portland, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  159   Comments: 1
NKP signal
Title:  NKP signal
Description:  NW 1218 rolls past a typical example of an NKP traffic light style signal, now a dozen miles out of Buffalo on a Western NY RHS trip to Albion PA on the B&LE.
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 3:14:04 AM
Location:  Wanakah, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  166   Comments: 2
Close and fast
Title:  Close and fast
Description:  NW 1218 rolls past the camera at speed just after passing the signal in an earlier photo. It was an impressive experience!!
Photo Date:  8/11/1990  Upload Date: 1/23/2016 3:16:43 AM
Location:  Wanakah, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  171   Comments: 2
Second best seat in the house
Title:  Second best seat in the house
Description:  After the cab of 1218. The Roakoke Chapters obs brought up the rear of this NW 1218 trip from Conneaut OH to Buffalo.
Photo Date:  6/15/1991  Upload Date: 3/11/2015 2:17:42 AM
Location:  Wanakah, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  132   Comments: 1
Bangin for Buffalo
Title:  Bangin for Buffalo
Description:  NW 1218 is rolling right along as it passes the automatic just under 14 miles from its destination of Buffalo, having run up the ex Nickel Plate from Conneat Ohio. That's the railfan chase vehicle to the right of the signal mast.
Photo Date:  6/15/1991  Upload Date: 3/7/2015 2:57:40 AM
Location:  Wanakah, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Signal,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  143   Comments: 2
NW 1218 at Exchange St
Title:  NW 1218 at Exchange St
Description:  NW 1218 waits for the highball at Amtraks Exchange St station. Todays trip is returning to Conneaut OH on the former Nickel Plate.
Photo Date:  6/15/1991  Upload Date: 11/6/2011 1:57:42 AM
Location:  Buffalo, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  210   Comments: 3
Smoked
Title:  Smoked
Description:  NW 1218 waits to roll west at Exchange St in Buffalo, as I get a good coating of coal smoke from the street.
Photo Date:  6/15/1991  Upload Date: 3/6/2015 3:14:20 AM
Location:  Buffalo, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  148   Comments: 1
Coming down the block
Title:  Coming down the block
Description:  A view from several blocks away shows NW 1218 rolling down 19th st in Erie as several groups of observers wait for it to pass.
Photo Date:  6/15/1991  Upload Date: 3/5/2015 1:25:57 AM
Location:  Erie, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  298   Comments: 2
19th St
Title:  19th St
Description:  NW 1218 rolls down 19th St in Erie as a bicyclist keeps pace.
Photo Date:  6/15/1991  Upload Date: 3/5/2015 1:27:30 AM
Location:  Erie, PA
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Steam,Action
Locomotives:  NW 1218(NW Type A 2-6-6-4)
Views:  281   Comments: 3


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