Tens of thousands of people contribute millions to communities on 611 excursion routes.
Turns out, smiles and goose bumps were not the only byproducts of the Norfolk and Western Class J 611 steam passenger locomotive’s historic return to the rails this past summer.
Following two decades spent in retired silence, the 65-year-old engine’s restoration and triumphant return resulted in an estimated $4.5 to $7 million of total economic impact in the Virginia communities she visited, with excursion passengers in Roanoke alone accounting for an estimated $549,300 of outside money spent in Roanoke in 2015.
“Over the course of just five weekends, the 611 hauled 10,000 passengers and attracted 200,000 rail enthusiasts, families and individuals to excursion cities and Norfolk Southern rail lines along 611’s route,” said Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr., Virginia Museum of Transportation executive director. “Proving her intense draw, more than 60,000 individuals representing 40 different states, the District of Columbia, Canada, England, Australia and Japan traveled 100 miles or more to see the Roanoke-born locomotive under steam again.”
The Virginia Museum of Transportation, home to the unique bullet-nosed locomotive, celebrated the completion of the yearlong 611 restoration that took place at the North Carolina Transportation Museum with participation in Norfolk Southern Corporation’s 21st Century Steam Excursion Program.
The five excursion weekends featuring the 611 kicked-off on June 6 with “The American” excursion running from the Manassas Train Depot to Front Royal’s Riverton Junction. City officials estimate that 30,000 people attended the Manassas Rail Heritage Festival in 2015, the largest turnout in the event’s 21-year history.
“The City of Manassas welcomed the 611 with open arms and a key to the city,” Manassas Mayor Harry J. Parrish, II, said. “The City’s new slogan, ‘Historic Heart, Modern Beat’ was epitomized by 611’s visit and we can’t thank the 611 team enough.”
“Roanoke is fortunate to have a unique railroad heritage not found anywhere else in the world,” Landon Howard, Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau president, said. “The 611 is admired by train-lovers everywhere, and last summer’s return home had a huge, positive economic impact on our visitor economy.”
Train enthusiasts were not the only onlookers interspersed among the sea of thousands standing on tip toe to catch a glimpse of the iconic locomotive.
“The economic impact is so extraordinary because the audience that came out to support the 611’s return was so broad,” Jim Stump, Forward 611 Committee chairman said. “The men, women and children who turned out in droves along the miles of tracks and in downtown Roanoke were not exclusively train fans. Some recalled family stories that involved the 611, some appreciated the historic nature of her return to the rails and others just wanted to see an impressive piece of American made machinery. No matter what drove them to see her, they all came away with a memory they’ll never forget.”
“As the most advanced steam locomotive operating in the United States, and just one of a few anywhere in the world, J 611 has incredible drawing power,” said Fitzpatrick. “When we announced 611’s restoration, we expected that the engine under steam would provide a powerful economic asset to the communities on its routes. Thanks to Norfolk Southern and its 21st Century Steam Program, that prediction came true. As 611’s home, the Roanoke Valley in particular will see the benefits generated by 611 for years to come.”
The Class J locomotives plus engines from two other classes were part of a powerhouse trio known as the Norfolk & Western’s Giants of Steam. The last existing engine of each of these classes is now on display at the Virginia Museum of Transportation: the Class J 611™, Class A 1218 and the Class Y6a 2156*. In an effort to safeguard the “Big Three,” the Virginia Museum of Transportation is raising funds to build a Preservation and Education Facility. The three-track, climate controlled facility will allow the Museum to protect the investment in 611 made by thousands of 611 fans from around the world who have contributed to the Fire Up 611! capital campaign.
Donations to the Fire Up 611! Campaign can be made at fireup611.org.
