Visiting N&W J Class #611

Ye Olde Photographer learned that a number of special events/operations would be happening in the fall. The Strasburg Railroad has regular tourist rides and also hauls a bit of freight but in recent years has become a source for steam locomotive repairs and has the facilities to do federally mandated boiler inspections.

Norfolk &Western #611, now owned by the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, has been in Strasburg for some time for such inspections and maintenance. When the work was completed a series of events were scheduled — chances to go through the cab, and several opportunities for guided photography workshops, including at night. The fimal activities were essentially the standard tourist rides between East Strasburg and Leaman Junction, but using #611. This was also a reunion of sorts, as a former N&W 4-8-0 is on the Strasburg's locomotive roster. Trips left every half hour, alternating between locomotives. Since the trip is about 45 minutes, this gave a chance to do the various passing siding protocols, as the line is single track.

On 13 November 2022, YOP wound up using the last possible day to travel out there and attempt to record some action. Most of the photos in the morning were from a vantage point at the line's crossing of Black Horse Road. Another crossing west of that point had a better view of the passing siding, but was also more crowded. The day was chilly, in the mid-forties (ºF), with a brisk wind and variable clouds. After a few hours, Ye Olde Photographer relocated to the depot for some hot cider and snack, then recorded the last comings and goings of the day.

The gear used was a Canon EOS M5 mirror-less with 18-150 zoom, and a Yashica Mat 124G loaded with Kodak 400TX, plus, a tripod mounted iPhone 13 Pro was used to shoot some video. A small selection of the video may be seen at YOP's website.