Would anyone know what locomotive this would be? http://hswv.pastperfect-online.com/36598cgi/mweb.exe?request=image&hex=2007041648.jpg The last steam train on the Bristol line, Train No. 17, The Birmingham Special, passing the Max Meadows residence of Mr. and Mrs. Pope on December 31st, 1957. My brother bought an autographed print and I would to to know more about it than he does Thanks
It is definitely Norfolk & Western RY. You can see the paint band down the side of loco and tender. May be a "J" class such as #611, or similar rating. "Link Museum", and photo style ties it to well known photographer O. Winston Link, who did a lot of night RR photos. I would not be surprised if that source had a full identification available.
Thanks Boxcab! Searching photos of steam engines on the web, I figured out it is a J Class and most likely #611 but could not find a definitive source on that. I see that #611 is being refurbished and should start running again in 2015.
That photo appears in Link's book "Steam, Steel and Stars," which I have, and I tried to read the engine number without any luck. It is definitely a J, but probably not 611, because when Link took these photos, the entire N&W fleet of J's was still in operation.
Fitz, I looked at the actual picture yesterday and could not read the engine number. It is an incredible picture! The lighting that he arranged for it is amazing.
611 took a tumble January 1956 but was back on the rails in a year. Flicking through O. W. Link's gallery, motive power for the Birmingham Special seemed varied with 604, 605, and 609 appearing around that time. I'd check and see if there was any paperwork from back then that would indicate normal locomotives for Train 17.
Paul, if you like this one and Link's lighting techniques, try to find a copy of his book "Steam, Steel and Stars." The photographs will knock your socks off.
Interresting... Without all above comments I would have said a SP GS3 without any hesitation. But I must be wrong! Dom
Fitz, I went out to lunch with my brother on Sunday and he knew all about Link and his lighting techniques and I knew a bit about the Birmingham Special so it was interesting having our two hobbies collide I am looking for a copy of the Steam, Steel and Stars. I already have a 3 or 4 'coffee table' books on trains from my dad and my grandson enjoys them.
The N&W historical society and/or the Roanoke transportation museum have significant archives. The O Winston Link museum might have exactly the answer. All three are in Roanoke.
