Here's where I was fifty years ago Saturday:

[mahatmakanejeeves]

I was on a steam excursion that made a round trip from Roanoke, Virginia, to Shenandoah, Virginia, on Sunday, November 3, 1968, and back. The ticket cost me a whopping $11.00.

{Edited: 1968, not 2018. Thanks for pointing that out.}

There was an excursion that ran east from Roanoke and back the day before. I didn't ride that one. I probably should have. Here is a picture of that. You'll have to cut and paste the address.

http://www.railpictures.net/showimage.php?id=395548&key=2535405

Sunday morning started out sunny. This is at the start of the trip. You'll have to cut and paste the address.

http://www.railpictures.net/showimage.php?id=395591&key=2535405

Here it is headed north toward the Shenandoah Valley:



Here's the engine at Cloverdale, Virginia:



Here's the train at Cloverdale, Virginia:



I'm on it somewhere.

Crossing the James River, headed north. Photo by H. Reid.



We got back hours late, but no one minded.

A good time was had by all.

Google has already incorporated this thread at DU into its image search engine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Glad you had a good time, my dear mahatmakanejeeves...love the pictures. n/t

[Floyd R. Turbo]

2. You traveled to the future?

[SaveOurDemocracy]

4. He's from 2068? Quick...ask him about the 2018, 2020 elections!

[Floyd R. Turbo]

5. And, every Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, World Series, Stanley Cup, and NBA Championship!

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

3. That's a hell of a machine!

Sweetness.

[malthaussen]

6. That's a Berkshire.

2-8-4. My favorite engine, as it happens.

NKP engine 759, one of the last Berkshires. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_Plate_759

-- Mal

[mahatmakanejeeves]

7. Someone who was on both trips also remembered.

Steam & Excursion > 50 Years Ago...759 Stormed over the N&W...setting the stage!!!

Date: 11/03/18 13:28
50 Years Ago...759 Stormed over the N&W...setting the stage!!!
Author: wcamp1472

50 Years Ago, Nov 2 & 3, 1968, NKP 759 stormed out of Roanoke & over the N&W home rails...

First to Virso, Va., then up to Shenandoah, Va... She took the Railroad by Storm...
She set the stage and the Pace for ALL the steam loco revivals since...

Thank you ROSS , for your vision and leadership.
Everything that has happened since, has its roots in Conneaut and Roanoke....in 1968.

A HUGE part of the amazing number of operating descendants is the return to steam of the 611 and the 1218....led by Scott Lindsay’s* teams— and Chairman Bob Claytor’s passion..

Scott learned his lessons well...
But all of THAT would NEVER HAVE HAPPENED...but for what High Iron Company put into motion beggining in 1966, the 5-trip Memorable season of 1967, and the Glorious Year of 1968 —- with all its twists and turns...

The whole nation owes Ross a huge debt of gratitude for having fearlessly led the fight to return SuperPower steam to the Mainlines of America..🇺🇸

Happy Fiftieth Celebration ... and never forget the Lima heart that still beats in the 614! 🏁

Wes Camp

* Scott is one of Ross’s BEST “Students”⭐️



Edited 8 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/18 13:44 by wcamp1472.