Steaming Along the Line

05/02/2025

Please help our friends out at the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad :(

04/28/2025

The iconic Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 turns 75! 🚂 🎉🎂🥳

Join us May 30–31, 2025 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation for a celebration presented by Norfolk Southern, honoring 75 legendary years of this railroading icon!

On May 29, 1950, the 611 was completed and proudly rolled out of the Roanoke Shops, ready to begin its legendary career. Now, 75 years later, we’re honoring the incredible legacy of this engineering masterpiece.

Enjoy a weekend packed with live music, food and drinks, a silent auction, magic, and a journey through the incredible history of the 611. Plus, witness a special dedication ceremony recognizing both Norfolk & Western 611 and 1218 as official National Historic Landmarks — a milestone in American rail preservation!

General admission rates apply. Please note: Due to scheduled maintenance, the 611 will not be under steam for this event — but the spirit and legacy of the 611 will be front and center!

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!

04/25/2025

As always, today is one of our favorite days on the calendar every year!

04/23/2025

Our friends at the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society are kicked off their steam season yesterday. There’s nothing like a Lima shotgun exhaust and a sweet sounding whistle to top it off!

For more info on Nickel Plate 765 excursions, check out their website at https://fortwaynerailroad.org

04/18/2025

04/13/2025

"You can see the 4449 in person at the museum (Oregon Rail Heritage Center)... but you HAVEN'T seen it until you witness it roaring by at 65 mph" – Pat Tracy 🚂🔥

There’s a whole different kind of magic when the Southern Pacific 4449 Daylight comes alive — the power, the beauty, the thunder in motion. Nothing compares to seeing it fly down the rails.

🎙️ Want more? Hear the stories, history, and firsthand memories from fireman Pat Tracy in our latest podcast: https://youtu.be/5jcTKYT8gfM

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04/07/2025

🚂 New Podcast Drop! 🚂

Our latest episode is live, and it's a must-listen for train enthusiasts! We’re diving deep into the legendary Southern Pacific 4449 (housed at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center) and are joined by 4449 fireman Pat Tracy, to discuss its rich history, iconic moments, and the passion behind keeping this incredible locomotive running.

Don't miss out – check it out now by clicking:

https://youtu.be/5jcTKYT8gfM?si=WSfogIB82ikzbSty

Join us in this exclusive YouTube video as we explore the legendary Southern Pacific 4449, one of the most iconic steam locomotives ever built. In this speci...

04/06/2025

🎙️ Don’t forget! Our new podcast drops tomorrow, featuring the legendary Southern Pacific Daylight 4449 and an exclusive interview with 4449 fireman Pat Tracy. 🚂🔥 Pat shares his firsthand experiences with this iconic locomotive, offering a unique perspective on what it’s like to work with the 4449. Tune in tomorrow!

04/04/2025

🚂🎙️ New Podcast Episode Coming Monday! 🎙️🚂

Get ready for an exciting new episode of Steaming Along the Line dropping this Monday! We’re diving into the history and legacy of the iconic Southern Pacific 4449, located at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, Oregon 🚂✨

On this episdoe, we’re joined by Pat Tracy, 4449 fireman and President- Friends of the 4449, who will share his deep knowledge of the 4449, from its restoration to its iconic status in railroad history. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

🎧 Be sure to tune in on Monday for this unforgettable ride through the world of steam with one of the most famous locomotives in the world!

03/31/2025

This is “A”wesome and amazing for an engine that hasn’t run since 1991. One day…….

But in the meantime, congratulations to the Virginia Museum of Transportation on this historic achievement!