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Fire up 611!
Author: Mitch
Date: 03-22-2013 - 19:20
In commemoration of "Fire up 611", I thought it would be cool to
review some images I had taken of this iconic engine during a photo
shoot at the Museum sponsored by Lerro Productions a few years
past. Yes, it was a photocharter - no, not everyone got the same
pics!
The Iconic N&W #611
Waiting for a westbound to clear
Latest announcement from the Fire Up 611 site:
To 611's friends all over the world:
It's been about three weeks since our big announcement about our plans to study the restoration and operation of the N&W Class J 611. We have been overwhelmed with your response, and we thank you! To date,
3,300 people have completed our survey 2,500 people have signed up for this newsletter Donations have been received from 29 states and four foreign
Your enthusiasm is essential as we go forward with this study! Our initial investigation of 611 indicates that she's in pretty good shape, having been retired with care by the same individuals who are working now to study her restoration. This situation gives us confidence that a restoration may be possible, but that is not the only hurdle we face in moving forward.
If we are to operate 611, we have to be prepared to maintain her. With no shop facilities available in Roanoke, it is becoming obvious to the study committee that we will need to build a shop in order to provide the care she will require. This cost will have to be included in the amount we would need to raise before 611 can run again. We are now looking into the requirements for such a facility.
The potential logistics of operating 611 is the third big question under study. Your survey responses and comments are helping us understand the kinds of excursions that would be popular and what ticket prices would be reasonable. We must take all of that into account as we put together a business plan. The bottom line is that the Virginia Museum of Transportation does not have funding that can underwrite excursions. Ticket sales must be able to cover our costs. Our hope is to be able to establish a reasonable ticket price that will enable the trips to operate at a profit-with all profits going back to support the Museum's stewardship of
We are so excited with your enthusiastic response to our dream to Fire Up 611! The comments on the survey and the donations received to date inspire us, and let us know how deeply you care. Please continue to share our news with everyone you know. Ask them to visit FireUp611.org and take our survey.
Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr. Executive Director Virginia Museum of Transportation
What you're thinking.What you're saying. Fire Up 611 Initial Survey Results
Over 3,000 people have taken our Fire Up 611 Survey. The survey responses will help the Fire Up 611 Committee decide if operating the Class J 611 can be successful.
Here are the initial results:
92% are male
78% are extremely interested in trains (Only 4 people are not very interested in trains. Don't worry. We'll get them to love the Class J 611.)
84% are fans of steam locomotives
74% are fans of the Class J 611
43% have ridden a steam excursion more than 10 times
47% have never been to VMT
75% plan to make a donation if the study's results are positive
In your words... Our favorite comments from the Fire Up 611 Survey
/Mitch
review some images I had taken of this iconic engine during a photo
shoot at the Museum sponsored by Lerro Productions a few years
past. Yes, it was a photocharter - no, not everyone got the same
pics!
The Iconic N&W #611
Waiting for a westbound to clear
Latest announcement from the Fire Up 611 site:
To 611's friends all over the world:
It's been about three weeks since our big announcement about our plans to study the restoration and operation of the N&W Class J 611. We have been overwhelmed with your response, and we thank you! To date,
3,300 people have completed our survey 2,500 people have signed up for this newsletter Donations have been received from 29 states and four foreign
Your enthusiasm is essential as we go forward with this study! Our initial investigation of 611 indicates that she's in pretty good shape, having been retired with care by the same individuals who are working now to study her restoration. This situation gives us confidence that a restoration may be possible, but that is not the only hurdle we face in moving forward.
If we are to operate 611, we have to be prepared to maintain her. With no shop facilities available in Roanoke, it is becoming obvious to the study committee that we will need to build a shop in order to provide the care she will require. This cost will have to be included in the amount we would need to raise before 611 can run again. We are now looking into the requirements for such a facility.
The potential logistics of operating 611 is the third big question under study. Your survey responses and comments are helping us understand the kinds of excursions that would be popular and what ticket prices would be reasonable. We must take all of that into account as we put together a business plan. The bottom line is that the Virginia Museum of Transportation does not have funding that can underwrite excursions. Ticket sales must be able to cover our costs. Our hope is to be able to establish a reasonable ticket price that will enable the trips to operate at a profit-with all profits going back to support the Museum's stewardship of
We are so excited with your enthusiastic response to our dream to Fire Up 611! The comments on the survey and the donations received to date inspire us, and let us know how deeply you care. Please continue to share our news with everyone you know. Ask them to visit FireUp611.org and take our survey.
Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Jr. Executive Director Virginia Museum of Transportation
What you're thinking.What you're saying. Fire Up 611 Initial Survey Results
Over 3,000 people have taken our Fire Up 611 Survey. The survey responses will help the Fire Up 611 Committee decide if operating the Class J 611 can be successful.
Here are the initial results:
92% are male
78% are extremely interested in trains (Only 4 people are not very interested in trains. Don't worry. We'll get them to love the Class J 611.)
84% are fans of steam locomotives
74% are fans of the Class J 611
43% have ridden a steam excursion more than 10 times
47% have never been to VMT
75% plan to make a donation if the study's results are positive
In your words... Our favorite comments from the Fire Up 611 Survey
/Mitch
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 Fire up 611! |
Mitch | 03-22-2013 - 19:20 |
|
Re: Fire up 611!
|
synonymouse | 03-22-2013 - 19:40 |