Five years ago when Norfolk and Western Y6a 2156 was loaned out to the Virginia Museum of transportation, the museum had "The Big Three" all together: The A, The J and The Y6. All three locomotives proudly stood together recreating one of the most iconic images for the Norfolk & Western when N&W 611 was actually at the VMT. For many, we had hoped that a deal would be reached for 2156 to call Roanoke her home once more. After all, this was the same town where the Norfolk & Western built their locomotives, and headquarters for the railroad. Sadly, no deal was reached, and railfans knew that there would be one last movement of the Y6a back to St. Louis.
With this in mind, my best friend and I knew the importance of chasing this final move. We would only have one shot at this and planned for an extensive chase out of Williamson: The former interchange of the Pocahontas Division with the Kenova District bound for Ohio, now just the Pocahontas Division all the way from Roanoke to Portsmouth Ohio according to Norfolk Southern. What followed was a chase that started around 1pm rather than our anticipated morning run on the Pokey. The sun basked down on the final move of the Y6a as it seemed the heavens had known the importance of the move. We visited locations iconic to the Norfolk and Western, some made iconic by the works of O. Winston Link as a tribute and personal take. We shot until dark until we knew the crew would probably outlaw and my plan: of the PRR Sandusky Line and the NKP Mainline from Bellevue to Fort Wayne would have to be scrapped. What we shot on June 11th, 6/11 day, was a once in a lifetime opportunity that could not be taken for granted. To those who have taken the time to read this post and watch the video in its entirity: I want to thank you for watching and if you enjoyed this video, please like this video and subscribe to ToledoRails to see more content about the railroads that served and continue to serve The Glass City.
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