It's August 6th, 1994, a Saturday, and three friends and I are about to board what we all thought was going to be just another NRHS steam excursion from Chicago, Illinois to Fort Wayne, Indiana. As it turns out, this was an historic (but perhaps sad) trip, as it marked the last weekend of N&W 611 excursions out of Chicago.

My three friends, Tony, Ward, and Nikki weren't sure what to expect...all were just looking for a nice train ride and a good time...and we weren't dissapointed!

The hogger awaits a highball from his conductor to get Train # 60 out of Calumet Yards and on its way to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

I suggested, as we all walked along the train to the first class section at the rear, that we ride in Kitchi Gammi Club. My friends asked me why, and I explained that it would be the best riding car on the train. It is, after all, a heavyweight business car with 6-wheel trucks. Later, after we were underway and my friends had time to wander about, I was praised for selecting that car as it was, indeed, the best ride on the train!

The NRHS volunteers on this train just love to pamper the first class passengers. We were constantly being provided with various items on which to munch, including such goodies as lox and bagels, danish, shrimp coctail, cheese and cracker plates... the first class dinner on the return trip was a wonderful cold plate including smoked salmon, and beef tenderloin bernaise. Nikki doesn't eat beef, so they provided her a dinner with a double portion of the salmon. After dinner they stuffed us with homemade desserts, gellato, and coffee. Here we see some first class passengers enjoying first class service in the observation/lounge car.

At Argos, Indiana, the train stopped for a photo runby. There was only one, as the fuel capacity of the tender was just enough to keep 611 fed for the round trip. Here 611 backs up in preparation for the shoot.

Here she comes! The sound of shutters almost drowns out the sound of 611 as she passes us.

At a small town just beyond Fort Wayne, the train disgorges its passengers for a roast chicken luncheon put on by the local volunteer fire department. The food was great, and the tickets for lunch were included with our first class package.

While we enjoyed our luncheon, 611 was cut off from the train and backed past the luncheon area for servicing.

The locomotive is then taken forward and turned. It'll couple onto the rear of the trainset for the return trip to Chicago. Here we see both ends of the train at the same time.

The N&W Class J is a very modern steam locomotive. This shot shows the alloy rods and roller bearings on the cranks.

This is a trip that will be long remembered by those of us who were fortunate enough to be able to ride. It's unfortunate for those of us who have steam in our blood to have to face the fact that the Norfolk Southern has decided to terminate its steam operations. I'm grateful to my friends who provided my incentive for riding this excursion.