Highball at Carpenters. With leaves and other tree debris still flying off of her, Norfolk & Western Locomotive #611 emerges from the tree tunnel just east of Carpenters, making track speed with a vintage freight consist bound for Strasburg, PA. During her 2019 visit to Pennsylvania's Strasburg Rail Road, the 611 spent 3 days performing in photo events for rail photographers. These events were organized by the Strasburg and the 611's owners, the Virginia Museum of Transportation. The photo shoots featured both the 611 and the other extant N&W steamer, Strasburg's own M-Class #475. The shoots were directed by veteran charter organizer Pete Lerro, who did an awesome job of "herding the cats" and ensuring that everyone got great photos while staying safe. Although most of the participants would probably have preferred to see the 611 doing 60 mph on the NS mainline, the venerable Strasburg Rail Road proved to be the next best thing, with wide-open venues, nicely maintained track, and pretty Pennsylvania Dutch scenery.
