Re: Maintenance - Steam vs. Diesel

N&W was planning on steam for a few more years until Stuart Saunders came along. He was so anxious to dieselize they leased those RF&P, and Atlantic Coast Line cab units to replace
all the steam passenger trains in July 1958. A few months later the passenger GP9's arrived that N&W had ordered. The streamlined K2's and J's were relegated to standby service, extra trains(Troop trains, etc), and local freight duty. Some where even used on regular freights. The last excursion run with 611 was October 24, 1959. My dad only found out about the trip a day or two before and it was sold out. He and a friend drove down and chased some of the trip and got some movies. Steam lasted in freight service until May 2nd I believe of 1960. Coalfield area was the last use with mine runs and switchers out of Williamson. N&W did a great job building their own engines too!
Greg