It's not the first time I've read that the V6 is named after the 'V' pattern when the direction is changed from moving backward to moving forward into the Forward Lock. But, of course, this doesn't explain the numeral 6. Dance 1-3 Nat Turn to end backing DC. Now dance a Back Lock commencing with the LF. (5 steps. SQQSS) follow this with a RF walk back (Q)- at this point 6 steps. Continue. LF to side & slightly forward (Q) now dance the Forward Lock Step (SQQSS) With the preceding LF to side and slightly forward 6 steps. The resulting pattern is: 6 steps back and 6 steps forward. Hence, the V6.
Posted by ILove2Dance.

Jerry, it depends on what you mean by 'spin turn'. In the book, what is defined is the 'natural spin turn' which includes the man's 1-3 half natural, then the spin. This is indeed a good follow for many of the forward lock steps, depending on orientation and position on the floor.

(As for going straight into the spin turn action itself, you probably wouldn't want to do it after a back lock as the lock sets your partner up to step outside you. But I lead an outside spin turn after a back lock in waltz all the time...)

Incidentally, the V6 is only the first 6 steps, essentially comprising a back lock and and outside change - doing a forward lock out is nice, but not required.

Also, Don - the optional footwork variation for the Man's back lock is given in the current ISTD book. I'm not sure if it was there in previous versions - it is not mentioned in "Ballroom Dancing" so it may postdate Alex Moore.

Sorry, Smoothie. The V6 consists of 12 steps and not 6. The resulting shape is a 'V' of 6 steps back (Back Lock) and 6 steps forward (Forward Lock). Regarding the rise & fall on the back lock and whether the gent uses a NFR action. This is an alternative action for the gent only. The lady in all cases uses the NFR action, otherwise her weight would be brought forward to the gent and this would impede his forward poise and progression. The gent would be taught to use a Foot Rise only if his weight and poise kept falling back from the resulting lowering of the heel on step one. The actual lead for the gent on the forward lock step is to take the 2nd and the 4th step diag forward (lady back on step 2). The lady takes her 4th step diag back to come back to the gent. The lock step moves along the LOD and not diag wall. The reason for this is because of the gent's diag steps (2 and 4) which causes the steps to move slightly leftwards and not forward diag to wall. The gent's body is facing between wall and diag wall throughout. Readers may find it interesting that an old dance society - The Scottish Dance Teachers' Alliance - (established in 1934) referred to the backward lock step as a Backward Progressive Chasse.
Posted by Ken Akrill (F&E UKA)

I find with beginners they have a problem realising that in the Quickstep we are not dancing square , we are dancing sideways, or if you like the left shoulder is leading. In a Lockstep the moving foot must be able to run a straight line to the supporting foot, this is either going backwards or forewards, and not have to hook its way into position. So shoulder positioning is of vital importance. The V Six is better used on the short side of the ballroom, also there is no reason that you cannot do a double lock into and a double lock coming out just for a change. Somebody writting above seemed to think that a Lockstep can't be followed by a Spin Turn, which of course it can, or any natural movement, Open Impetus or whatever. If you need more distance to reach the other corner a Running Cross Chasse is ideal , then the Spin Turn. One more thing. I was always told that if I drive on my slows I should ease off on the quicks creating a bit of light and shade, But remembering to get high on my toes on the Locks showing good clean footwork.