“J – 611” 4-8-4 Steam Liner

“J – 611” 4-8-4 Steam Liner | Train Fanatics Videos

When Norfolk and Western built this locomotive, they had one thing in mind.

Make it sleek, attractive, and most of all powerful!

The Norfolk and Western “J-611” was a huge locomotive weighing in at 494,000 lbs With its own tender the combined weight is over 872,600 lbs!

At 50 MPH, she was rated the most powerful locomotive ever built in terms of actual drawbar horsepower. She was the pinnacle of steam locomotive technology.

This is a great narrative video which illustrates the life of this famous locomotive. The “J” (as she known) can propel a 15-car, 1015 ton passenger train at 110 MPH on level track. She also has the largest combustion chamber and firebox of any 4-8-4 ever built. The “J” used high quality coal in her firebox.

Norfolk and Western initially built 14 Locomotives in the “J” series starting with locomotive number 600. Unfortunately,”J-611″ is the only one of these engines left!

The Norfolk and Western “J-611” has also has received a landmark designation and dedication by the Virginia Section of the American society of Mechanical Engineers.

Quick Facts

  • Rail Line: Norfolk and Western
  • Train Name: J-611
  • Power type: 4-8-4 Steam Locomotive
  • Builder: Norfolk and Western Roanoke Shops
  • Train type: Passenger only
  • Location: Roanoke, Virgina
  • Length and height: 109 feet long by 16ft, 2 inches high
  • Fuel: Coal

If you’€™ve ever taken a ride on the Norfolk and Western J-611 or a train like this let us know in the comments below! Would love to hear your experience on this classic piece of history!

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