J 611 Vists The Strasburg Railroad

It is always amazing to hear this beauty start rolling!

In what can only be called a fantastic display of power, Norfolk & Western J611 runs as smooth as any steam engine can! The motion of her driving rods slowly gaining momentum is truly amazing with the sound of the steam gushing out of her pistons. Polished and shaped like a black bullet with maroon stripes, she is clearly one of the best surviving passenger “streamliners”.

A powerful machine, the J 611 boiler is rated at 300 psi. and could pull 15 cars at 110 miles per hour!

Some quick facts about Norfolk and Western’s J-Class #611

• Manufacturer: Norfolk and Western Roanoake Shops
• build date: 1950
• Wheel alignment: 4-8-4
• Drivers: 70 inches
• Locomotive and tender weight combined: 872,600 lbs
• Maximum speed: 110 MPH

Let us know if you have ever seen this magnificent machine rolling down the tracks. We would love to hear your comments!