Norfolk & Western’s Black Beauty
Norfolk & Western’s J-611 truly is the “Queen of Steam”!
Perhaps one of the best shots of this magnificent locomotive we’ve ever seen, J 611 put on a show for all during an excursion run in Asheville, North Carolina.
The only thing smoother than the locomotive itself it her throaty whistle!
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!
With a weight of 494,000 lbs., her 27×32 inch cylinders turn her 70 inch driver wheels, she handles these grades, no problem!
Originally built for $251,000 in 1950 by N & W employees, her complete restoration costs ran upwards of $3,500,000 when finished.
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!
