Norfolk & Western’s J-Class 611 Struts Her Stuff

Fully restored and ready to go, Norfolk & Western’s J-611 has a heavy excursion schedule!

Railfans poured out in droves recently at a two day event in Roanoke, Virginia to see their one and only J-611 pile on the steam. Destinations this last May, 2016, included a 1/2 day trip to Lynchburg, Virginia over the Blue Ridge Grade and an afternoon trip to Walton.

The Walton trip included climbing the notoriously steep 1.3% 11 mile long Christiansburg grade!

The J-Class locomotives like #611 were routinely assigned to the railroad’s that had the fastest long distance passenger runs.

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

• Manufacturer: Norfolk & 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 locomotive up close or have had the opportunity to ride on one of her excursions!