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