Spellbound
People of all ages are mesmerized by the power and beauty of these Norfolk and Western engines. ..N&W 611 is the only remaining J-Class engine. Additionally, 475 is the only remaining operational M-Class engine. In Strasburg Pennsylvania, 611 and 475 were reunited for the first time since the 1950s. It was a unique opportunity to see them together...Number 611, a Class-J locomotive, was built at Norfolk and Western’s Roanoke Shops in May 1950. She was one of fourteen J-class engines built by N&W and is known as the “Queen of Steam”. It was considered one of the finest steam engines ever built. ..The engine could generate more than 5,100 horsepower and move at speeds up to 110 mph, and it is believed she could have reached 140mph. She was built near the end of the steam era and retired from service in 1959. No. 611 is part of the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke Virginia...Number 475 was the 101st of 125 M class steam locomotives built for the Norfolk & Western from 1906 to 1907, rolling out of Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906. It retired from active service in 1956 after completing 50 years of service. Number 475 is based out of the Strasburg Railway in Pennsylvania..