The N&W Heritage
It’s fascinating to the differences in design between these two Norfolk and Western engines that were built forty-three years apart.
This image was made in Paradise PA during the Reunion of Steam. The event brought together the only two remaining operational Norfolk and Western engines.
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” and was considered one of the finest steam engines ever built.
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.