#94 Norfolk & Western #611, Class J Steam Locomotive

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1941

Last survivor of US coal-fired passenger locomotives, considered among the most advanced of any 4-8-4

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Developed for use in both the plains and mountains, this coal-fired passenger locomotive was among the most advanced in design, construction, and performance of any 4-8-4. Designed by Norfolk & Western engineers and built in the Norfolk & Western Roanoke shops, the 611 was specially balanced to minimize rail damage at high speeds. No. 611, eleventh of fourteen constructed and the last survivor, was retired from service and donated to the Roanoke Transportation Museum in 1959.

Landmark Location

Virginia Museum of Transportation 303 Norfolk Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24016

Plaque location

Roanoke Museum

Visiting Info

[please confirm] 10-5 Mon-Sat, 12-5 Sun; Winter hrs shorter.

Links

VA Museum of Transportation: http://www.vmt.org/
Last run: http://www.retroweb.com/611lastrun.html

Ceremony Notes

March 1984