In the darkness of the mountains of southern West Virginia, along the Tug River in Cedar, WV, the 1956 wreck of Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 unfolded unseen. There were no cameras and no eyewitness footage. There was just a powerful locomotive, a remote stretch of railroad, and a moment that would become one of the most talked-about chapters in 611’s storied life. While no one was there to witness the event in real time, we can begin to imagine how it may have transpired thanks to 611 fan a

65K views · 1.1K reactions | From our archives: This is the only...

102K views · 3.2K reactions | Out of the morning fog, she emerges! The legendary Norfolk & Western 611, alive with steam, power, and purpose. It’s more than just a breathtaking sight — it’s living history in motion. Moments like this are why we do what we do at the Virginia Museum of Transportation! This is why we wake up early, This is why we stay up late, This is why we preserve, This is why we steam! | Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 | Facebook

18K views · 360 shares | Turn up those speakers! N&W 611 charges up the Blue Ridge at Villamont, VA. Video courtesy of Richard Boylan. | Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 | Facebook

What makes the 611 go? In the latest video installment of the 611 with Chief Mechanical Officer Scott Lindsay, we’re exploring the powerhouse behind the 611! These cylinders and valves work in tandem, driving the wheels with precision. With 300 lbs of boiler pressure, this engine operates at its peak! Also, let's not forget the cross-compound air compressors—essential for braking. Water plays a crucial role, pumped and preheated for optimal performance. The engineer's injector, using live steam,

We see N&W J-Class locomotives #605, 600 and 604 in passenger train service, then an M2 class 4-8-0 "Mastodon" and then we see and hear the story of the wreck of the 611 and how that wreck ended up saving her into current times. From the Main Line Motion Pictures program "N&W Steam in the 1950s, Volume One" https://rfd.video/NWSteam1 | Steam Giants

This past weekend, more cosmetic restoration work was performed on the 1218. The rods on the front engine of the fireman’s side were sanded, primed, and then an aluminum paint finish was applied. A special thank you goes out to our crew for their hard work on the 1218! | Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611

1.9K views · 1.2K reactions | The Queen of Steam, Norfolk & Western J Class #611 was built here in the USA 75 years ago! 拾 #Throwback to two years ago, when the #611 was at @strasburgrailroad  #trains #history #fyp #steam #livesteam #Locomotive #restoration #excursion #railroad #trainspotting #hobby #trainstation #passenger #Pennsylvania #coal #reels #RR #trainsofinstagram | BR Railroad | Facebook

462 reactions · 775 shares | The Historic Norfolk & Western 611 Steam Locomotive made a stop in Danville today and we caught its arrival from the perfect vantage point! Learn more about the restoration of this 1940's locomotive at fireup611.org. | River City TV | Facebook