ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – For many, the Norfolk and Western Class J No. 611 is more than just a train, its a local legend. Now, a new grant is helping keep the historic steam locomotive on track.
For generations, the No. 611 has been a symbol of Roanoke railroad heritage. The $40,000 grant from Norfolk Southern will be used to replace aging critical components inside the locomotive’s boiler system.“Our records indicate that it’s a combination. Some of them are original 1950s, and some of them were from the early 80s when they rebuilt the locomotive the first time,” said Zac McGinnis, steam operations manager for No. 611.
McGinnis says the superheaters help increase the temperature of steam before it reaches the engine, allowing the locomotive to produce more power and operate efficiently. While the locomotive is ready for this year’s excursion season, replacing those components is a major off-season project.
New River Valley passenger rail project remains on schedule almost one year in
The grant covers part of the cost, but museum leaders say additional fundraising will still be needed. McGinnis says support from Norfolk Southern has played a major role in keeping No. 611 running throughout the years…