Norfolk & Western No. 611 to celebrate 75th birthday

ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk & Western No. 611 will be turning 75 this month, and Roanoke’s Virginia Museum of Transportation is gearing up for a celebration: May 30, 4-8 p.m.; and May 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The J-class 4-8-4 was built in May 1950 by N&W at Roanoke’s East End Shops.

“This milestone not only honors the locomotive’s deep roots in Roanoke where it was built and maintained by the skilled men and women of the Norfolk & Western Railway, but also reflects the pride and identity of the region,” says Zac McGinnis, social media coordinator and member of the engine crew. “No. 611 is more than just a machine; it’s a symbol of Roanoke’s industrial history, craftsmanship, and enduring legacy. 

“What makes this celebration even more meaningful is the global reach of No. 611’s reputation. It is one of only a handful of steam locomotives worldwide with an international following, standing proudly alongside the likes of the Southern Pacific ‘Daylight’ No. 4449, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, and the Flying Scotsman and Tornado in the United Kingdom.”

While the celebration at the museum will have No. 611 in the limelight, N&W A-class No. 1218 will also have its moment. The 2-6-6-4 was recently designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and will be added to the National Register of Historic Places [See “N&W No. 1218 gains state, national historic recognition,” Trains News Wire, April 3, 2025]. No. 611 received both recognitions in late 2023. The formal dedications to the locomotives will take place May 31 at 11 a.m., with the unveiling of commemorative plaques and feature guest speakers.

Other activities during the celebration will include education presentations and Q&A sessions, cab tours, a photo gallery of No. 611, a live steam tractor demonstration featuring authentic Class J and A whistles, and motor car rides. McGinnis sees the silent auction as a highlight with items generously donated from multiple model railroad manufacturers and rail preservation groups. Proceeds are to go to the continual maintenance and operation of No. 611. 

If there’s a “cherry on top” that’ll be absent from the event, it’ll be 300 psi of superheated steam as the J won’t be fired up. No. 611 has not been under steam since November 2023, when it returned home after fall excursions on the Buckingham Branch Railroad. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous 2024 for both machine and museum, essential firebox repairs and seasonal maintenance remain continuous in 2025 by contractors, staff and volunteers, according to McGinnis. “This includes critical tasks such as staybolt replacement in the firebox, arch brick and insulation installation, and the upcoming annual FRA-mandated inspection. 

“At the same time, we’re engaged in logistical planning for future operations and exploring both new and existing partnership opportunities to support the locomotive’s return to the rails in a meaningful, efficient, educational, and public enjoyment capacity.”

This month also marks 10 years since No. 611 returned to service for a second time, following a one-year restoration at the N.C. Transportation Museum which was made possible by the Fire Up 611! campaign. When looking back at the previous decade of highs and lows, McGinnis points to the following takeaways: the power of partnerships, the importance of education, sustainability, dedication, adaptability and resilience, and critical fundraising. 

“Since 2015, No. 611 has been under steam publicly every year except for 2024, which is something we are incredibly proud of,” he says. “While we are proud of the progress we’ve made, we recognize that the restoration and operation have been a significant undertaking, and there have been challenges along the way. Leadership transitions, evolving strategies, and the need for continual adaptation have been part of this journey. However, through it all, we’ve remained focused on doing what is best for No. 611 and the future of steam preservation.”