Norfolk and Western Railway 611

The Norfolk and Western 611 is a steam locomotive displayed at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, measuring approximately 110 feet in length. The machine, weighing around 872,600 pounds, was engineered as a high-performance passenger and freight locomotive built to serve major rail routes.

This locomotive was built in 1950 at Norfolk and Western Railway shops and operated passenger routes between Virginia and Ohio until 1959. It represented one of the final steam engines produced by the railroad company before the industry shifted to diesel power.

The locomotive received the honor of becoming Virginia's Official State Steam Locomotive in 2017, recognizing its importance to the region's transportation history. For visitors, it stands as a symbol of the state's pride in its railroad heritage.

Visitors can view the locomotive during museum hours in a location that is easily accessible from downtown Roanoke. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed observation of the engine and its details.

This locomotive underwent two major restorations after retirement, once in 1982 and again in 2014, and remains capable of operating on special excursion runs today. It stands apart as one of the few preserved steam engines that can still be moved under its own power rather than serving only as a static display.

Part of: Norfolk and Western Railway class J

GPS coordinates: 37.27294,-79.94723

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05