Class J No. 611 (1993)

No 611 is the only survivor of the fourteen original Class J Norfolk and Western steam powered engines designed and built in Roanoke from 1941-50. The total cost for the 611 was $251,544. The J Class streamlined engines were designed to pull passenger trains at speeds above 100 miles an hour Following a twenty-three-year retirement it was refurbished and returned to active service, participating in Roanoke's Centennial in 1982. The engine became a National Historical Landmark in 1984 and is on exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke. It is currently being used as an excursion train for special events.