611 at Spencer, May 2014.
![Exposed with a Lumix LX-7. The diffused light made for wonderful reflections.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/NW_J_plate_P1040255.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
Among the stars of the Streamliner’s at Spencer event was Norfolk & Western 611, one of only a handful of preserved American streamlined steam locomotives. Here’s a sampling of the many images I made, and an excerpt of the text from my book Super Steam published by MBI (out of print), where I detailed the J class. Today the locomotive catches attention for its streamlined shrouds, but there’s a lot more to the N&W J than just good looks:
“Among the most impressive products of N&W’s Roanoke Shops were its 14 Class J 4-8-4s. These spectacular machines defied convention while settting record for performance and reliability. The first five J’s were built during 1941 and 1942, with N&W’s distinctive streamlined shrouds, and featured 27×32 inch cylinders, 70-inch drivers, 107.7 square foot firebox grate, and a huge boiler set for 275 lb. psi operation. As built these locomotives delivered 73,300 lbs. tractive effort. (N&W later increased the boiler pressure to 300 psi, and as result tractive effort was increased to 80,000 lbs.) The J class exhibited all of the trappings of modern locomotive, featuring roller bearings on all axles and reciprocating parts, one-piece cast steel frame, mechanical lubrication and light weight alloy-steel rods . . .”
![611 Noir. Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/611-nose_night_IMG_6048.jpg?resize=474%2C712)
![N&W 611 surrounded by the enemy.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/611_on_table_with_EMDs_at_Night_P1030418.jpg?resize=474%2C267)
![611 in stereo. Lumix LX-7 photo. There's nothing like a good puddle to make a great photo!](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/NW_611_reflection_vert_P1040249.jpg?resize=474%2C711)
![Nose view of one of America's most famous locomotives. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/NW_611_nose_view_P1040233.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
For more Streamliners photos, click on Tracking the Light’s Streamliners at Spencer page.
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