From our archives: This is the only known surviving video documenting the immediate aftermath of the 1956 wreck of Norfolk & Western No. 611. Filmed in the days following the accident, this rare footage captures a pivotal moment in railroad history and one that forever helped shaped the legacy of the 611. Video courtesy of “Norfolk & Western Steam in the 1950’s” by Mainline Motion Pictures. Don’t miss the 70th Anniversary Commemoration Presentation of this historic event on January 24, 2026, at

🚂❤️ This Giving Tuesday, help keep the iconic 611 steaming strong! It takes an incredible amount of resources to keep a living, breathing steam locomotive operating. Every trip requires coal and water, grease and oil, insurance, qualified crews, and countless hours of maintenance and inspection. These are just a few of the costs that make what we do possible. Our team is committed to doing the heavy lifting - the mechanical work, the servicing, the long hours, and the dedication required to kee

102K views · 3.2K reactions | Out of the morning fog, she emerges! The legendary Norfolk & Western 611, alive with steam, power, and purpose. It’s more than just a breathtaking sight — it’s living history in motion. Moments like this are why we do what we do at the Virginia Museum of Transportation! This is why we wake up early, This is why we stay up late, This is why we preserve, This is why we steam! | Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 | Facebook

215K views · 5K reactions | This past Saturday, the 611 experienced a...

109K views · 8.5K reactions | We see N&W J-Class locomotives #605, 600 and 604 in passenger train service, then an M2 class 4-8-0 "Mastodon" and then we see and hear the story of the wreck of the 611 and how that wreck ended up saving her into current times. From the Main Line Motion Pictures program "N&W Steam in the 1950s, Volume One" https://rfd.video/NWSteam1 | Steam Giants | Facebook

42K views · 2.8K reactions | While one railfan films from the ground, another gets a short cab ride aboard Norfolk & Western J-Class No. 611. Then another J-Class powered passenger train is seen. From the Herron Rail Video show "Pocahontas Glory, Volume 5" https://rfd.video/Pocahontas5 | Steam Giants | Facebook

Scott Lindsay talks about N&W 611 during the restoration process. Steam engines use flexible stay bolts to keep themselves from breaking apart from expansion and contraction of the boiler. See more about the restoration of the 611 in the just released documentary 611: American Icon. Available now at shop.vmt.org Also please note that N&W 611 will be under steam @ N.C. Transportation Museum next weekend Aug 6th and 7th and will be traveling via Norfolk Southern Corp from Spencer, NC to Roanoke, N

We’re ringing in the 4th of July weekend at the Virginia Museum of Transportation! Come celebrate with us and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary N&W 611! Learn about her restoration journey and what it takes to keep this American icon rolling. Tour times: Friday & Saturday at 12:00 PM Sunday at 1:00 PM Tickets are just $15 (plus museum admission) and can be purchased at the front desk. Bring the family, bring your curiosity and celebrate history in motion this Independence Day weeken

1.9K views · 1.2K reactions | The Queen of Steam, Norfolk & Western J Class #611 was built here in the USA 75 years ago! 拾 #Throwback to two years ago, when the #611 was at @strasburgrailroad  #trains #history #fyp #steam #livesteam #Locomotive #restoration #excursion #railroad #trainspotting #hobby #trainstation #passenger #Pennsylvania #coal #reels #RR #trainsofinstagram | BR Railroad | Facebook