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

Turn it up and enjoy! Norfolk & Western class J #611 making some music! The locomotive is shown on the Virginia Scenic Railway , running passenger excursions in conjunction with the Steam Railroading Institute Link to full length video in the comments below! Like, follow, share! #railway #railroad #STEAM #steamengine #steamlocomotive #history #locomotive #thatsteamguy #historicpreservation #operations #heavyequipment #heavymetal #heavymachinery #UnitedStates #train #trains #railway #railroad #tr

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

1.7K views · 161 reactions | OmG  A look inside Norfolk Western’s 611 Spirit of Roanoke Bullet Train Fire  Box  #trains #reels #reelsinstagram #train #steamlocomotive #steam | Big Trains | Facebook

Everyone loves the sound of the whistle on a locomotive but how many know what the whistle signals mean? Here is a list of the most common the whistle signals the 611 uses: Note: "o" denotes a short sound; while a "-" is for a longer sound. - When stopped, air brakes applied. - - Release brakes, proceed. - - - When stopped, release brakes and reverse movement. - - 0 - Approaching a grade crossing (video demonstration provided below 🚂😀) | Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611

21K views · 204 reactions | Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 on Reels | 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