Steaming in the Valley
by Dale R Carlson
Title
Steaming in the Valley
Artist
Dale R Carlson
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Norfolk and Western 611 steam engine pulls the Shenandoah Valley Limited excursion train through brilliant autumn color near Staunton, Virginia. Norfolk and Western 611, also known as the "Spirit of Roanoke" and the "Queen of Steam", is the only surviving example of Norfolk and Western's (N&W) class J 4-8-4 type streamlined steam locomotives. Built in May 1950 at N&W's Roanoke Shops in Roanoke, Virginia, it was one of the last mainline passenger steam locomotives built in the United States and represents the pinnacle of steam locomotive technology.
No. 611 hauled N&W's premier passenger trains between Norfolk, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio; and ferried Southern Railway's passenger trains between Monroe and Bristol, Virginia through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Retired from revenue service in 1959, No. 611 was donated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, where it became the sole survivor of the 14 class J locomotives.
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October 28th, 2023
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Comments (10)
Dylyce Clarke
A gorgeous train and image. I voted for this in the ANYTHING TRANSPORTATION contest. FV
Thomas Hall
Another great shot Dale. Beautiful composition and perfect time of year to compliment this historic locomotive.
Dale R Carlson replied:
Thomas.... I agree... beautiful fall foliage really sets this scene! Thanks for the compliments!
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