Constructed by the Norfolk and Western Railway in Roanoke, Virginia between 1941 and 1950, the Class J was one of the last great streamlined steam locomotives built in the United States. Despite its late-era arrival, Norfolk & Western was a steam holdout, and the Class J enjoyed a longer service life than many of its contemporaries. Sadly, dieselization eventually spelled the end for all but one of the 14-strong class. Number 611 was preserved, and eventually saw steam again not once, but twice, as part of the Norfolk Southern steam program; first in the 1980s - earning the nickname “Queen of Steam,” and again in 2015. Today #611 remains operational as part of the Virginia Museum of Transportation collection and returns to excursion service on the Virginia Scenic Railway this weekend. Bachmann’s HO Scale Class J also makes its return this month, now with Soundtraxx® Econami™ Sound Value On Board®. Available numbered as steam-era #613 and as #611 in both its 1980s-era excursion appearance and as it appears today as the “Spirit of Roanoke,” the Queen of Steam is back - and she’s never looked so good!
New in This Release
N&W #611 - "Spirit of Roanoke"
Item No. 53203
Returning to Stock
N&W #613
Item No. 53202
N&W #611 - RAILFAN
Item No. 53201
Features & Details
DCC sound-equipped with Econami™ Sound Value On Board®
precision motor
operating headlight
separately applied metal parts
alligator crossheads
see-through frame
RP25 wheels
E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers
performs best on 22" radius curves or greater
HO Scale 1:87
Also Available in N Scale
N&W #602
Item No. 53251
The N Scale version of the classic N&W J Class locomotive includes the SoundTraxx® DCC Sound Value® steam package with authentic prototypical chuff, short and long whistles, bell, air pump, steam release, and blower—all in 16-bit polyphonic sound.
