{"product_id":"scaletrains-fox-valley-models-ho-sxt15269-dcc-esu-loksound-v5-equipped-n-w-class-j-4-8-4-norfolk-southern-ns-611-copy-1","title":"ScaleTrains Fox Valley Models HO SXT15353 DCC\/ESU LokSound V5 Equipped N\u0026W Class J 4-8-4 Norfolk Southern NS #611 \"Spirit of Roanoke\" 2015+","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetailed ScaleTrains\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra:  Excursion service from 2015 – Present\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries 611-613; built 1950\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoad Number 611\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul id=\"XQMBG4G\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Spirit of Roanoke” on cab sides\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEquipped with twin-beam headlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFully-assembled Multiple road numbers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLED-illuminated front headlight - directional\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLED-illuminated tender backup light – directional\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLED-illuminated number boards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLED-illuminated cab interior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLED-illuminated class lights (off\/ white\/ green)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDie-cast boiler with air pump louvers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEquipped with Alligator crossheads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEquipped with solid pilot wheels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSquare top tender body\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrass bell mounted under the front pilot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTan “As-built” cab curtains\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEquipped with durable metal semi-scale Type E knuckle couplers painted a dingy gray\/brown color to represent the color of couplers in service\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandrails, handrail posts, and class lights are nickel-plated\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSliding cab roof vents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrinted builders plate with detailed information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDie-cast locomotive and tender body\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSprung drivers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterchangeable drivers with and without traction tires\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReal tender coal load\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSynchronized puffing smoke unit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMotor with 5-pole skew wound armature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElectrical pickup on loco and tender\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrinting and lettering legible even under magnification\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOperates on Code 70, 83, and 100 rail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePackaging safely stores the model\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum radius: 22”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended radius: 24”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDCC \u0026amp; sound equipped locomotives also feature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eESU LokSound 5 DCC \u0026amp; Sound decoder with “Full Throttle”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEquipped with speakers in the boiler and tender\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocomotive sounds recorded from N\u0026amp;W J 611\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eESU designed “PowerPack” with two super capacitors***\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperates on both DC and DCC layouts*****\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Lighting features operate when using an ESU decoder with appropriate programming while operating using DCC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e** Class lights illuminate in white color only in DC operation.  Access and changing colors requires an ESU decoder with appropriate programming while operating using DCC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e***“PowerPack” feature only compatible with appropriately programmed ESU decoders operating on a DCC layout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*****Lombard Hobbies Recommendation - As modelers ourselves we highly recommend ONLY running DCC on DCC systems and DC on DC systems, regardless of 'Dual-Mode' capability. This gives optimum performance and safeguards the unit from possible damage from running on a different system than originally intended and from any inexperienced operator errors.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-pb-style=\"652E0DE943D29\" style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"\u003ePrototype History:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNorfolk \u0026amp; Western 611 was one of fourteen J-Class passenger locomotives built by the railroad’s shops between 1941 and 1950. The 611 is the only surviving example of the J-Class. An excursion star in the 1980s and early 90s, the 611 was used in her second life as a public relations tool for the Norfolk Southern Railway. In 2015, she was restored a second time to operate in the NS “21st Century Steam Program” alongside Nickel Plate Road 765, Southern 4501, and 630.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorn in Roanoke's East End Shops, the Queen of Steam was brought to life on May 29, 1950. At $251,344 - the 611 would prove to be a worthy investment as it was designed to pull N\u0026amp;W’s famous named trains like the Powhatan Arrow, the Cavalier, and the Pocahontas. Equipped with roller bearings on the drivers and the tender axles, the locomotives operated more efficiently and could accelerate faster.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 611 and her sisters were one of the most praised locomotive classes in the industry, with Trains Magazine Editor David P. Morgan asking in the November 1954 Issue: “...what other locomotive with a 70-inch wheel has so easily been pushed past the three-figure mark on the speedometer?\" Indeed, the J Class often exceeded 100MPH and were even tested by the Pennsylvania Railroad on the Broadway Limited as they were seeking new power for its famous train. Ultimately, they chose to use their in-house T1 design instead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith simple, symmetrical boiler lines, a bullet nose, and a Tuscan red stripe that extended the length of the locomotive, the J-Class was recognized as one of the most beautiful streamlined steam locomotives ever designed. Not only that, according to FireUp! 611, the Js were the most powerful 4-8-4 steam locomotives ever built, operating at 300 psi with a tractive effort of 80,000 lbs. Many Js operated upwards of 15,000 miles per month and several logged over three million miles by the time they were retired in 1959.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore than two hundred moving parts were lubricated by an automated mechanical system, cutting down service time at station stops and division points. The J-Class were truly the last great steam locomotives ever constructed - and were the pinnacle of steam technology.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnly six years into her career, disaster struck. On January 23, 1956, the 611 was pulling the Pocahontas, when the engineer took a sharp curve too fast. The locomotive and five cars derailed, with the 611 being overturned. She nearly slid into the Tug River, escaping what could have very well been her demise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeciding to rebuild the 611, the ever-resourceful Norfolk \u0026amp; Western returned the engine to service later that year. This meant the locomotive had a completely rebuilt boiler, placing her in much better condition than her other sisters. Without the disaster along the Tug River, the 611 very well could have been scrapped without question.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDue to rising operating costs, the N\u0026amp;W decided to switch to diesel locomotives in 1957. Because of its overall good condition in comparison to her sisters, No. 611 was selected to pull the company’s “farewell to steam” excursions in October 1959. Once 611’s duties were officially over, her fate was uncertain. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral people, including famed N\u0026amp;W photographer O. Winston Link and Roanoke natives Graham and Robert Claytor, reached out to Company President Stuart Saunders to save 611 from the scrapper’s torch. Saunders agreed to keep 611 as a reserve steam generator at the East End Shops until the flues in her boiler ran out. She was then donated to the new Roanoke Transportation Museum (later the Virginia Museum of Transportation) for static display. She sat outside in the elements waiting for the chance to steam again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat chance came in late 1981 when soon-to-be Norfolk Southern Railway Company President Robert Claytor sent the 611 to the Southern Railway's Norris Steam Shop in Birmingham, Alabama for its first restoration. The locomotive would go on to become the star of the Norfolk Southern steam program in the 1980s, pulling excursions alongside N\u0026amp;W A Class 1218 throughout the eastern United States, including on the world-famous Saluda Grade in North Carolina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1994, Norfolk Southern ended their world-renowned steam program as a public relations tool. All locomotives that partook in the original program were returned to their original owners, including Southern 4501, 630, 722, and C\u0026amp;O 2716. The two Norfolk \u0026amp; Western locomotives, the 611 and the 1218, were returned to the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, with an uncertain future ahead of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFast forward to 2015, the 611 returned to the mainline once again as a participant of Norfolk Southern’s new program, branded under the name “21st Century Steam.” The program consisted of employee and public excursions using historic rail cars provided by NS and private car owners. Thanks to the renewed interest in using steam as a public relations tool, 611 traveled all over the NS system in 2015, 16, and 17. Due to a change in corporate management at Norfolk Southern, the most recent steam program was discontinued.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince the end of the 21st Century Steam era, locomotive 611 has operated in excursion service on a limited basis and has served as a traveling exhibit at hosting railroads and museums. Notably, it has steamed up at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer and operated on the Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania. In 2023, the locomotive operated a series of fall excursions on the Virginia-based Buckingham Branch Railroad, a shortline operating former C\u0026amp;O rails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegarded as an emblem of Roanoke's rich railroad history, the 611 locomotive holds prestigious titles. It was recognized as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 1984. Further, in 2017, it was designated as the official state steam locomotive of Virginia by the Virginia General Assembly. Adding to its accolades, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) included it in the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2023. Most recently, in 2024, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; color: red;\"\u003eLombard Hobbies = Big Inventory ∙\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; color: red;\"\u003e \u003ci\u003eValue Pricing ∙ Fast Shipping ∙ Great Service\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; color: red;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"ScaleTrains HO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67984389669017,"sku":"SXT15353","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/8847\/0425\/files\/sxt15353_611.jpg?v=1794436258","url":"https:\/\/lombardhobby.com\/products\/scaletrains-fox-valley-models-ho-sxt15269-dcc-esu-loksound-v5-equipped-n-w-class-j-4-8-4-norfolk-southern-ns-611-copy-1","provider":"Lombard Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}