Downtown in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Power Behind the Nation
The David R. and Susan S. Goode Railwalk
Workhorse of the Norfolk and Western: Class Y6
While the sleek class J streamlined passenger locomotives and high stepping Class A locomotives garnered publicity for the N&W; the true workhorse of the Norfolk and Western was the Class Y 2-8-8-2s. Designed and built for one purpose, moving tonnage at reasonable speeds at a reasonable cost.
Beginning in 1930, Roanoke Shops turned out the first home-built Class Y5. The design itself, was solid, with improvements leading to the Class Y6. The Y6, with two sub-classes; Y6a and Y6b, the Y6b was considered the zenith of the heavy locomotives.
The Class Y locomotives handled anything tossed its way: fast freight, coal, empty trains, and upon occasion, a passenger train. By the end of World War II, the die was cast in America; steam was being replaced by diesels. Commercial builders ended production in 1949. The N&W felt Roanoke-built power was superior to the diesels, however, and continued to build steam, but that too, was short-lived. In 1952 the last Y6b, No. 2200, rolled out of Roanoke Shops.
Even the best power couldn’t stop the tide. The diesels first arrived on the N&W in October 1955. On May 7, 1960, the last Y6b No. 2190 had its fire dropped at Williamson, West Virginia, ending the mainline steam era in America after being in service less than eight years.
Only one Class Y6 locomotive would survive the end of the steam era, No. 2156 is on display at the St. Louis Museum of Transport today.
The Class J fate was sealed, and on October 24, 1959, Class J, No. 611 closed N&W’s steam passenger train service with a last excursion to Williamson, West Virginia.
[Table in lower center of marker]
Boiler pressure: 300 lbs.
Driving Wheels: Eight pairs, 57 inch diameter
Overall length (engine and tender): 114 foot, 10 ½ inches
Firebox area: 14’ 2 1/8” x 8’ 10 ¼”
Weight on driving wheels: 548,500 lbs.
Total weight of engine and tender: 990,120 lbs.
Coal Capacity of tender: 30 tons
Water Capacity of tender: 22,000 gallons
Erected 2007.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1936.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 16.387′ N, 79° 56.339′ W. Marker was in Roanoke, Virginia. It was in Downtown. Marker was at the intersection of Norfolk Avenue SE and Market Street SE, on the right when traveling west on Norfolk Avenue SE. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Roanoke VA 24011, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Roanoke Shops (a few steps from this marker); Today's Rail Traffic (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk and Western Passenger Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Market Square Walkway (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Roanoke (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hotel Roanoke (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); North Jefferson Street (about 500 feet away); Welcome to Historic Roanoke City Market (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
More about this marker. All pictures are Norfolk and Western Railway photos provided for the marker from the collection of Kenneth L. Miller. Their captions follow:
[top photo]: Brand new at Roanoke Shops, April 1948
[top left photo]: Just days before Christmas, 1951 workers in Roanoke Shops are putting the finishing touches on Y6b No. 2196.
[lower left photo]: Loads east, empties west: No. 2167 leads freight east at Dry Branch, Virginia while passing a westbound empty hopper train lead by another Y6 headed back to the mines.
[lower right photo]: Rolling as fast as the 58 inch drives will turn, 2157 leads a solid refrigerator car train loaded with perishable produce at Elliston, Virginia on July 18, 1952.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,068 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on February 14, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.