Description: According to the back of the photo, this was taken at Schaeffer's Crossing in Roanoke, VA - one heavy traffic area! Built by the N&W shops in 1942 as a class Y, this is an example of a true Mallet with both articulation and compound expansion (high & low pressure cylinder configuration). The locomotive had 57” drivers, developed a whopping 300 psi boiler pressure and a total tractive effort of 126,831 lb. Sadly, these brutes were all retired by April, 1960.
Description: Here is another shot of NW 2156 at Schaeffer's Crossing in Roanoke. Massive locos fill this yard. What a sight knowing that within 2 more years they would lose the mightiest of them all, the class Y Mallets!
Description: Another view of Schaeffer's Crossing in Roanoke, VA filled with the mightiest locomotives. All would change by 1960 when the class Y6 Mallets were retired.
Description: The world's strongest surviving steam locomotive - Roanoke built 'em right!
Description: The face of the beast.
Description: Looks as if she's ready to go - wouldn't it be amazing to see this running on Norfolk Southern?
Description: The Y6a in all of her glory, still with her distinct hooter whistle.
Description: She's still in beautiful shape for being outdoors with only a roof.
Description: One final shot of this amazing locomotive - hail to the glory and the power of the Norfolk & Western.
Description: Norfolk & Western 2156 is preparing to go on loan to VMT later this month.
Description: N&W 2156 has departed for Roanoke today.
Description: NW 2156 passes through Kirkwood, MO.
Description: The N&W 2-8-8-2 sits in the restoration shop at the NMOT in Kirkwood.
Description: The 2156 clanks along, saying goodbye to its home for the past 50+ years, as it heads out on the high iron for the first time since the 1960s.
Description: She was really photogenic during the trip.
Description: After being dropped by the LSE56 and the terminating the SPASL09 symbol, NS train 956 rolls north along the TRRA in North St. Louis at Breman Ave.
Description: Rolling along Missouri Ave. in Madison, the special makes it way north, about 3/4 of a mile from NS trackage at WR Tower in Granite City.