Axalta Sponsors Restoration of Class J #611 Steam Locomotive

Axalta Coating Systems went full throttle to sponsor the restoration and celebration of a Norfolk and Western Class J #611 Steam Locomotive at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina on Saturday, May 23.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation and “Fire Up 611” refurbished the legendary Norfolk and Western Class J #611 at N.C. Transportation Museum, where a send-off celebration was held on May 23. Visitors took photographs and were able to see inside the cab of the restored locomotive at the Bob Julian Roundhouse and photograph the engine on the turntable, among other activities. “Axalta was delighted to support the restoration efforts of ‘Fire Up 611’ and sponsor the North Carolina Transportation Museum’s send-off celebration,” stated Jim Napoleoni, Axalta Rail Account Manager. “The railcar, aircraft and other displays help to preserve the history of the transportation industry and provide valuable information for generations to come.”

Shane Harris of Willetts Railcar Services in Spencer, North Carolina and Chris McBride of Freight Car America used Imron 611P™ clearcoat to restore and paint the iconic steam locomotive. Ken Miller, a local painter, laid down the gold pinstripe and lettering. Axalta’s Tufcote™ DTM Black, Imron Elite finishing system, Imron Elite color and Imron 611P clearcoat were used on the J #611. “We have built our business around the nostalgia of the good old days when travelling was an adventure,” said Bob Willetts, owner of Willetts Railcar Services. “We take great pride in restoring and refurbishing old rail cars, so using the best rail finishes in the industry is our only choice.”

The J #611 will return to service with excursions between Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, Virginia on May 28.