The most perfect locomotive -- N&W's J -- and Its TOP Speed of 128 mph!!!

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

N&W applied for an exemption to the ICC- imposed maximum speed of
79 MPH between Poe and Norfolk.  It was denied.  Consequently,  the
speeds attained by the Class J were, of course, kept a close  secret.
In a grade crossing collision in January, 1956,  the  Norfolk Virginian Pilot
reported the speed of 2/26 as ABOUT 79 mph.  Does "about" mean
give or take 20 MPH ?
 
Once, I asked Charlie Cooke, the Norfolk Division Road Foreman of
Engines,  what speeds the J's were making.  He responded that the  Virginia
highway patrol tried their new fangled radar on No. 26 along U.S. 460 east  of
Waverly.  "They clocked him making 80 MPH !!!"  Right, Mr.  Cooke.   
 
                                                               Harry Bundy 
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