Norfolk Southern Railway

Norfolk Southern Corporation was created in 1982 through the merger of the Norfolk & Western Railway and the Southern Railway—two of the most respected railroads in American history. Both brought rich steam heritage and efficient operations to the combined company.

The Norfolk & Western was renowned as the last major railroad to operate steam locomotives, running Class A and Class J steamers into 1959. The N&W built many of its own locomotives at its Roanoke shops, including the iconic J-class streamlined 4-8-4s. The Southern Railway, nicknamed "The Southern Serves the South," operated passenger trains including the Southern Crescent and was known for its green and gold paint scheme.

Today, NS operates about 19,500 route miles in 22 eastern states and Ontario. The railroad is a major hauler of intermodal freight, coal, automotive products, and chemicals. NS has invested heavily in its heritage program, restoring N&W 611 and Southern 4501 to operation.

The elegant simplicity of NS's black locomotives with white lettering makes them popular with modelers, while heritage units and operating steam add special appeal.