What is nw 1218?

NW 1218 is a type of steam locomotive that was built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in 1943 for the Norfolk and Western (NW) Railway. It is a Class A locomotive, which means it was designed for heavy-duty freight service. The locomotive is most notable for its distinctive streamlined design and large size, measuring over 100 feet long and weighing around 750,000 pounds.

After serving the Norfolk and Western Railway for many years, NW 1218 was retired and donated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia. Since then, it has become a popular attraction and is occasionally operated on special occasions. The locomotive is also a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, recognized for its innovative design and engineering excellence.