The Norfolk & Western class A consisted of a total of 43 simple articulated locomotives, which were suitable for different types of trains from slow coal trains to passenger trains. The trailing bogie allowed for a very large firebox, generating around 5,400 horsepower even without thermosiphons or water pipes. To reduce friction, roller bearings were installed on all axles, the last five even had roller bearings on the drive and coupling rods. 

The maximum load for slow freight trains on flatter routes was between 13,000 and 14,500 short tons. Express freight trains could be pulled up to 5,200 short tons and passenger trains could reach speeds of 70 mph and more. Because of the large water usage, old tenders were converted to water-only tenders, adding an additional 20,800 gallons to the 22,000 gallon capacity. With a tender and an additional water car, the locomotives weighed 1,233,000 pounds. Their service life ended between 1958 and 1959.

No. 1206 in 1937 in Columbus, Ohio

collection Taylor Rush

Today the number 1218 from construction year 1943 still exists, which was restored between 1985 and 1987. It was then the world's strongest pulling operational steam locomotive. With the termination of the Norfolk & Western steam program, however, it was parked again after only four years and is now waiting to be refurbished again.