Norfolk Western Class J is a Class of 4-4-2

4-4-2 (locomotive)

Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 4-4-2 represents the wheel arrangement of four leading wheels on two axles , four powered and coupled driving wheels on two axles, and two trailing wheels on one axle...

 Steam locomotive

Steam locomotive

A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning some combustible material, usually coal, wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler, which drives the steam engine...

s purchased by Norfolk and Western Railroad, this being the second "J" class, and should not be confused with the later, more well known J class of 1941. The retirement of the first J classes in 1900 left the designation available for reuse for these engines. There were 7 of these Class J's made, and they were retired between 1931 and 1935, once again leaving the "J" class designation available to be reused in 1941.