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 thermic syphons or water tubes. To reduce friction, roller bearings were installed on all axles, the last five even had roller bearings on the connecting and coupling rods. 

The maximum load for slow freight trains on flatter lines was between 13,000 and 14,500 short tons. They could haul express freight trains up to 5,200 short tons and with passenger trains they 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 of the regular tender. With a tender and an additional water car, the locomotives weighed 1,233,000 pounds. Their service life ended between 1958 and 1959.

Today number 1218 built in 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 stored again after only four years. Now it is waiting to be refurbished again, although this is rather unlikely to happen.