N&W 611 To Operate On The Virginia Scenic Railway

Published: April 10, 2026

Roanoke, VA — The Virginia Museum of Transportation Inc. (VMT), in partnership with Buckingham Branch Railroad's Virginia Scenic Railway and the Steam Railroading Institute, has announced the Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 #611 will operate a limited series of summer steam excursions in June and July 2026 on the Virginia Scenic. Beginning June 12, 2026, 611 will power passenger excursions departing from Staunton and Louisa, Virginia, offering riders a rare opportunity to experience mainline steam railroading in the Commonwealth.

Crowds have gathered to see Norfolk & Western #611 as the big J steams beneath the signals at Red Hill, Virginia near the end of her first steam program on May 15, 1993. Wade Massie photo.

“We are thrilled to bring the 611 back to the rails for summer excursions in partnership with the Virginia Scenic Railway and the Steam Railroading Institute,” said Mendy Flynn, Executive Director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation. “This collaboration allows us to share the power and beauty of steam railroading with new audiences while honoring Virginia’s rich rail heritage.”

The Steam Railroading Institute and the Virginia Scenic are providing passenger coaches. Prices and seating options will vary, and will include the following classes of service: Coach, Premium Coach, Table Class, and Dome Class.

Specific details about the schedule, price, and route descriptions are available on the Virginia Scenic Railway website. Tickets are expected to be released on April 15, 2026. To stay up to date with the Summer of Steam and other special Railway events, subscribe to the e-newsletter on the Virginia Scenic website.

Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 #611 leads a photo runby across the Suwanee River Bridge at Fargo, Georgia in December, 1986 during Norfolk Southern's first steam program. Rick Burn photo.

About The Virginia Scenic Railway

The Virginia Scenic Railway is one of the Commonwealth’s newest and most captivating tourist rail experiences, offering passengers a relaxing journey through the scenic landscapes of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Operated by the Buckingham Branch Railroad in partnership with the Virginia Scenic Railway Company, the excursion service highlights both the region’s natural beauty and its rich railroading heritage.

Launched in 2022, the railway quickly gained attention as Virginia’s only regularly scheduled scenic excursion train operating on an active freight railroad. Departures originate from two historic communities—Staunton and Goshen—each offering a distinct travel experience. The Alleghany Special departs from Staunton’s beautifully restored downtown station, carrying passengers westward through pastoral farmland and into the rugged mountain terrain of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Flyer originates in Goshen and traverses the dramatic Maury River valley, a route celebrated for its sweeping vistas and tranquil rural scenery.

The Buckingham Branch Railroad, a family-owned short line established in 1989, provides the operational expertise behind the excursions. Its stewardship of former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway trackage ensures that passengers experience authentic mainline railroading. The routes historically served industries such as agriculture, timber, and mineral extraction, and today they offer a living connection to Virginia’s transportation past.

The Virginia Scenic Railway emphasizes comfort and hospitality. Passengers ride in climate-controlled passenger cars featuring large picture windows designed for sightseeing. Narration during the journey provides historical context, pointing out landmarks and explaining the significance of the region’s rail infrastructure. Seasonal excursions, including fall foliage trips and themed holiday trains, enhance the railway’s appeal and encourage repeat visits.

Economic impact has been a key component of the railway’s mission. By attracting tourists to Staunton and Goshen, the operation supports local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and lodging establishments. The service also reinforces community pride by preserving and celebrating the area’s railroad heritage.

In addition to its tourism value, the Virginia Scenic Railway plays an educational role. It offers insight into the ongoing importance of short line railroads in modern freight transportation while demonstrating how historic infrastructure can be repurposed for heritage tourism. The combination of scenic beauty, historical interpretation, and community engagement has positioned the railway as a standout attraction in the Mid-Atlantic region.

As heritage rail tourism continues to grow in popularity, the Virginia Scenic Railway stands as a successful example of collaboration between private industry and local communities. Its commitment to authenticity and passenger experience ensures that it will remain a cherished destination for rail enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

About The Virginia Museum of Transportation

Located in the heart of Roanoke, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is one of the premier railroad museums in the United States. Housed in the historic Norfolk & Western Freight Station, the museum celebrates the Commonwealth’s extensive transportation heritage, with a particular emphasis on railroading.

Roanoke’s identity is deeply intertwined with the Norfolk & Western Railway, which established the city as a major hub for coal transportation and locomotive construction. The museum preserves this legacy through an impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock, many of which are displayed outdoors along the former rail yard adjacent to the station.

Among its most notable exhibits are several surviving steam locomotives built by the Norfolk & Western’s famed Roanoke Shops. These include the streamlined Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, renowned for its excursion service and elegant design; the powerful articulated Norfolk & Western Class A No. 1218; and the unique Norfolk & Western Class M No. 475, which continues to operate on excursion trains in Pennsylvania. Together, these locomotives illustrate the technological innovation and craftsmanship that characterized the Norfolk & Western during the steam era.

Inside the museum, visitors encounter a diverse range of exhibits exploring not only railroads but also the history of aviation, automobiles, and maritime transportation in Virginia. Interactive displays, detailed interpretive panels, and carefully restored artifacts provide educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The museum also maintains extensive archival collections, supporting research into regional and national transportation history.

Educational outreach and community engagement are central to the museum’s mission. Special events, guided tours, and seasonal programs foster public appreciation for transportation heritage. The museum frequently collaborates with organizations such as the Virginia Museum of Transportation Foundation and the Norfolk & Western Historical Society to preserve and interpret historic equipment.

Beyond its historical significance, the Virginia Museum of Transportation contributes substantially to Roanoke’s tourism economy. Its central location and nationally recognized exhibits attract visitors from across the country, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a cornerstone of American railroad history.

Today, the museum stands as a testament to the transformative role of transportation in shaping Virginia and the nation. By preserving iconic locomotives and sharing compelling stories, it ensures that future generations can appreciate the enduring legacy of railroading.

Norfolk & Western #611 steams through rural Rockfish, Virginia with a matching string of maroon and gold cars as it leads another excursion on May 15, 1993. Wade Massie photo.

About The Steam Railroading Institute

The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI), based in Owosso, Michigan, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and operation of historic steam locomotives. Established in 1969, the institute has become widely recognized for its commitment to maintaining the living history of American steam railroading through education, restoration, and excursion operations.

SRI’s centerpiece is the magnificent Pere Marquette 2-8-4 No. 1225, one of the largest operational steam locomotives in North America. Built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works for the Pere Marquette Railway, the locomotive hauled fast freight and passenger trains across the Midwest. After retirement in 1951, it was preserved and eventually restored to operation by SRI, becoming a symbol of the organization’s preservation efforts.

No. 1225 gained international fame as the real-life inspiration for the locomotive featured in the beloved film The Polar Express. Recordings of the engine’s whistle and mechanical sounds were used in the movie’s production, and the locomotive now powers the institute’s immensely popular seasonal Polar Express excursions. These holiday trains attract thousands of visitors annually, providing vital financial support for ongoing restoration and educational initiatives.

SRI operates from the historic Owosso Railroad Shops, a former Ann Arbor Railroad facility that serves as both a maintenance base and a museum complex. In addition to No. 1225, the institute maintains a collection of historic rolling stock, diesel locomotives, and archival materials that document the evolution of rail transportation in Michigan and the broader Midwest.

Education is a cornerstone of SRI’s mission. The organization offers hands-on volunteer opportunities, interpretive programs, and public events designed to foster an appreciation for steam technology and railroad history. Through these initiatives, SRI provides valuable training in traditional mechanical skills while inspiring new generations of preservationists.

Excursion operations extend beyond the holiday season, with mainline steam trips and special events held throughout the year. These excursions allow passengers to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of steam railroading in an authentic setting. SRI’s collaborations with regional railroads and heritage organizations further enhance its visibility and impact within the rail preservation community.

Today, the Steam Railroading Institute stands as a beacon of living history, demonstrating the enduring fascination with steam locomotives. Through the preservation of Pere Marquette No. 1225 and its dedication to education and community engagement, SRI continues to play a vital role in safeguarding America’s railroad heritage.

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