Weekends during the Fall of 2025 the Virginia Scenic Railroad, operated by the Buckingham Branch, Railroad hosted the historic Norfolk and Western Steam Engine #611. The route organized for the excursion ran through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley from Goshen to Staunton Virginia.
During the height of the Fall foliage Julie and I spent an afternoon scoping out Photo locations along the line and then two friends and I chased the 611 along its route during its last weekend of operation, October 24h. It was interesting to see all the railroading buffs who traveled from all over the country to see this historic train. Tickets were available to ride the train however our interest was capturing some great photography.
The Norfolk and Western 611 is a historic steam locomotive built in 1950 and is the only surviving Class J484 locomotive designed and built in Roanoke Virginia. It operated in passenger service until 1959 before being donated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation in 1962. Its latest restoration was in 2015 and it continues to operate for special events today.
After taking some photographs of the train steaming along the route we traveled to the Goshen station to see the 611 up close. I was immediately struck by how massive this engine is and what a statement it makes about our industrial engineering in the past. In today's computerized age when we can't comprehend the workings of our engineering marvels it's fascinating to see a machine that we can basically imagine how it works.
These massive wheels are easily taller than my 6 foot frame. This woman was cleaning and oiling these drive shafts, getting ready for the afternoon excursion.
These mighty piston rods, transfer power to the drive shafts.
The streamlined locomotive was to bring steam travel into the modern age. They were quickly replaced in the 1950's as diesel/electric engines introduced a more efficient engine. Diesel/electrics require less maintenance, less amounts of fuel. and provide more power per mile. Traveling on trains today you often see the relicts of this bygone era in the derelict wooden water tanks and coal bins along the route.
The Train bell, tucked away in the front of the engine sounds as a warning that the train is about to move, warning workmen and pedestrians to move out of the way.
Seeing the Engineer as the 611 passed by brought out the inner child in this 79 year old. Who can resist waving at the Engineer and Fireman who responded with a return wave.
The age of steam and these historic locomotives bring out many memories and emotions. My memories include the anticipation of Christmas morning and hoping Santa would bring me an addition to my Lionel train set - My memories of visiting my Grandmother in Minersville, Pennsylvania in the 1950's and feeling the rumble of the locomotive pulling the coal train by in the back of her yard. - The smell of the burning coal from the engines that permeated the town. - Traveling with my mother to see my grandparents in Baltimore and getting dressed in our finest to ride the B&O Royal Blue from NYC to Baltimore. I can still hear the conductor calling out "Next Stop....Ball...tow.....more".
Thanks to all the folks who work on raising funds and restoring these magnificent examples of engineering for museums across the country.
