Norfolk and Western 611, also known as the "Spirit of Roanoke" and the "Queen of Steam", is the only surviving example of Norfolk and Western's (N&W) class J 4-8-4 type "Northern" streamlined steam locomotives.

For five incredible weekends in 2023, passengers were able to experience the thrill of riding behind the famed Norfolk & Western J-Class No. 611 on a series of spectacular fall foliage excursions through the Shenandoah Valley, departing from Goshen in Rockbridge County.

The 611 is considered one of the most powerful and technologically advanced steam locomotives ever built, and is the only surviving Class J steamer to the present day. It was used to pull passenger cars on the Norfolk and Western railway system, including the …

EXPERIENCE THE NORFOLK & WESTERN CLASS J NO. 611 IN STEAM! Enjoy the thrill of a true railroading classic for the first time in 2021. For four days of fired-up activities, you’ll have several options in which to experience this iconic locomotive. Book your tickets now because these events are sure to sell out! Tickets still available!

Jun 27, 2024 · Norfolk & Western’s 4-8-4 Class J No. 611 is a steam locomotive legend. See articles, videos, and more here!

Feb 27, 2025 · Norfolk and Western 611 is a 4-8-4 "Class J" steam locomotive and perhaps the most advanced such Northern ever built (generally the 4-8-4 design was known as Northerns but the N&W built their own and classed them as Js).

The legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam locomotive will be riding the rails through the Shenandoah Valley this fall, escorting leaf peepers on a four-hour tour of peak fall foliage. These half-day sight-seeing opportunities will depart from Goshen in Rockbridge County, traverse George Washington and Jefferson National Forest ...

Aug 9, 2023 · There will be two trains a day on the excursion says. Powell said the trip is expected to last three to three and a half hours. Tickets start at $99 but go up to $249 and vary by rail cars.

Aug 2, 2023 · Passengers will board the train in Goshen, travel east through the fall foliage of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and into the Shenandoah Valley. There, without...

Nov 25, 2022 · orfolk & Western #611 was one of fourteen Class 'J' passenger locomotives built by the Norfolk & Western Railway between 1941 and 1950 and the only one in existence today. Constructed in Roanoke in 1950 and rebuilt after a wreck in 1956, #611 served in high-speed revenue passenger service until a farewell to steam excursion in 1959.