STAUNTON, Va. — Tickets for the upcoming Shenandoah Valley Limited fall excursions behind Norfolk & Western No. 611 are now available for purchase, ranging from $128 to $318 per person. The J-class 4-8-4 is poised to return to the Buckingham Branch Railroad for the first time since 2023 [See “Norfolk & Western No. 611 to return…” July 9, 2025].
Beginning on September 26, No. 611 will lead two trips each day — departing at 9 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. — from Goshen, Va., traveling through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. After the outbound journey and a brief pause in Staunton, the train will reverse direction with Buckingham Branch diesels heading the return trip. The excursions will run for five consecutive weekends, from Friday to Sunday, until October 26.
Seating options include standard and premium coaches, booths, tables, lounge, and dome observation. The consist is being provided by the Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso, Mich., and the Virginia Scenic Railway/Buckingham Branch. All parties, along with the Virginia Museum of Transportation and Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society, serve as key collaborators in the upcoming operations.
Visit the Virginia Scenic Railway website for more information and to purchase tickets.
