ROANOKE, Va. — As Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 gears up for fall excursions on the Buckingham Branch Railroad, having arrived at the short line from Roanoke on Sept. 18, the Virginia Museum of Transportation has recently geared up for a new fundraising initiative in preparation for the 4-8-4’s anticipated 1,472-day boiler inspection, set for 2030 under the Federal Railroad Administration.
Both the museum and Rail & Roads Auctions are featuring coveted opportunities and memorabilia to be auctioned off. The headliner will be the chance for a cab ride aboard No. 611 during the upcoming Shenandoah Valley Limited excursions on the Buckingham Branch. Four slots are available on Oct. 11, 18, 25, and 26. One of the requirements for the winning bidder is to be 18 years or older to ride in the jump seat. Additional items up for auction will be an original painting of No. 611, and unique artifacts from the locomotive and Norfolk & Western 2-6-6-4 No. 1218.
The auction began on Sept. 19, and will conclude on Sept. 29 in a live auction starting at 7:00 p.m. EST. More information and registration to bid can be found on the Rail & Roads Auctions website.
