ROANOKE, Va. — The Virginia Museum of Transportation will offer special “behind the scenes” presentations this weekend on Norfolk & Western No. 611 while the Class J 4-8-4 is home at the museum.
The presentation will be offered twice on Saturday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and again on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. It will discuss the history of the locomotive, including how and why it was saved; offer an in-depth look at its restoration to operating condition; its impact on the railroading community; and how it has become a steam ambassador in partnership with various museums and tourist railroads.
The locomotive will not be under steam for the presentations.
Each presentation is limited to 30 people, ages 12 and over. They will be held rain or shine. Cost is $35 per person, in addition to regular museum admission. Tickets may be purchased at the museum admission window or online, via a QR code on this Facebook post.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation’s viewable outside railyard is a truly unique experience for visitors. Here, you can see a stunning collection of locomotives and railcars up close, in their natural environment. Featuring historic steam engines, the railyard showcases the evolution of rail transportation over the decades.
But what sets the Virginia Museum of Transportation’s outside railyard apart is the opportunity to get an up-close look at these amazing machines. Visitors can climb aboard and explore various trains. The railyard offers a truly immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Overall, the Virginia Museum of Transportation’s viewable outside railyard is a must-see for anyone interested in transportation history or simply looking for a unique and exciting experience.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
The elegant Norfolk and Western 611, also known as the “Spirit of Roanoke” and the “Queen of Steam”, is a Norfolk and Western (N&W) class J 4-8-4 “Northern” streamlined steam locomotive built in 1950 by the N&W’s East End Shops in Roanoke, Virginia. It was one of the last mainline passenger steam locomotives built in the United States and represents the pinnacle of steam locomotive technology.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Sounds interesting!