Virginia Scenic Railway Offers Summer Steam Train Excursions

Historic N&W Class J 611 locomotive to power scenic mountain rides in Staunton and Louisa

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in shades of blue and gray, featuring a towering, streamlined steam locomotive with a bullet-shaped nose and Tuscan Red stripe emerging from the center of the frame, capturing the grand scale and romance of vintage rail travel.The iconic N&W Class J 611 steam locomotive, a living piece of Virginia's railroad history, returns to the rails this summer to transport passengers on a journey through the state's breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains.Staunton Today

The Virginia Scenic Railway is bringing back the glory days of steam railroading this summer, offering excursions powered by the iconic N&W Class J 611 locomotive. The 611, designated a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, will take passengers on 1.5-hour journeys through the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a special extended trip over Afton Mountain and through the Blue Ridge Tunnel.

Why it matters

The return of the 611 steam locomotive to Virginia's rails is a significant event, allowing a new generation to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of classic steam railroading. As a designated state steam locomotive and historic landmark, the 611's appearances draw rail enthusiasts from across the region and highlight Virginia's rich transportation heritage.

The details

The Virginia Scenic Railway's 2026 Summer of Steam kicks off in June with a two-week residency in Staunton, followed by a final two-week run from Louisa. Excursions will begin in Staunton on June 12 and conclude in Louisa on July 5, each lasting approximately 1.5 hours. There will also be a longer, one-time excursion on June 22 that will depart Staunton, travel over Afton Mountain and through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, make stops in Crozet, Ivy, and Downtown Charlottesville, and end in Gordonsville, where passengers can watch the 611 maneuver on the wye before returning to Staunton.

  • The Virginia Scenic Railway's 2026 Summer of Steam kicks off in June with a two-week residency in Staunton.
  • Excursions will begin in Staunton on June 12 and conclude in Louisa on July 5.
  • A special one-time excursion will depart Staunton on June 22, traveling over Afton Mountain and through the Blue Ridge Tunnel.

The players

Virginia Scenic Railway

A heritage railroad operation that is bringing back the glory days of steam railroading with excursions powered by the historic N&W Class J 611 locomotive.

Steve Powell

President of the Buckingham Branch Railroad, which operates the Virginia Scenic Railway.

N&W Class J 611

A 1950-built steam locomotive that is the sole survivor of the J-Class fleet and is widely considered the pinnacle of steam technology. It is the official Steam Locomotive for the State of Virginia, designated a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mendy Flynn

Executive director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

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What they’re saying

“We're beyond thrilled to bring history back to life this summer, especially in new locations and with different thrills and highlights. This will be a special treat for every rail lover who has dreamed of experiencing the power and elegance of the steam era firsthand.”

— Steve Powell, President, Buckingham Branch Railroad

“This is a milestone moment not just for Norfolk & Western 611, but for this entire region. For the first time in a number of years, we're bringing mainline steam into a new part of Virginia, giving a whole new generation the chance to see, hear, and feel this living piece of history come to life.”

— Mendy Flynn, Executive Director, Virginia Museum of Transportation

What’s next

The 611 steam locomotive will continue its Louisa-based excursions after the initial Staunton residency, with the final run scheduled for July 5.

The takeaway

The return of the iconic N&W Class J 611 steam locomotive to Virginia's rails is a significant event that allows a new generation to experience the power and elegance of classic railroading. This summer's excursions in Staunton and Louisa will showcase the state's rich transportation heritage and draw rail enthusiasts from across the region.