The famous Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4 #611 returns to the mainline for a series of excursions in her home state of Virginia on the Virginia Scenic Railway/Buckingham Branch Railroad. These excursions were the first opportunity for the 611 to "stretch her legs" on mainline trackage since it ran on Norfolk Southern in 2017.
The "Shenandoah Valley Limited" saw the 611 hauling passengers between Goshen and Staunton, Virginia, through the Shenandoah mountains in the autumn of 2023. This video covers the 611's last weekend of operation for the fall season, filmed on November 3, 4, and 5, 2023. Low temperatures and clear skies made for dramatic steam plumes and bright colors, despite the past-peak foliage.
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Departing Goshen
2:51 Shenandoah Mountains
3:44 Augusta Springs
4:39 Snyder
6:41 Shillings Trail
7:52 North Mountain
9:26 Slowing down
10:30 Swoope
11:41 Staunton
12:49 Credits
vmt.org
www.virginiascenicrailway.com
www.buckinghambranch.com
