Train rides through Shenandoah are an autumn essential. Now, passengers have a new — yet historic —way to peep the leaves. Starting this September, the Virginia Scenic Railway will offer limited rides on a steam locomotive from 1950.
The Shenandoah Valley Limited experience begins on Friday, September 26. It allows passengers to ride on the historic Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam locomotive through the Shenandoah Valley. The limited series is a joint venture with the Virginia Scenic Railway, The Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc., the Steam Railroading Institute, and the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society.
“We are excited to partner with new and old friends to bring back the thrill of mainline steam excursions through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia,” said Steve Powell, president of the Buckingham Branch Railroad, which operates the Virginia Scenic Railway, in a news release. “The return of the N&W 611 is sure to bring joy to all who see and ride it.”
The 1950 train is the sole surviving Class J 4-8-4 steam locomotive and is part of a traveling exhibit. The train is the official steam locomotive of Virginia and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Each excursion will take passengers on a round trip from Victoria Station in Goshen through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests along with other scenic spots in the Shenandoah Valley. In all, it’s a nearly 3.5-hour ride. Rides are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. from September 26 through October 26.
Seating options include coach, premium coach, table class, and dome class. Tickets range from $120 to $300. Children 2 or younger do not need a ticket to ride but will need to sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. Water and light snacks will be provided to passengers during the ride. 340 Victoria Ln., Goshen
Feature image courtesy the Virginia Museum of Transportation
