Tickets for 611 steam locomotive trips from Goshen to Staunton now available

Patrick Hite, Staunton News Leader
·1 min read
The Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam passenger locomotive will be making excursions through the Shenandoah Valley this fall.
The Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam passenger locomotive will be making excursions through the Shenandoah Valley this fall.

GOSHEN — The Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc. (VMT) and the Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) announced that the tickets for fall excursions on the No. 611 steam passenger locomotive are available for purchase now.

"For a limited time only, the Shenandoah Valley Limited will give train enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience steam locomotion history in Virginia, thanks to the mighty N&W Class J 611," a press release said. "On these excursions, passengers will experience all the majesty of being aboard an American steam train legend on a spectacular journey through the glorious Shenandoah Valley during fall foliage."

The trips originate in Goshen and travel east through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, with the train eventually making its way to Staunton.

"The route will take riders through a kaleidoscope of fall color, amidst scenic rural landscapes and working farms," per the release. "Once the 611 reaches Staunton, the train will stop momentarily, then reverse with a return west pulled by diesel power."

The ride is approximately 60 miles round trip. While 611 can travel up to 40 mph, it will mostly maintain 25-30mph. On weekends in October and early November, half-day round trips will depart from Victoria Station in Goshen located in Rockbridge County.

Trips will run twice daily on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased at www.VirginiaScenicRailway.com. Various levels of seating options are being offered, ranging in price from $99 - $249 per person.

The Shenandoah Valley Limited will depart at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Oct. 6 – 8

  • Oct. 13 – 15

  • Oct. 20 – 22

  • Oct. 27 – 2 9

  • Nov. 3 – 5

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Tickets for 611 steam locomotive trips from Goshen to Staunton now available