The Shenandoah Valley Limited
A remarkable steam experience.
During five weekends in the fall of 2025, the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 returned to the mainline, leading the “Shenandoah Valley Limited” to the delight of thousands of rail enthusiasts from all around the country. Guests enjoyed breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley, the rhythmic sounds of steam, and the rare opportunity to witness a living piece of railroading history in motion. Although this year’s excursions have concluded, we are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support of passengers from near and far.
The return of the beloved No. 611 was made possible through the partnership of the Virginia Scenic Railway, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the Steam Railroading Institute, the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society, and many dedicated volunteers who helped bring this experience to life.
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The sleek and powerful Class J locomotive, designed and built in Roanoke by the Norfolk & Western Railway, has been widely hailed as the finest steam locomotive in the world. The Norfolk and Western 611 was built in 1950 by N&W engineers at the company’s East End facility in Roanoke, Virginia. It was categorized under the “J” class and was one of only 14 ever built. Today, it is the only surviving member of that class.
The locomotive’s bullet-nosed streamlined design is considered one of the most novel and striking in railroad history. It is the official Steam Locomotive of the State of Virginia, a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The N&W Class J 611 is owned and operated by Virginia Museum of Transportation as a traveling exhibit. When not in excursion service, the locomotive is displayed at a trackside location at the museum in Roanoke.
