The famed Norfolk and Western Class J No. 611 steamed into Gordonsville Monday.
The train is making multiple trips this summer from Staunton to Louisa via the Virginia Scenic Railway. The train, which has been hailed as the finest steam engine worldwide, was designed and built in Roanoke before transporting passengers from 1950 to 1959. It is the sole survivor of the J Class fleet, of which there were originally 14 built, and is the official steam locomotive for Virginia, is a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The train is owned and operated by the Virginia Museum of Transportation and previously made sold out appearances in the fall of 2023 and 2025.
The 611 is being operated this summer through a collaboration with the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the Steam Railroading Institute and the Virginia Scenic Railway. It just wrapped a series of round-trip excursions from Staunton and will conduct weekend excursions from Louisa June 26 – July 5.
Monday’s stop in Gordonsville was part of a special one-time, 125-mile round-trip route from Staunton to Louisa. The train separated from its passenger cars before hitting the wye in town, turning around for its departure to Louisa. After an approximately two-hour visit in Gordonsville, the passenger cars were transported back to Staunton via a Buckingham Branch engine. The town rolled out the red carpet for the train passengers and enthusiasts with restaurants and shops opening on a day they would otherwise be closed. Gordonsville Director of Community and Economic Development Anna Pillow created a special bag for the train riders with information about the town, including the new historic properties guide.
Just Dogs and Catering Owner John Robinson, who operates his hot dog stand on Main Street near town hall, opened especially for the event. He said it was a great business boom for the town and its shops and showcased the town’s community spirit.
“People were laughing and patting each other on the backs,” Robinson said. “It was like a Fourth of July party or a Miss Lavender Parade. It was very hometown.”
He said folks loved the train and the stop was well-run and organized. Police presence from both the town and county added a layer of safety, he added.
“It may have only been a one-day event for a few hours, but we opened our town up not just for the few magical hours of the past, but we have new friends and customers for many more years that will come back and enjoy what our small town has to offer,” Robinson said.
Patch Brewing, located just outside of town limits, offered a shuttle from the train stop to the restaurant utilizing its Hop On staff as liaisons. Owner Jon Craig said the brewery was busier than a usual Monday, but didn’t justify the additional staff he had brought on. However, he said he heard great things from the businesses located on Main Street and the event was a great opportunity to showcase the quaintness of the town, “more so than our specific business.”
The Barbecue Exchange, often touted as one of the best barbecue restaurants in the state, had a line out the door. The restaurant offered its lard fried chicken as a menu option, a favorite that is only available during special occasions. Owner and chef Craig Hartman said the restaurant is always busy in the summer, but the train visit increased sales 35% over a normal Monday. However, the real impact, he said, was the event itself.
“The excitement of the whole event will last for a long time and long-term memories were made,” Hartman said. “Gordonsville is super special and the 611 visit helped to showcase that. We are thankful and hope to see the 611 again.”
While there are no plans for the 611 to stop in the town in the future, it will pass through during its Louisa trips. However, a new train will be making stops in Gordonsville soon.
Due to the success of Monday’s event, the Virginia Scenic Railway has added a new series of excursions from Louisa to Gordonsville Fridays July 10 through Aug. 28. The roundtrip train ride will depart from Louisa at 1 p.m. and travel to Gordonsville where guests will have the opportunity to disembark and enjoy the town for approximately 90-minutes before boarding and returning to Louisa. Tickets are $75 per person and available online at https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/gordonsville-flyer/.
