The summer of steam is coming to Gordonsville Monday.
The famed Norfolk and Western Class J No. 611 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 is currently operating on a 40-mile, 90-minute round-trip excursion from Staunton. Those trips will continue through June 21 before the train begins operating from Louisa, which will continue weekends June 26 – July 5. A special one-time extended route excursion will take place Monday, June 22. Passengers will enjoy a 125-mile round-trip route from Staunton to Louisa with a stopover in Gordonsville where guests can enjoy lunch at the town’s restaurants and shopping. Spectators can also watch as the train maneuvers on the wye, reversing direction for its departure to Louisa.
“Gordonsville grew alongside rail travel in Virginia and this special excursion on the Virginia Scenic Railway is an opportunity to learn more about the town’s history and traditions,” Gordonsville Director of Community and Economic Development Anna Pillow said. “Many shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area will be open special hours and look forward to welcoming passengers, rail fans, visitors and locals alike.”
The extended route excursion has sold out with tickets ranging from $150 for coach to $360 for the upper dome with approximately 535 passengers.. The 611 is scheduled to depart Staunton at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to arrive in Gordonsville between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for a two-hour stop.
Tickets remain available for the regular trips June 26 – July 5. For more information, visit virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summerofsteam.
