The Return of Norfolk & Western 611: Mainline Excursions in Virginia

For the first time in five years, the dulcet tones of a deep three chime whistle echoed throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains as Norfolk & Western 611 returned to mainline excursions in her home state of Virginia. This time, she picked up some new mileage running along the ex Chesapeake & Ohio main now operated by the Buckingham Branch Railroad. The partnership between the railroad's Virginia Scenic Railway and the Virginia Museum of Transportation yielded two round trips per day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday through October and into November. The 611 and its special are joined by a variety of other movements, including a CSX unit grain train and both Amtrak Cardinals. Join us trackside and on board the train as 611 takes to the rails of Virginia once again.

[@BenBensonStudios]

Hopefully this becomes a yearly tradition.

[@JBS319]

Given the investment they've put into the station and the gallery cars, I don't see a reason why we wouldn't see more excursions on the Buckingham Branch. I get the feeling this series of trips is a pilot, and if it works well, they'll move to a full scale program from next year.

[@BenBensonStudios]

Welp, 9 months later and this really didn't age well.

[@lashendawest7509]

Great catches awesome capture and nice video

[@user-vh6zt7ty3b]

611: Mainline

[@justinratcliffe947]

I was on it that day. I even posted a video of myself walking to the front

[@jackchen7003]

Great video. Nice catch with the ALC42s too!

[@JBS319]

I saw a P42 on 50 on my way down there on the 6th, and I'm now wondering if that might've been one of the last P42s on the Cardinal. Washington Terminal is supposed to be fully ALC-42 very soon.

[@jackchen7003]

@@JBS319 Damn. Im in the NYC area, looks like i got to make a trip down to DC before they are all gone/

[@phantombrakeman4983]

The run by at 4:55 is a speed that I would like to ride at.