Norfolk & Western No. 611 debuts for 2023

STRASBURG, Pa. — Norfolk & Western steam locomotive No. 611 debuted for its 2023 operating season last weekend with a series of events and excursions on the Strasburg Rail Road. The J-class 4-8-4 returned to the tourist railroad earlier this month after spending the beginning of the year as an exhibit at the next-door Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

“The locomotive performed as expected and put a lot of smiles on many faces,” said Zac McGinnis, social media coordinator and member of the engine crew for the locomotive.

Friday was a full day of the “In-Cab Experience.” Participants had the opportunity to operate, fire or ride in the cab of No. 611. On Saturday and Sunday, the locomotive pulled 45-minute excursion trains over Strasburg’s main line through Amish farmland.

“This week, the engine will be serviced by our crew for another weekend of ‘In Cab Experiences’ (Friday) and excursion rides (Saturday and Sunday),” McGinnis explained.

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend will be the final series of operations at the Strasburg Rail Road in conjunction with No. 611’s 73rd birthday on May 29. The locomotive is scheduled to depart the Pennsylvania tourist railroad after an extended stay since 2021. “Further 611 announcements will be announced formally at a later date,” according to the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 Facebook page.

Built in 1950 by the N&W at its East End Shops in Roanoke, Va., No. 611 operated in regular service until 1959, when it was donated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation for display. It was restored to operation in 1982 by Norfolk Southern for the railroad’s steam excursion program. Since returning to service in 2015, No. 611 has been operated and maintained by Steam Operations Corporation in partnership with the locomotive’s owner, VMT.

For tickets, visit the Strasburg Rail Road website. For more information on Norfolk & Western No. 611 and future operations, visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation website.