ROANOKE, Va. — Six members of the Virginia Museum of Transportation board of directors have resigned, WDBJ-TV reports.
The group submitted letters of resignation at the board’s annual meeting last week. It reportedly included several of those who led the museum’s excursion efforts, leading to speculation about future plans for the steam program with Norfolk & Western Class J 4-8-4 No. 611.
The museum website now lists an 11-member board, with Ken Lanford as president; in February, it listed 18 members; with Will Harris — one of those who resigned — as president.
Harris is credited with playing an instrumental role in No. 611’s operations last year on the Buckingham Branch Railroad [see “N&W No. 611 completes fall excursions …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 8, 2023], and owns the property where passengers boarded the train, according to the station. Harris told WDBJ his resignation was motivated by health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his grandchildren, and that he will do what he can to continue to support the excursion program.
Tom Cox, the board’s executive vice president, told the station that the museum thanked the departing members for the work they have put into the facility and the excursions. He acknowledged a difference of opinion among board members, WDBJ said, but said he did not believe a major rift propted the departures. Cox said the museum is committed to keeping No. 611 in operation and looks forward to future excursions.
