GOSHEN, Va. — Ever since its 2015 restoration and return to service, “In Cab Experiences” have been part of the norm for Norfolk & Western steam locomotive No. 611. Participants are given the chance to learn and either operate or fire on the J-class 4-8-4 under supervision by the engine crew.
The program — which has taken place during the locomotive’s previous visits to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C., and the Strasburg Rail Road in Ronks, Pa. – will now expand to Virginia’s Buckingham Branch Railroad. Tickets are now on sale for both the engineer and fireman seat experiences on Sept. 30.
As announced on the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 Facebook and Instagram pages, the 30-minute sessions will operate out of Goshen where the locomotive is currently stationed. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license. Visit the FareHarbor website for more information and to purchase tickets — $850 for the Engineers’ Seat, and $375 for the Firemans’ Seat.
No. 611 is scheduled to operate weekend fall excursions as part of the Virginia Scenic Railway, a passenger excursion operator for the Buckingham Branch. The half-day Shenandoah Valley Limited will depart Goshen at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., each day on Oct. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, and 27-29, in addition to Nov. 3-5. Visit the Virginia Scenic Railway website for more information and tickets.
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