In a rare feat of preservation, a 75-year-old steam locomotive continues operating in the same city where it was built, serving as a rolling testament to Roanoke’s railroad heritage.
70 years ago, a single night changed the story of one of America’s most legendary steam locomotives. Now the Virginia Museum of Transportation is hosting a special event to remember that moment.
A legendary train is now back home, the 611 Locomotive pulled into the Virginia Transportation Museum for its final stop of the season earlier today. 10 News Photojournalist Jordan Parham gives us a look at the exciting homecoming.
Two brothers from Daleville grew up loving trains. This summer, they put their mechanic skills to work, helping restore the Norfolk and Western Class J Number 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke.
Built at the east end shops in Roanoke in 1950, N&W 611 is still beloved around the world in 2025.
The small town of Goshen, located in Rockbridge County, has a population of fewer than 400 people. But with the fall excursions of the 611 beginning this Friday and continuing through Oct. 26, thousands of tourists are expected to flood the area.
The Queen of Steam will not be in use for this weekend’s remaining Shenandoah Valley Limited Excursions, according to the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
10 News got an exclusive look behind the scenes of what it took to get the Steam Queen ready for the rails, and why it means so much to the community.
Out for a test run, the legendary 611 steam locomotive was on the tracks Thursday as final preparations are made for fall excursions.
ROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke's famed 611 steam locomotive is headed for a little road trip next week. "The experience alone, just to be near an engine like this is wonderful, add to it the firing up of the engine," museum education director Courtney Plaster said. 611 is making the trip because Strasburg is one of the few places with private tracks for the locomotive to run on. The Strasburg Railroad is calling it a once-in-a-lifetime steam extravaganza because the 611 will reunite with Strasburg's engine, the Norfolk and Western 475. Although 475 was not made in Roanoke like 611 was, the two locomotives were stablemates at points throughout their careers, according to Barrall.
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