Steam Train #611
There is a very little of the town of Goshen other than an old railroad yard. But, the railroad yard was the reason we were visiting. We had tickets for one of Shenandoah Valley Railroad Fall Steam Train Excursions. The highlight of this particular rail excursion is that is pulled by the Norfolk and Western #611, the last remaining J class steam locomotive built at the Roanoke shops in May 1950.
The J class locomotives were built by the Norfolk and Southern Railroad specifically to haul passenger trains along the railroad’s main line between Norfolk, VA and Cincinnati, OH. The locomotives were capable of hitting a top speed of 110 miles per hour. As with all other railroads across the country, the Norfolk and Western’s attempt to regain profitability by introducing the new streamlined locomotives and passenger trains was already starting to fail by the late 1950s. The railroads simply could not compete with the airline and auto industries.
We had spent the before our morning trip in our van parked in the lot, so I got up early to watch the changing light of the morning with the 611 silhouetted and steaming majestically contrasted with the colors of the trees. Seeing a steam locomotive up close is truly awe inspiring. The locomotive sat hissing quietly like a sleeping dragon as steam slowly billowed out of the boiler.
This particular excursion ran from Goshen to just outside Staunton, VA and was offered over five weekends from the end of September through October. The locomotive hits a top speed of around 40mph, still impressive for one locomotive hauling a consist of approximately 15 coaches.
As we traveled past rolling fields and forests lush with fall colors, one could occasionally see a cloud of black smoke out the window as it billowed back from the locomotive. Unfortunately, we were in a carriage toward the rear of the train, so it was difficult to hear the whistle from the steam locomotive. We were, however, able to hear the whistle from the diesel locomotives upon the return trip to Goshen. On this particular excursion, the #611 hauls the train to Staunton and is hauled backed by two diesel locomotives since there is nowhere to turn the train around at Staunton.
Whether you have an interest in trains or not, a journey on the Shenandoah Valley Railroad is well worth it. The rolling hills, forests, and large pastures make this part of Virginia a great place to visit, particularly in the fall.
