Norfolk & Western: #611 Summer on the Buckingham Branch 6-21/22-2026

Join this channel to get access to perks and documentaries: Follow the link below or click the join button beside the subscribe button.    / @stevensainerailroadproductions   It's Father's Day weekend, and after a very successful two days at the Cass Scenic Railroad, we make our way east to the Buckingham Branch in the commonwealth of Virginia to see an old favorite. Norfolk & Western class J 4-8-4 #611. In early Summer of 2026, the 611 would make quite a few trips over the Buckingham Branch, this time traveling east of Staunton to Afton and return. While in my opinion it is not nearly as scenic, it does feature quite a few highlights including: The watering can in Staunton. The towns of Fishersville and Waynesboro. The Norfolk & Western overpass The Blue Ridge Tunnel The crew of N&W #611 is honoring America's semi quincentennial in a subtle but big way. In 1976, 611 was considered by Ross Rowland for the American Freedom Train. As a result, a concept of 611 was drawn up to show what she would look like. Ultimately 611 was not chosen, and therefore the American Freedom Train appearance of 611 was sidelined for what seemed to be forever. However, in 2026, the crew decided to adopt the stripe from the AFT concept and put it on the 611 in honor of the semi quincentennial. In my opinion, it's a welcome temporary change, and very eye catching. *If you want a comparison, the auxiliary tender retained the Tuscan red stripe. Enjoy a very quick look at the now patriotic Norfolk & Western class J #611! #norfolk #streamliner #virginia #staunton #steam #train #railroad #railway #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #steamengine #locomotive #history