Stuff happens. Old things sometimes break.

On October 27, 2023, an unforeseen mechanical issue was identified on
Norfolk & Western Class J 611. While the Queen Of Steam convalesced
through the 28th, a pair of Buckingham Branch GP40s provided the motive
power for the day's excursions between Goshen and Staunton, Virginia.

It was still a great ride.

'Unforeseen' certainly describes my ride on the Shenandoah Valley Limited in a nutshell, and not just because of the 611's mechanical woes. I was not planning to ride, but a friend approached me a week prior with a spare ticket after someone in his group had to cancel. After I expressed my interest he added, 'We have seats in the dome car.'

Wait...we're sitting where?

Even without 611 leading, taking in fall colors from a dome car is a rare opportunity. However, as the crew prepared us for departure they made one of the few announcements that could make me want to leave a dome car seat.

The Dutch-door vestibules would be open, and we were free to stand there if we chose.

I decided to split the difference. Part 1 features the outbound leg of the journey, from Goshen to Staunton. The boarding area in Goshen is situated on a spur, so the train performs a backup move to reach the main and then pulls forward to proceed to Staunton.

Kudos to the volunteers, crew, and others who had a hand in making these excursions a reality - regardless of the motive power.

#train #trainspotting #railfanning #railroad #autumn #scenic #virginia #travel