🚂 Happy National Train Day! 🚂
Today is the perfect opportunity to spotlight one of the Virginia Museum of Transportation’s most historic locomotives - Wabash E-9 #1009!
Built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD), the 1009 holds the distinction of being EMD’s 10,000th locomotive produced. During her years of service on the Wabash Railroad, she powered some of the railroad’s most notable passenger trains, including the legendary “Wabash Cannonball”, “City of St. Louis”, “City of Kansas City”, and many others.
Retired from regular service in 1967, the 1009 was generously donated to the museum, where she has remained a fan favorite ever since. In 2012, NorfolkSouthern completed an extensive cosmetic restoration, and in 2014 she returned home to the museum wearing her stunning Wabash “Bluebird” paint scheme once again.
Come visit us and see the beautiful Wabash E-9 #1009 in person along with our incredible collection of rail, automotive, and aviation history!
Happy National Tourism Day from the Virginia Museum of Transportation!🚂✈🏎🚢
Whether you're visiting from across the country, or right here in Roanoke, we are grateful to everyone who stops by to experience the rich transportation history at the museum. From iconic locomotives and classic automobiles to aviation and ship displays, there's something for visitors of every age to enjoy.
Tourism helps connect communities, and we are honored to be a part of your journey!
Have you visited the museum before? Share your favorite memory or photo in the comments below! 📸
There’s famous… and then there’s 611 famous!
Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 isn’t just a locomotive, she’s a worldwide icon of American steam. Known for her speed, power, and unmistakable streamlined design, 611 has earned a reputation across the globe as one of the finest passenger locomotives ever built.
In this video, you’re watching more than a train pass by, you’re witnessing living history in motion. The thunder of her drivers, the sharp bark of her exhaust, the presence she commands… it’s something that simply can’t be replicated.
And the best part? You don’t have to just watch, you can ride behind her this summer!
The Virginia Scenic Railway’s “Summer of Steam” excursions put you right behind the legend, giving you a front-row seat to the sights, sounds, and power that have captivated fans for generations.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now so don’t miss your chance to experience 611 in person: /rides/summer-of-steam/
Video: Brady Sanker
Did you know you can say "I do" here at the Virginia Museum of Transportation?
At the VMT, your big day becomes part of something timeless. With a backdrop of antique cars and historic locomotives, your day will be as unique as your love story!
We are dedicated to making every wedding personalized, seamless, and memorable from start to finish!
Ready to start planning? Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more!
#VMT #VirginiaMuseumofTransportation #VAweddings #virginiaweddings
Join us at The Virginia Museum of Transportation for our fifth annual Star City Rockabilly Festival! ⭐🎸
⚡ On May 30th from 4:00pm-9:00pm the Star City Rockabilly Festival is back and bigger than ever with performances by the Jesse Ray Carter Band, Jared Petteys & The Headliners, and Screamin' Rebel Angels!
♠ Enjoy our annual pin-up contest hosted by Shear Maddness, grab a bite to eat from Dog'on Time food truck and pair that with beer or wine!
Participate in our classic car show, and shop unique finds from local vendors!
🤘 Pre-purchase tickets here: /product/star-city-rockabilly-festival-2026/KS6QSRXXZIWCZXGFEBAERBSZ?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=40
#vmt #virginiamuseumoftransportation #rockabilly #rockabillyfestival
A very tall, very orange friend has found themselves in front of the VMT today!
Come by and check out The Virginia Department of Transportation's display for Work Zone Awareness week from now until Monday, April 27th! 🚧
🔥 Tickets are NOW ON SALE for the 611’s Summer of Steam on the Virginia Scenic Railway! 🚂☀️
Join us this summer as the 611 returns to the rails bringing the sights, sounds, and power of mainline steam to life in the beautiful Virginia countryside.
Seats are already heating up just like the season (and the engine!), so don’t wait and secure your spot today:
/rides/summer-of-steam/
We’ll see you on board and trackside this summer!
Teen Rail Camp is right around the corner.... 🚂
Teen Rail Camp is a three-day camp for teens to learn about railroads, operations, preservation, and team building!
Dates: July 17-19, 2026
Ages: 12-17
For more information, please email [email protected] 😄
The Virginia Museum of Transportation Inc. (VMT), in partnership with the Virginia Scenic Railway and the Steam Railroading Institute, is pleased to announce that the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 will operate a limited series of summer steam excursions in June and July 2026 on the Virginia Scenic Railway.
Beginning June 12, 2026, the 611 will power passenger excursions departing from Staunton and Louisa, Virginia, offering riders a rare opportunity to experience mainline steam railroading in the Commonwealth. The Steam Railroading Institute and the Virginia Scenic Railway are providing passenger coaches. Prices and seating options will vary, and will include the following classes of service: Coach, Premium Coach, Table Class, and Dome Class.
Specific details about the schedule, price, and route descriptions are available on the Virginia Scenic Railway website. Tickets are expected to be released on April 15, 2026. To stay up to date with the Summer of Steam and other special Railway events, subscribe to the e-newsletter on the Virginia Scenic Railway website.
Ever wanted to own a real piece of Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611? Now’s your chance.
We’re offering authentic flexible staybolts removed from 611’s firebox during the 2025 maintenance work. These aren’t just parts, they’re pieces of living steam history that spent decades doing the hard work inside one of the most iconic locomotives ever built.
When you purchase one, you’ll receive:
• The original flexible staybolt removed from the firebox
• An original 1950s Norfolk & Western Flannery flexible staybolt cap
• The copper gasket from the locomotive’s staybolt sleeve
• A section of the brand-new staybolt that replaced it
• A certificate of authenticity
We have a very limited supply available so don’t hesitate and miss out on this rare opportunity!
To purchase your own flexible staybolt package, visit:
/product/611-staybolt/22BFHE36Q7N74M6LVPRGFSQU?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2
Once they’re gone, they’re gone........bring a piece of 611’s working heart to your home!
GG1 now has lights and numbers! 🥳
The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) GE GG1 electric locomotive exterior was created by the famous industrial designer, Raymond Loewy.
The GG1s were originally painted Brunswick Green, the Pennsylvania Railroad's trademark color. Be sure to come out and see the new additions to this unique locomotive here at the Virginia Museum of Transportation!
#VMT #VirginiaMuseumofTransportation #locomotive
