Virginia Museum of Transportaion

303 Norfolk Ave. SW , Roanoke, VA 24016 540-342-5670

IN ROANOKE, the Norfolk & Western Railway designed and built America's most advanced steam locomotives. The Virginia Museum of Transportation's outstanding rail collection includes the only remaining examples of the N&W's legendary success: the N&W Class A 1218 and the Class J 611(currently offsite for restoration). The N&W Class Y6a 2156, the last of the N&W Big Three, comes home to Roanoke in early 2015! In our Rail Yard, explore historic steam and diesel engines, cabooses, and other rail equipment as modern trains rumble past. Inside the Museum, enjoy model trains and hands-on exhibits, stroll among our antique automobiles, and explore our truck, bus, and aviation exhibits! The Museum’s collection includes approximately 2,500 objects, including more than 50 pieces of rolling stock—locomotives and other rail cars—including the largest collection of diesel locomotives in the South. The Museum has expanded its collection to include automotive, aviation, transit, and other artifacts and frequently exhibits loaned objects. Today, the Virginia Museum of Transportation welcomes guests from across the nation and around the world. The Museum exists to preserve Virginia’s transportation history and to honor the workers whose talents created the transportation marvels in our collection. As a partner in the newly established “Virginia’s Rail Heritage Region,” it is our privilege to preserve their stories and accomplishments for future generations. The Virginia Museum of Transportation announces that the Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Passenger Locomotive—known affectionately as the Spirit of Roanoke—has moved to the North Carolina Transportation Museum for a complete restoration. Anticipated completion is Spring 2015.

Events:

• Daily Excursions

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