Norfolk & Western

The famous Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4 #611 returns to the mainline for a series of excursions in her home state of Virginia on the Virginia Scenic Railway/Buckingham Branch Railroad. These excursions were the first opportunity for the 611 to "stretch her legs" on mainline trackage since it ran on Norfolk Southern in 2017.
The "Shenandoah Valley Limited" saw the 611 hauling passengers between Goshen and Staunton, Virginia, through the Shenandoah mountains in the autumn of 2023. This video covers the 611's last weekend of operation for the fall season, filmed on November 3, 4, and 5, 2023. Low temperatures and clear skies made for dramatic steam plumes and bright colors, despite the past-peak foliage.
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Departing Goshen
2:51 Shenandoah Mountains
3:44 Augusta Springs
4:39 Snyder
6:41 Shillings Trail
7:52 North Mountain
9:26 Slowing down
10:30 Swoope
11:41 Staunton
12:49 Credits
vmt.org
www.virginiascenicrailway.com
www.buckinghambranch.com

[@nickharding350]

By far one of the best videos made of last fall's trips. So few people are able to combine videography, editing, and sound for steam as well as you have. Well done!

[@JamesAttwellPhotography]

Mr Joe Fusco for an Oscar please! What an incredible film. Colour, lighting, mood...it has it all.

[@fuscoproductions]

Glad you liked it! I do not think train videos qualify for Oscars, usually. 😂😂😂 But I appreciate the compliments.

[@michaelcolucci5734]

Those shots and pacing scenes are absolutely incredible!

[@TheBerkshireMainline]

This videography is second to none even from the start. Well freaking done dude!

[@florencedivision]

Joe, this might be THE best 611 video ever made. The camera work rivals multi person film crews. I can not thank you enough for making this video and all of your others. Can't wait to see what's next!

[@fuscoproductions]

Thanks for the kind words - especially the part about it looking like a multi person film crew. It was a single camera for this one! (Spread across 3 days)

[@charonsferryold]

I swear, every single compilation I've seen of this 611 trip includes the underpass at Swoope. Such a perfect spot, praying on my hands and knees that this becomes an annual excursion.

[@fuscoproductions]

@@charonsferryold I hope so too, this is a great line for the 611 with some gorgeous scenery. Funny you should mention Swoope - I almost didn’t include that shot. (Running less aggressively than the other shots, but I felt the scenery made up for it)

[@MPT_Productions]

Fantastic video, Joe! This is by far my favorite 611 from last fall. Those were great trips, and you documented them beautifully!

[@fuscoproductions]

Thanks, Mark! Glad I was able to be there. Mainline steam isn’t something to be taken for granted!

[@AlongCameDalton]

Your footage is always top notch, and this is no exception. Great video.

[@TrainWizardProductions]

This is worthy of an Academy Award!

[@TheBigBananaRailfan]

Amazing stuff Joe! The Buckingham Branch trips were truly spectacular, and this video captures just how dramatic of a show #611 put out on those trips! I had a blast chasing them, and it looks like you sure did as well! Here’s to hoping we can all head to see her in Virginia again next year!

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Wonderfully and masterly done sir.

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

The station scene at Staunton, in B&W, genius.

[@thunderbird1921]

Beautiful footage! Interesting fact: I'm pretty sure that C&O 614 under Ross Rowland's leadership ran this route or a stretch very close to it in the 1980s. If so, easy to see why a number of heritage groups would want to run excursions on it. The scenery is glorious.

[@rolandomartinez1231]

exelente Trabajo

[@BTCRAILFILMS]

From start to finish I'm floored at how good this is. Truly cannot out Fusco the Fusco! (Although I will die on the hill for my shot at Staunton Station!)

[@TrainMedia00]

Your videos and edits are killing me, this is a huge masterpiece. I better start having my own channel and do some railfanning and stuff like that.

[@JLIRailPro]

Incredible video Joe! Great video as always!

[@railfanningwithtydan]

1:58 Joe. This… is incredible!! Your production is unlike any other! I’m glad you could make it to see the J on the main! Quite the hectic chase at such speeds 😂

[@charonsferryold]

For sure. I've never chased mainline steam before, the combination of the speed of the train itself and the thick crowds of other chasers was definitely stressful.

[@Steam_inthe_eastcoast]

Very awesome videography Joe!

[@FloridaRailfan]

I enjoy watching your videos like no others. You certainly did 611’s season justice

[@SouthernKansasRailfan]

An abosolutely beautiful presentation of the Queen of Steam! Probably the best I've seen from those trips! Excellent work!

[@jjsmith406]

Loved it Joe!

[@AlleghenyRailProductions]

Great video!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Wow what an awesome video and enjoyed watching. Have a wonderful rest of your Tuesday.(Steve)

[@M.R.Flanagan]

We as people didn’t deserve this video, you’ve completely outdone yourself Joe…. I don’t care whatever video gets released by anyone this year, this can’t be topped

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

fantastic on the N&W.

[@ethanpiscitello188]

Another stellar video, in the bag

[@thehunter5740]

I knew this would be amazing right from the intro but when I got to the shot at 2:10 I was in awe. probably one of the best "pacing a steam locomotive" clips ever filmed

[@fuscoproductions]

Thanks for the kind words. I know the pacing sequence wasn’t long (and for good reason - we didn’t want to hold up traffic!) but I think it did the trick. :-) Glad you like it!

[@CullenTabaczynski]

Wonderful video. Great lighting and shadows!

[@saturnwing]

👏👏👏👏👏 Cool

[@kawasakiz76]

Killer video!!

[@BlueCometProductions]

Hawt

[@VicksburgRailProductions]

If you don’t mind me asking, what equipment and stuff do you use in your videos? I’d like to start photography.

[@mumumaaaah]

How’s your day Joe?

[@CommanderCalico]

This looks higher quality than cocomelon