ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The Spirit of Roanoke is getting a new temporary design before hitting the rails this summer.
The Norfolk and Western 611 Steam Train’s new design is inspired by the original concept artwork for the American Freedom Train in 1976, with ten stars representing Virginia being the tenth state admitted into the union. The design was ultimately not picked up 50 years ago, but will be used this year for America’s 250 celebration. This announcement coincides with the train’s 76th birthday.
“This summer when 611 rolls across the rails wearing this America 250 scheme… tribute to the railroaders, builder and preservationists who came before us,” said Zac McGinnisis, Steam Operations Manager with the Virginia Museum of Transportation…