06/09/2026
ROANOKE, VA — The Virginia Museum of Transportation Inc. (VMT), in partnership with Sunset Models 3rd Rail, is proud to announce that the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 will receive a temporary special red, white, and blue livery in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary during the 2026 “Summer of Steam” excursion season on the Virginia Scenic Railway.
The patriotic design is inspired by the original concept artwork created for the American Freedom Train during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. The artwork drawings were provided by Keith Muldowney. While the famed No. 611 was ultimately not selected to lead the actual American Freedom Train tour, the locomotive played an important role in the project’s early history appearing prominently in concept renderings and promotional materials used to market the idea nationwide.
This commemorative scheme honors that unique chapter in the locomotive’s story while celebrating America’s railroading heritage and the enduring spirit of innovation the 611 represents.
The special commemorative scheme is being professionally applied by Sova Vinyl Pros of Danville, Virginia, with lettering coordination by Ken Miller of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society. Their combined expertise and dedication to historical accuracy are helping bring this unique interpretation of the American Freedom Train concept artwork to life on the legendary No. 611.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Virginia Museum of Transportation and for the future story of the 611,” said Mendy Flynn, Executive Director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation. “This special scheme represents a bold new chapter in the locomotive’s storied history while paying tribute to our nation’s 250th Anniversary and the role railroads played in building America. We are thrilled and deeply thankful to partner with Sunset Models 3rd Rail to help bring this historic event to life.”
Zac McGinnis, Steam Operations Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation, added, “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, and what better way to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary than with one of America’s greatest innovations - the iconic Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611,” said Zac McGinnis, Steam Operations Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation. “Railroads helped link this country together, fueling industry, commerce, and connection from coast to coast. Even today, railroads remain a lifeline for everyday life across America, and this project is a powerful reminder of that legacy. To have the opportunity to operate the 611 on these ‘Summer of Steam’ excursions (especially on the Fourth of July) in this historic red, white, and blue livery is truly the icing on the cake and something we’ll never forget.”
“We are pleased to partner with the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 to bring this project to full-scale life,” said Jay Escamilla of Sunset Models 3rd Rail. "This partnership is a reflection of our company’s core philosophy: to be more than just a business. It represents our commitment to quality, transparency, and preserving the legacy of both the model railroading hobby and the broader story of American railroading, while supporting the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary”.
The special patriotic livery will debut during the Virginia Scenic Railway’s “Summer of Steam” excursions and will be featured throughout the anniversary celebration season. Additional details for other special events surrounding the locomotive’s appearance will be announced in the coming months.
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