Comfortably ensconced in our elevated seats; D3A and D3B, I looked forward to my journey behind Norfolk & Western 611.

Eleven years ago, I held a ticket for a similar trip, but opted to chase the train instead of traveling. While lasting images resulted from that adventure, since that time I’ve wanted to travel behind the magnificent N&W J-class 4-8-4.

This time, I was rewarded with views of 611 from Budd Vista Dome Shenandoah as operated by Virginia Scenic Railway on the old Chesapeake & Ohio over Viginia’s Blue Ridge.

Tracking the Light Explores Railroad Photography!