Norfolk & Western J Class 4-8-4 611 has received a patriotic makeover ahead of a series of excursions this summer on the Buckingham Branch’s Virginia Scenic Railway. The new livery honors the 250th anniversary of the United States and made its debut May 30 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

The red, white and blue paint takes inspiration from an artist’s rendering of N&W 611 that was created in the 1970s, when the locomotive was a possible candidate to lead the American Freedom Train. AFT organizers ultimately passed over the N&W engine, but it was later restored for the Norfolk Southern steam program in the early 1980s. The paint job was done in coordination with Sunset Models 3rd Rail.

“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.”

Locomotive 611 is set to lead excursions for two weeks out of Staunton, Va., from June 12-21. Then it will move from Staunton to Louisa for another two weeks of trips, from June 26 to July 5. Visit the Virginia Scenic’s website for more information.