06/08/2026
One of the questions we get asked most often is: How do you get coal and water for the 611?
Unlike the steam era, there are no coaling towers or water spouts waiting for us along the railroad. Today, getting the supplies needed to keep 611 running takes a tremendous amount of planning and coordination behind the scenes.
Coal has to be delivered by truck to locations along our route where we can safely receive it. We then use specialized equipment to load it into the tender. Water is typically supplied directly from fire hydrants, but even that process requires extensive preparation.
For every excursion operation, we have to coordinate coal pad locations (a special thank you to our friends at the Buckingham Branch Railroad for constructing one of the best coal pads we’ve ever used), ensure truck accessibility for coal deliveries, and arrange for tele-handlers to load the coal. On the water side, we identify hydrant locations, collect water samples months in advance to determine the proper water treatment program, and obtain permission from local authorities to use the hydrants.
These are just a few of the many logistical details that go into an excursion program. Planning that often begins months, and sometimes years, before the first whistle blows.
While our board, staff crews and volunteers handle the planning, coordination, and hard work, we ask you to do one simple thing: buy a ticket and support the operation. Your support makes it possible for us to continue bringing the sights, sounds, and excitement of mainline steam railroading to communities across the country. Get your tickets at https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/
Every mile behind 611 is powered by a lot more than coal and water, it’s powered by the dedication of our team and the support of our fans!
