The iconic Norfolk & Western 611 train locomotive is returning to the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

According to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the Norfolk & Western Class J611 is scheduled to return to the region on May 30 after undergoing a restoration process in Spencer, N.C., over the past year.

The steam locomotive was built in Roanoke's East End Shops in 1950 and served as one of the premier passenger locomotives for Norfolk & Western for many years. After spending nearly 20 years on display in the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the 611 will now provide that magical experience of passenger train rides once again.

The train is expected to arrive in the Roanoke Valley between 2 and 4pm on Saturday, May 30, and it will stop at the former N&W Passenger Train Station in Downtown Roanoke, which is now home to the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center.

The day will also feature numerous activities at the Virginia Museum of Transportation as part of its Homecoming celebration for the momentous occasion.

The return of the locomotive signals an exciting time in Virginia's Blue Ridge as the Virginia Museum of Transportation will offer excursion trips that are scheduled for later this year.

Passengers will have the opportunity to experience a ride on an iconic steam train that powers its way through the beautiful landscapes of Virginia's Blue Ridge. The 611 will also be used in other excursions throughout Virginia, though the majority of the trips will leave from the Roanoke Valley.

The following are the scheduled train excursions involving the Roanoke Valley:

The Pelican
Friday, July 3
Roanoke to Lynchburg
Departs from and returns to Roanoke
No layover/deboarding

The Powhatan Arrow
Friday, July 3
Roanoke to Radford
Departs from and returns to Roanoke
No layover/deboarding

The Pelican
Saturday, July 4
Roanoke to Lynchburg
Departs from and returns to Roanoke
No layover/deboarding

The Powhatan Arrow
Saturday, July 4
Roanoke to Radford
Departs from and returns to Roanoke
No layover/deboarding

The Pelican
Sunday, July 5
Roanoke to Lynchburg
Departs from and returns to Roanoke
No layover/deboarding

The Powhatan Arrow
Sunday, July 5
Roanoke to Radford
Departs from and returns to Roanoke
No layover/deboarding

For more information on excursions and the entire restoration project, visit fireup611.org.