An iconic steam locomotive is returning to Southwest Virginia.

The Queen of Steam will not be in use for this weekend’s remaining Shenandoah Valley Limited Excursions, according to the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

10 News got an exclusive look behind the scenes of what it took to get the Steam Queen ready for the rails, and why it means so much to the community.

Final preparations are underway for the Spirit of Roanoke to make its return to the rails.

Out for a test run, the legendary 611 steam locomotive was on the tracks Thursday as final preparations are made for fall excursions.

The 611 locomotive is under steam and leaving Roanoke very soon.

Tickets for 611 fall excursions are now available for purchase.

All aboard the 611! Public excursions on the beloved “Queen of Steam” locomotive begin this fall.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Virginia Scenic Railway have announced a series of 611 passenger excursions coming this fall.

Check out the Morning Sprint for trending stories that’ll make you smile.

Train lovers rejoice! The famous ‘Queen of Steam’ locomotive is back in the Star City for the first time in four years.

With the Queen of Steam finally back in town after over four years, the Virginia Museum of Transportation will welcome visitors on Saturday.

The Queen of Steam is set to return to the Star City Friday, according to Virginia Museum of Transportation officials.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation has announced the return of the Norfolk and Western J-Class 611 train to Roanoke at the beginning of June.

The Queen of Steam is on the move and passed through our area Monday, a welcome sight to railfans.

ROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke's famed 611 steam locomotive is headed for a little road trip next week. "The experience alone, just to be near an engine like this is wonderful, add to it the firing up of the engine," museum education director Courtney Plaster said. 611 is making the trip because Strasburg is one of the few places with private tracks for the locomotive to run on. The Strasburg Railroad is calling it a once-in-a-lifetime steam extravaganza because the 611 will reunite with Strasburg's engine, the Norfolk and Western 475. Although 475 was not made in Roanoke like 611 was, the two locomotives were stablemates at points throughout their careers, according to Barrall.