Thursday, November 21st, 2024

G Gathering All Aboard!

All Aboard!



Norfolk Southern granted Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce members a unique opportunity to experience passenger rail service reminiscent of days gone by. This special train, comprised of a sampling of historic railroad cars and locomotives renovated and restored to their former glory, departed Harbor Park and traveled through Chesapeake, downtown Suffolk and along US 460 to Petersburg before circling back to Norfolk, providing riders a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photos 1 - 4 courtesy of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.  Additional photos courtesy of Jeff Barnard.


Ira Agricola, Sr. Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; left, and Ray Taylor, President, Future of Hampton Roads.

Passengers included Delegate Paula Miller (seated, in gray suit).

Passengers including Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn (cream jacket) with Suffolk Mayor Linda Johnson (black/white jacket).

From left: Jack Hornbeck, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; Thelma Drake, Director, Department of Rail and Public Transportation; and Deb Butler, Executive VP of Planning and CIO, Norfolk Southern.

Norfolk Southern officials were on board to educate passengers and answer questions.

Familiar landmarks along US 460 from a different perspective.

Rear view from observation car.

The business car.

View from the top of the dome car.

The trip provided some unique views along US 460

The dining car.

Cheryl Youngs of Image Services Staffing in Virginia Beach enjoyed the tour of the restored train cars

The club car.

View from exterior platform

The Gilmerton Bridge

View of Norfolk Skyline from train as it approaches Harbor Park

The Berkley Bridge from the train