Choo-Choo at the Zoo

The Norfolk Southern Express Zoo Train Pulls Into Virginia Zoo – Great Photo Op!

Who: The Virginia Zoo will receive delivery of the new Norfolk Southern Express today.

What: The 1/3 scale model steam locomotive will arrive on a flat bed truck. The delivery route will carry the train through downtown Norfolk complete with police escort, before arriving at the Virginia Zoo. At the Zoo, the train will be offloaded onto the tracks via a crane.

When: The train arrives today, Monday July 14. The train with police escort will travel through downtown Norfolk at about 10:30 a.m. before proceeding to the Virginia Zoo where the train will be offloaded at noon .

Where: The train delivery cavalcade will travel through downtown Norfolk with a stop at City Hall. Its final destination is the Virginia Zoo located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk .

More: The one-third scale model of a C.P. Huntington steam engine and three coaches will accommodate up to 70 passengers as it travels along nearly three-quarters of a mile of permanent track. Zoo officials anticipate the train will be available for rides within 45 days. Before opening to the public, the Zoo Train will undergo testing, while staff will be hired and trained to operate the Norfolk Southern Express .

Generous community donors have made it possible for the Zoo to acquire the train. They include The Beazley Foundation , David and Susan Goode , Norfolk Southern Foundation , Kiwanis Club of Suburban Norfolk , Marietta McNeil and Samuel Tate Morgan, Jr. Foundation, Jane and Sam Webster , Jean Old , Charles E. and Carolyn W. Plimpton Donor Advised Fund of The Norfolk Foundation , D.L. Glenum , Peter and Laura Griffin , William E. and Mary K. Higgins, Charles and Carole Johnson , Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latimer , Michael and Jake Miller , Thomas Ranson , Meredith Sabol , Brenda Serniak , Rachel Smith , Kathleen and Randolph Stowe , The Vance Family , and William and Arlene Yarich .

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