Driving from Denver, CO to the San Francisco area earlier this week, my daughter and I took US-50 (The Loneliest Highway in America) through western Utah and Nevada. For those thinking about a trip across the Great Basin, and not wanting to hassle with all the trucks on the interstates, this is a fantastic road -- devoid of traffic (and towns, rest-stops, gas stations and the like). But beautiful country. Between Delta UT and Fallon NV, about 7 hours of driving time, there are only three towns: Ely NV, Eureka NV and Austin NV. The largest of the three, Ely, is home to the Nevada Northern http://www.nnry.com/ . Heading west, we stopped for lunch in Ely, and with a bit of time to kill, decided to check out the NNRY's museum. Built originally to service the nearby copper mines, the NNRY closed, abruptly, in the early 80's when the price of copper plummeted. "Everyone" assumed the railroad would resume operations once the mine's operations did, but.... Instead, the railroad's buildings, equipment and everything are now a really cool museum. They also operate the NNRY Ghost Train excursion ride When you enter, you are told you can basically walk just about anywhere you want! The only rules: "Don't Touch", "Don't Climb on ANYTHING" and always "Watch out in case any equipment is being moved". You are encouraged to visit the Engine House, walk around the yard, and visit the office-based exhibits. So that is what we did Walking out of the gift shop (in the old depot) onto the passenger platform, you are out in the yard. This is "East Ely" (official Post Office designation -- there is a whole exhibit about the naming ) These ore cars were well used The cars from the ghost train were getting a full cleaning while we were there (on July 5 -- there were special runs on the Fourth), so we could not stick our heads in to see. One smooth-side and two old heavyweights
The railway closed down so quickly, the stockroom was left "as is". All the forms were still on the shelves, waiting to be used when operations start back up
A MOW crane in the yard. The long shed behind it is their "Restoration in Progress" building. One of their steamers is under re-build there, but we didn't get to go in. Looking back towards the passenger depot from the freight platform
This is the Engine House. Immediately upon entering (under the Safety First sign), we enter the machine shop, where this RS-3 greeted us! DON'T TOUCH -- DON'T CLIMB -- AGGGGGHHHHHHH! Not fair Up close with the under-repair engine View into cab
I already thought this was turning into a very cool adventure, not realizing that a walk through the next door would bring.... Up close and personal with a 2-8-0 Consolidation! Not only was #93 just sitting there, it was still hot, from pulling the special July 4th train the day before! And, right next to it is #40, a Baldwin 4-6-0 Here is a view of 93's tender -- which is full of coal. Both steamers are still coal fired Close ups of 40 & 93
Well, not as close as one would like. A worker/docent came by, and said "Since I'm here, if you really want, you can climb into the cab" WOW! So, into #93 it was. The heat coming off the boiler and firebox was amazing View from Fireman's window The coal in the tender
And, there weren't just steamers. Here are more of their diesel fleet (some operational, some not) RS-2 #105 SD-9 #204 (former SP # 4426) Some in dire need of restoration
Wow, Rick, what a great report. That place has been on my "bucket list" for a long time. Looks like now I will never get to see it. Thanks for covering a lot of the place that most reports from photo specials do not cover. There is a lot more to it than I thought. Glad you got to experience it!
Thanks Rick for some great photos. Are the steam locomotives hand fired or do they have stokers? The locomotives on both the Durango&Silverton and also the Cumbres& Toltec railroads are hand fired.
Jim, you are welcome! My pleasure. Would have actually liked to spend more time, the staff guy invited us to hang around for some work they were going to do after lunch, but we had a four hour drive to Fallon to make.
