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VIRGINIA & TRUCKEE FIELD TRIP
BY SHELTON CAMPBELL
member PSRHS


On a warm Sunday, this past July 11th, a group of about 25 of our members and guests made their way to Virginia City. We were to be treated to a guided tour of the newly revived but historic portion of the V&T Railroad. Our trip leader was Gary Luce, the project engineer for the newly rebuilt roadbed. We met at the old school house just outside of town, then proceeded in high clearance vehicles to retrace the newly finished right of way back down towards the end of track at Eastgate station, near Carson City.

The narrative provided by Gary was primarily construction related. He spoke of the many geological as well as natural obstacles that needed to be over come to both realign, relay and to bring the roadbed up to current FRA standards for passenger carrying tourist railroads. Needless to say, the resulting roadbed and track are pristine in comparison to what you would expect from a rail line originally built in 1869. Never the less, seeing V&T #29 steaming up grade, pulling two beautifully restored coaches full of revenue passengers some 141 years later was quite a sight. Gary took us to many somewhat remote spots along the line and related stories and events that he and his modern day crew encountered along the historic path that has been abandoned for the last 72 years. Some of you may recall that Bob Gray and his son Tom resurrected a small 1.9 mile portion of the line back in 1976. Now with the latest extension, the rails run a continuous 18.6 miles with plans to extend another 4 miles in the future.

Our group had a picnic lunch along the Carson River among the cotton woods. We explored the still uncompleted old right of way that is planned for future extension of the railroad past Eastgate station. We then gathered at Eastgate station to board the train for an hour long trip back up the hill to Virginia City.

Our train consist was fully restored to like new splendor. We rode in two, beautifully restored 1914 built steel coaches of Lackawanna heritage. Pulling our consist up the 2.2 percent grade was V&T #29, looking like she just came out of the shops yesterday. No. 29 is a former Longview, Portland & Northern 2-8-0. McCloud River 2-8-2 No. 18 is also on the property.
Many thanks to all the folks responsible for the rebirth of this piece of history. With their continued efforts, proper management, and support from rail fans and tourist alike, this historic railroad will be around for many future generations to experience 'the queen of the short line railroads'.

If you were not able to go with us on this trip, it would be a great weekend get a way. If you choose to ride one way as opposed to a round trip, I strongly suggest you board at Eastgate, near the railroad overpass on highway 50, and ride to Virginia City. The ride, sounds and feeling are best when being pulled up grade by a steam locomotive. Be sure to check in advance if you really want the steam experience for the train is not always pulled by steam.

Gary looking down upon the winding right of way.

Morning train leaving East gate station

Oiling of the V&T No. 29 Before departure

V&T 44 Tonner arriving in Virginia city

Old right of way through canyon, Possible future expansion