Virginia & Truckee Railroad
165 F Street
Virginia City
Nevada
USA
N39.308114 W119.648746   (Virginia City Depot)

The Virginia & Truckee Railway still has a way to go from the end-of-track down in Carson Canyon near the river towards the proposed depot at Carson City. Now notice I said V&T RAILWAY, not RAILROAD. The V&T Railroad has been complete between Virginia City and Gold Hill since 1991. And therein, between the two, lies a tale.

The old Virginia & Truckee existed because two prospectors discovered gold in the mountains around Virginia City in 1859. Unfortunately for them, a slick liar named Henry Comstock tricked them into believing their discovery lay on his land thereby gaining him a piece of the action. What really lasted from this swindle though, is his name attached to the strike, the Comstock Lode.

The first prospectors to mull for gold on the Comstock kept finding a blue clay clogging their "rocker" boxes. Frustrated, they sold their claims for little profit not knowing that the blue clay contained silver.

Gold and silver mining on the Comstock evolved from scratching the surface into mining with subsurface tunnels. The soft blue clay could be dug out using just a shovel but the surrounding rock and dirt was prone to collapse so required extensive timbering to prevent cave-ins. Many mines were located on the Comstock Lode and Virginia City soon arose to service miners and the population in the area. Apparently named "Old Virginny" by a drunken miner the name evolved into Virginia City.

Like all mining towns, a connection with the outside world was required, both to bring in supplies and to take out ore for processing by the mills located in the Carson River Canyon. In the 1800s this meant a railroad which could move any commodity cheaper than horse drawn wagons forced to travel over steep rough roads. The first attempt to start a railroad occurred in 1861 with the granting of a charter but not one tie was laid. A second charter also failed, but in 1869 grading commenced under a third charter. By January 1870 Virginia & Truckee track connected Virginia City with Carson City, the present capitol of Nevada. The track entered Virginia City through Tunnel No. 5 which was cut through a hard rock ridge. Eventually the tunnel was daylighted only to be replaced with the Highway 341 overbridge. By 1873 the railroad reached north from Carson City to Reno thereby connecting with the newly completed Central Pacific Railroad.

May 1873 on the Comstock brought "The Big Bonanza". A pocket of high grade ore found by the Consolidated Virginia Mine. Just one year later the V&T had 18 locomotives in service and was running 40 trains a day earning tremendous profits for the railroad.

Peak production from the Comstock was reached in 1877. The mines produced over US$14,000,000 in gold and US$21,000,000 in silver that year. Thereafter production decreased rapidly. By 1880 the Comstock Lode was considered to be played-out.

With railroad profits from the mining activity evaporating the V&T sought to stay alive by constructing a line south from Carson City to Minden hoping to transport cattle and agricultural freight. This line was completed in 1909, but overall, it didn't stop the downward spiral of the railroad. 1924 saw the passenger train to Virginia City reduced to a mixed train after 55 years of regular service. The Crown Point Trestle at Gold Hill was torn down to permit open-pit mining. Hollywood movie studios started to buy up the rolling stock in 1937 but the railroad ceased operations between Carson City and Virginia City in 1938. The tracks were removed in 1941. The remaining line between Reno, Carson City, and Minden ran its last scheduled train on 31 May 1950 pulled by Number 27.

With the Comstock Lode played-out the subsequent downturn in traffic may have encouraged V&T management to sell four of their locomotives to Andrew Onderdonk when he came looking. Onderdonk was the construction contractor for the Fraser Canyon portion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). Onderdonk had been general manager on several engineering projects for Darius Ogden Mills, founder of the Bank of California, an investor with interests in Virginia City mines and the V&T. This would certainly have given Onderdonk a connection to V&T management. Below the locomotives Virginia & Truckee road number and name appears at the top of each photo with the CP number and name below. Click on any photo to enlarge it and learn more about that engine's history:

In 1965 a railfan named Robert Gray noticed the old V&T right-of-way was generally untouched and intact so he assembled and purchased the right-of-way between Gold Hill and Virginia City. With approval granted by county commissioners he commenced laying track in 1974. The first trains started operating between Virginia City and the north portal of Tunnel 4 in 1976 but it wasn't until 1987 that the tunnel was opened for traffic. A bypass was then built around collapsed Tunnel 3 using a 19 degree curve on 40,000 yards of fill, some from the collapsed tunnel. This enabled trains to reach the Gold Hill depot in 1991. At that time two steam engines were working the route, V&T 29 and ex-Feather River Short Line number 8, with hopes of extending the line to Carson City once again. After working on the V&T until November 2008 number 8 was moved to Gold Hill for storage, even after passing an FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) inspection, due to a dispute between the V&T and the Gold Hill Historical Society who owned the locomotive. Maintaining operational steam locomotives in these times is a marvel. Sure enough, V&T number 29 was replaced by a diesel pulling short excursion trains between Virginia City and Gold Hill when 29 was put out of service in 2001 by an FRA order. Requiring extensive overhaul it did not re-appear for service until 2008.

In September 2005 the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the Virginia & Truckee Railway announced it would construct tracks stretching 18 miles from Gold Hill reaching Carson City by the year 2009 for a total cost of US$40 million. Construction was to be carried out in 4 phases:

• Phase 1.  Fill and cross the Overman pit just downgrade from the Gold Hill depot - 1.4 miles;
  
  
• Phase 2.  Follow the original grade from the Overman pit to a new grade west of Mound House and the old Mound House depot crossing Highway 50 to the top of Carson River Canyon and back onto the original grade once again - 9.7 miles;
   
  
• Phase 3.  From Carson River Canyon to the east outskirts of Carson City on the original grade ending at a new terminal - 5.4 miles;
   
  
• Phase 4.  New terminal construction at the Drako Way site. (Including the existing track from Gold Hill to Virginia City would add 1.8 miles for a total distance of 18.3 miles).

Also in that year, the V&T commission purchased McLeod River Railroad Number 18, a 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive for the sum of US$420,000 to operate on the V&T. The engine was stored at McLoud, California, until April 2007 when it was trucked to Oakdale, California. There it was used by the Sierra Railroad until required by the Commission.

Carson City residents approved a 1/8 cent sales tax increase to raise US$15 million for the re-construction project between Gold Hill and Carson City. The tax went into effect 1 Apr 2006 raising Carson City's sales tax rate to 7 1/8 percent. This money was expected to fully fund the project.

The V&T re-construction plan chugged closer to reality after track was laid between Gold Hill and American Flat in July 2006. The cost to fill the Overman Pit and lay 1.4 miles of track was US$6.7 million.

The Nevada Department of Transportation donated a used railroad bridge for crossing above State Highway 50.

Land was purchased for a depot in east Carson City near Drako Way and Highway 50 for US1.4 million dollars.

Early in 2008 it was apparent that more money would be needed to complete construction so the commission placed a request for an second 1/8 cent sales tax increase before the public which were to vote on this issue later in the year.

At some point Granite Construction had donated enough used rails from the Reno Trench project to cover a distance of four miles so in April 2008 the first rails were laid on Phase 2 reaching the Frehner Pit near Mound House.

Five Southern Pacific Harriman suburban coaches destined for use on the re-constructed V&T were purchased for US$25,500 from the Golden Gate Railroad Museum in San Francisco. They were put in storage at the railroad museum in Portola, California, until the V&T commission decides who would renovate them, and at what cost.

Earlier, the owners of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Robert and his son Tom Gray, had made a bid to operate the new V&T but it was rejected by the Commission in favour of the Sierra Railroad. The owners of the Sierra Railroad now announced their railroad was for sale which leaves their operation of the V&T somewhat tentative.

October of 2008 saw the completion of Tunnel Two and the first passenger train in 70 years was pulled through the tunnel by one of the Gray's V&T engines to the cheers of those onboard. With the vote due in November on the 1/8 cent sales tax increase free rides were offered to the public to promote the new railway. Meanwhile work continued on the railway as the foundations for the bridge over Highway 50 were commenced.

The end of November came and the voters rejected the sales tax increase that was to be imposed on them. This now placed construction through the Carson River Canyon and completion of the remaining 5.4 miles to Carson City in jeopardy.

As a response it was suggested the section of already completed railway could be put into operation to gain revenue. Serious negotiations began between the Commission and the Grays to operate their equipment over the new track.

Meanwhile, the bridge over Highway 50 was installed in one night with track laid over it. Planning and negotiations carried out with the Grays resulted in a draft agreement permitting them to operate on the new track.

In July 2009, construction of a new depot just south of Highway 50 was started at a new siding named Eastgate. The Commission intended to run McLeod River Railroad number 18 on the new track so it was delivered by truck trailer to Eastgate Siding in July then moved up the new track past Gold Hill to the V&T Railroad shop in Virginia City. It turned out the loco was inoperable due to significant bearing damage caused by the Sierra Railroad people. There may also be a problem with the loading gauge in certain locations along the V&T line.

The latest announcement, as of this writing, is that the Gray's have obtained a three year contract to run their locomotive and equipment 4 days a week, Thursday to Sunday, beginning in 2010. There is an unconfirmed report they have purchased a Harriman coach, not one of the five the Commission owns, to augment next years operation.

So, the question arises, when will it be possible to purchase a ticket in Carson City and ride from there through the Carson River Canyon, up and across Highway 50 to Mound House, through Tunnel Two, past American Flat, Gold Hill, Tunnel Four, and into Virginia City proper as the last "Banana Train" once did?

Today's (2021) Virginia & Truckee Railroad train takes you on a leisurely 35 minute narrated round trip from Virginia City to the historic station at Gold Hill. Passengers may get off the train at Gold Hill and board the next return train (except for the last train of the day). You will see many historic mining and scenic sights. The V&T Railroad departs from the original 1870 depot in Virginia City at 166 F Street. See this folder to learn more. (The route from Carson City Eastgate depot to Virginia City will not operate during the 2021 season.)

19 Dec 2003 - Madman Chains Self to Rail

28 Mar 2008 - Tax Question to be on Ballot

14 Apr 2008 - Phase 2 Rails Being Installed

4 Jun 2008 - County to Mull Waiving Fees

24 Jun 2008 - Engine 29 Back on Track

9 Jul 2008 - Commission to Sell Rail Cars

18 Jul 2008 - Ridin' the Rails Old-School

18 Aug 2008 - Railfest Wine Train

9 Sep 2008 - V&T Operator For Sale Maybe

18 Sep 2008 - Second Pullman Car Arrives

16 Oct 2008 - First Tunnel Use in 70 Years

22 Oct 2008 - Free Tickets All Gone

30 Oct 2008 - Ballot Question Reaction

15 Nov 2008 - Highway 50E Bridge Work

20 Nov 2008 - Voters Reject 1/8 Cent Tax

6 Dec 2008 - Rides Could Start Soon

9 Jan 2009 - Train Ride Deal Still Possible

26 Jan 2009 - Bridge in Mound House

30 Jan 2009 - Train Could Start in Summer

1 Apr 2009 - U.S. 50 Bridge Installed

24 Apr 2009 - Railway Reaches Carson

25 Jul 2009 - Progress Eastgate Depot

29 Jul 2009 - No. 18 Arrives Eastgate

14 Aug 2009 - V&T Railway Inaugural Run

18 Oct 2009 - 3 Year Contract

24 Oct 2009 - V&T Nevada Day Trains

8 Dec 2009 - Governor Disputes Critics

26 Dec 2009 - Another Coach for V&T

13 Jan 2010 - Commission Commits Money

3 Apr 2010 - Ticket Sales Sluggish

6 May 2010 - Railroad Gets New Diesel

11 May 2010 - McKeen Car Unveiling

1 Jun 2010 - V&T Season Opener

6 Jun 2010 - Movie Role for No. 18

24 Jul 2010 - First Run of No. 18

10 Aug 2010 - Gold Hill Derailment

29 Aug 2010 - V&T Adds Canyon Run

6 Oct 2010 - Rail Cars Ride the Track

19 Oct 2010 - V&T to Get Funding Boost

31 Oct 2010 - Extended Season Cut Short

15 Sep 2014 - County Denies Funding

12 Nov 2011 - Fundraising Feud Erupts

27 Mar 2013 - Operator Pact Approved

11 May 2013 - Jersey Lil Coach Arrives

19 Oct 2013 - Cost of Fuel Battle

26 Apr 2017 - Commission Reorganization

24 May 2018 - Summer Season Opens

17 April 2019 - Bob Gray Dies at 97

20 July 2020 - Peddle Assist Rail Bikes

5 Aug 2020 - The Missing Pieces

26 Nov 2020 - Candy Cane Express

Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Virginia & Truckee Railway

V&T Railroad - Wikipedia

Western Nevada Photo Collection

Virginia & Truckee (Link fails 5 Jul 2022)

V&T Railroad Historical Society

Nevada State Railroad Museum (Link fails 1 May 2023)

Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum

V&T No. 21 (Link fails 25 Aug 2022)

California State Railroad Museum

McKeen Motor Car Historical Society

Rails West

Comstock Lode - Wikipedia

Henry Comstock - Wikipedia

Andrew Onderdonk - Wikipedia

Red Dog Saloon - Wikipedia

Virginia City

On 5-6 Feb 2014 the V&T hosted a series of photo charters with two steam locomotives in operation. The mountain vistas and sweeping curves provided amazing backdrops to the action of V&T 2-8-0 Consolidation number 29 and McCloud River 2-8-2 Mikado number 18. The engines performed their first double-headed operation together producing some spectacular photographs. Crank up the sound!

Robert C. Gray was the founder of today's Virginia & Truckee Railroad that runs excursion trains between Virginia City and Eastgate Siding just outside Carson City, Nevada. Bob Gray passed away in April 2019 at the age of 97. This short video includes a interview with him at Virginia City during 2011.

Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg.
1949
Howell-North, Berkeley, California, USA.
Hardcover.
67 pages, 6 x 9 inches, $13.38 (Amazon)

The Virginia & Truckee railroad was built to serve the Comstock Lode mining communities of northwestern Nevada. At its height, the railroad's route ran from Reno south to Carson City, Nevada. In Carson City, the mainline split into two branches. One branch continued south to Minden, while the other branch traveled east to Virginia City. The first section constructed from Virginia City to Carson City, commenced in 1869, to haul ore, lumber, and supplies for the Comstock Lode.
 

Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg.
1957
Howell-North, Berkeley, California, USA.
Hardcover.
100 pages, 139 photos, ? x 11 1/2 inches, $67.47 (Amazon)

In Steamcars to the Comstock the authors deal lovingly with two railroads and impart to each its individual character and worth. Nevada's golden haired daughter, the Virginia & Truckee, gloried in the transport of Comstock wealth and all its accoutrements. The narrow gauge Carson & Colorado, plainer perhaps, but sturdy and constant in her role, lived on to serve the last dwindling bonanzas at Tonopath and Goldfield. This volume represents the best pictorial record of these careers, with comment and caption carefully aimed to augment their fabulous part in the story of our land. The authors gathered salon quality photographs from many private collections, most have not been published elsewhere, and because they are the product of varied personalities, they eloquently present the limitless facets of the Nevada scene. Fine maps introducing each section orient the activities of each road. Locomotive and equipment rosters at the back of the book provide excellent reference for the model builder and rail historian. Aside from the Bonanza Kings and characters commonly associated with the golden era, there are fascinating tales of others not ordinarily placed in this historical setting giving this volume a particularly broad appeal. Those who cherish the wondrous tale of our West will want to own this fine addition to an American library. This book has all the vigor, the spendthrift abandon of the Comstock era.
 

Ted Wurm.
1992
May-Murdock Publications, Drawer 1346-90, Glenwood Avenue, Ross, California, USA, 94957-1346.
Perfect bound.
79 pages, 60 photos, 12 drawings, 3 maps, 6 1/4 x 9 inches, $10.29 (Amazon)

Born in 1869 and destined to become a vital cog in the Winning of the West, the Virginia & Truckee railroad was built, owned, and operated by some of the most powerful men in America. D.O. Mills, William Ralston, and William Sharon, through the Bank of California, controlled the major mines and mills of the Comstock Lode. This great western shortline, outfitted with the finest locomotives and passenger cars transporting potentates of the financial world, operated with a degree of style and grace worthy of being called The Richest Railroad in the World. By the 1930s the once richest railroad was barely hanging on. In 1938 the line from Virginia City to Carson was abandoned. Twelve years later the rest of the tracks were ripped up. But the glamour of oldtime railroading cannot be driven out of the heart and soul of the west. Railroad enthusiast Bob Gray understood this and knew that the Virginia & Truckee had the history, location, and the unchanged scenery to fulfill a longing for old time atmosphere as no other rail line could. Starting in 1968 Bob Gray brought about the amazing resurrection of the old V&T Railroad, and the fascinating story of how he accomplished that is told in word and picture in this book.
 

Mallory Hope Ferrell.
1999
Hundman Publishing, Unit P, 4204 Russell Road, Mukilteo, Washington, USA, 98275.
Hardcover.
300 pages, 579 photos, 26 drawings, 4 maps, 8 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches, $83.77 (Amazon)

The historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad, from its frenzied beginning near the Comstock Lode, to its Hollywood prominence, and beyond. The in-depth story of one of America's best known shortline railroads.

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