Here’s some good railroady news!
The Reno, #11, has been one of the V&T’s most favorite locos, and the last of her 4-4-0’s.
In 1937 she began her movie career, in 1945 being sold to Loews / MGM. In 1969 the Reno portrayed the UP 119 in a recreation of golden spike ceremonies.
In 1970 #11 was sold to Old Tucson Studios in AZ, made more movies there, and ran tourist trains. But in 1995 she was badly damaged by a big fire there. She was cosmetically semi-restored, and has mainly been parked in the Arizona sun ever since.
Of course, V&T fans have long been wanting to see the Reno returned home. And when OTS closed its doors last year, some light began to shine in that tunnel. Yesterday, the news began to unofficially come out, that the Reno had been trucked to Virginia City! Along with other important V&T car bits & pieces.
This is unofficial, but word has it that the Gray family, rebuilder and owner of the current Virginia and Truckee Railroad (the part operating between Virginia City and Gold Hill) acquired the Reno. And they intend to restore her appearance at least.
I’ll post photos when I get permission, or when some are posted publicly. And if you have pics, please post them here!
[edit] Just saw this video, posted 8 hours ago: Goes over the whole story.
For more on the Reno’s bio, you can go here, then select locomotives / 11 Reno :
http://www.virginiaandtruckee.com/
For us V&T fans at least, this is all very happy news!!
Cliff
