The Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum (NSRM)
provides resources and services for the Museum, including fund raising, advocacy, and volunteer work ranging from visitor service to restoration and operation of the equipment in its collection.
Former Gov. Kenny Guinn
1936-2010
New Turntable Thank You
The Board of Museums & History of the Nevada State Department of Cultural Affairs wishes to thank the volunteers who assisted the Museum Staff to rebuild the gallows turntable during April.
The Friends also want to thank their members, Dave Arendes, John Baumgartner, Bryan & Darlene Berry, Dave Brambley, C.W. Craven, Sam Flakus, Jim Hall, Roy Hargrave, Mark & Kevin Owens, Karen Stiver, and Tom Tabacco who contributed their time and muscle to this project. Due to their efforts, the 58 foot turntable was taken apart, piece by piece. The wood was replaced and the hardware was refurbished. just in time for the McKeen Motor Car Celebration. Thank you all for your dedication and your work.
During the reconstruction, several people, including Mike Dunn, Ralph Elligott, and Karen Arendes, documented the work. Take a peek at our gallery of construction pictures and the loading of the McKeen Car on it on Friday, May 7.
Be a Partner in History
Support the museum
Buy a
commemorative brick & honor a loved one.
Bricks purchased from April to October 2009 are now in the commemorative pathway in front of the Interpretive Center.
The Friends at work
Just what do the Friends do? Just about everything from being the steam train crew to giving tours, from selling tickets to working at the Museum store. See more photos of the Friends atthe volunteers at work page.
Photo above of Russ Tanner as conductor on the McKeen Motor Car courtesy of Keith Hall.
WNC Foundation Offers Free Workshops & Concerts
The Western Nevada College Foundation will offer locals a free weekend of engaging music and storytelling on Friday, July 30, and Saturday, July 31, and in return, hopes participants will help support the college's two athletics teams.
Singing/songwriting duo Tom May and Chris Kennedy will play a free concert Friday, July 30, at 7 p.m., in Sarah Winnemucca Hall, WNC Carson City campus/Aspen Building. Seating is limited, and may be reserved at no charge by calling 445-3240.
On Saturday, July 31, May will facilitate a free workshop on campus about surviving in the music business, and Kennedy will perform railroad songs at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. (For information about the program at the Museum, please see article in the opposite column.)
At each free event, attendees may make a cash donation to help defray ongoing expenses for the WNC Wildcats baseball and softball teams.
What's Happening at the Museum
Ride the Steam Train This Weekend
We invite you to ride the rails on the steam train pulled by one of the most famous
V&T locomotives, No. 25.
Departures will be typically every 40 minutes from 10am to 4pm. Buy your tickets and board train at the Wabuska Depot at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Tickets may be purchased using cash or check only. No credit cards accepted, just like in 1905.
Steam train ride ticket prices are:
| Adults | $5.00 |
| Children (4 to 11) | $3.00 |
| Children (under 4) | Free |
| Cab rides* | $25.00 |
* Must be over 6 years old to ride in cab. Maximum 2 passengers per train ride.
Riders with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs, are welcome to ride in the train cars.
After your ride, stop by for hamburgers and hotdogs fresh off the grill of the Carson City Elks Lodge No. 2177. They will be BBQing in front of the Depot from 10am to 3pm both days.
Railroad Songs & Stories on July 31
The Western Nevada College Foundation presents a free humanities workshop led by Chris Kennedy on railroad songs and stories Saturday, July 31, at the Wabuska Depot at 4 p.m.
Mr. Kennedy's songs focus on trains and travel, wild places and western changes. The longtime Wyoming resident has performed throughout the country along with Boxcar Willie, Tom Paxton and Bob Gibson. He will captivate you with a tapestry of history, geography and romance, along with some good stories and humor.
This is the final free event presented by the WNC Foundation this weekend in the hope that attendees will make a voluntary cash donation to help defray ongoing expenses for the WNC Wildcats baseball and softball teams.
For more information call The Western Nevada College Foundation,775.445.3240.
Want To Be the Engineer of a Historic Steam Engine?
For the second year, the Museum is offering the Your Hand Is On the Throttle" program to aspiring engineers. On most weekend days that steam engine is scheduled for rides, one person has the opportunity to learn how run a steam engine.
This isn't just any steam locomotive, this is a 1905 Baldwin Steam Locomotive known as the second No. 25 on the Virginia and Truckee railroad. This is the historic engine that pulled the last scheduled passenger train to Virginia City in May, 1938.
The course involves approximately one hour of classroom instruction in which you'll receive an operations manual and a railroad rule book. You'll be provided gloves and a hat to use as you operate the locomotive around the NSRM railway. At the end of your shift, if you haven't derailed the train, you will be presented with an "Honorary NSRM Engineer" certificate as well as being able to keep your hat and gloves.
This opportunity is limited. Make your reservation soon. To see the schedule of available times and dates, click here.
Remember Friends members get a 10% discount. If you aren't a Friend, you might want to become one before you sign up!
2010 Steam Train & Motor Car Timetable Is Available
The 2010 Steam Train and Motor Car operating schedule is approved. Mark your calendars to ride with us on weekends during the season that starts May 1 with the first Motor Car ride and ends December 12 with the Santa Train.
View and download the full schedule here.
Monday Evening Program
The monthly Monday evening programs will resume in September.
