One stated obstacle to this construction, between Gold Hill and Carson City, NV, is said to be the Overman Pit, created by a strip mining operation. Apparently this gap was once spanned by the Crown Point trestle. Some say the trestle was later filled in, with the fill remaining, other sources say the gap would need to be filled or bridged again to continue down to Carson City. Which is correct? I've never been there and do not have any books on V&T.

http://www.vcnevada.com/history/Vnthist.htm
ryarger@rypn.org

http://www.steamtrain.org/ph1.html
ryarger@rypn.org

Never got a response to my question on the preservation law that was sparked by the destruction of the V&T Carson City shops. Did it pass? What are its details? Is/was it a type of eminent domain law?

ryarger@rypn.org

Well, these guys don't really have a chance of getting anything done.

From what I know from first hand conversations with folks who have been with the current operation, there was an alignment proposed that could be used to get around the pit, but it would be an interesting bit of engineering to put into place, not to mention costly. No mention of a bridge or trestle in the plan. But that could have changed.

There was an offer of state funds but the matching amount needed to release them was beyond the capabilities of this group to raise. As part of that, there was a bill passed to allow V&T license plates, but I do not believe that they got enough subscriptions to make it happen.

Frankly, there are way too many questions that this group has no answers for. Chief among them is the Highway 50 crossing at Mound House/Empire as well as development of a housing area on the right of way here.

As a member of a pioneer Nevada family with a railroading history, I would like nothing better than to see the V&T revived.

I just have major doubts that this group or the current operators (with their own day to day struggles) are capable of bringing it off. Add the strange and wonderful world of Nevada politics to the mix, and it's a long way down the road from coming to pass.



rogerc38@aol.com

As an outsider looking in, I agree that it is a much larger job than Bob Gray and his small tourist railroad can capitalize. If I can suggest a scenario, it would be like that of the Georgetown Loop RR in Colorado - the line and land are owned by the state historical society and operated by a private, for profit corporation. It will take the political and economic might of the state to build the line against whatever NIMBY lunatic fringe materializes, but if it is well marketed, it should pay its way and provide tourist dollars for its part of the world.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Dave,

Aye, and there's the rub. As Mr. Colton said before, you now enter the strange and wonderful world of Nevada politics. While the good folks up the road in Carson "talk the talk" they have not "walked the walk" as it were. There has been little or no support from Carson City and even less from Reno and or Las Vegas where there real power lies. Again like others there is nothing I would like to see more than a revival of the line into the Carson Valley but unless the state come through in a big way I do not see it happening soon.

J.


jferris@apple.com

From Constitution of the State of Nevada:

"Sec. 2. Biennial sessions of legislature: Commencement; limitation on duration; void actions; submission of proposed executive budget.

1. The sessions of the Legislature shall be biennial, and shall commence on the 1st Monday of February following the election of members of the Assembly, unless the Governor of the State shall, in the interim, convene the Legislature by proclamation. 2. The Legislature shall adjourn sine die each regular session not later than midnight Pacific standard time 120 calendar days following its commencement. Any legislative action taken after midnight Pacific standard time on the 120th calendar day is void, unless the legislative action is conducted during a special session convened by the Governor."

So... If you don't get it done during that time each year, it's a long wait. And this tends to weed out things that are of lesser importance, such as the V&T Revival from the legislative calendar.

If there was truly an economic impact of the propotions espoused, I have no doubt that the project would have received greater government support. If there were to be a significant number of new jobs created, trains would run. Jobs are always the hot topic in Nevada.

However, let's be real. At best, the start-up operation would probably provide employment for less than 50 people. Construction would be on a bid basis, so those jobs (as nice as they are) are not long-term.

Big jobs=big bucks. Want money in Nevada? That's a start.

As interesting as Virginia City might be, we're not talking the Rio De Las Animas. The Carson River offers far fewer scenic vistas, unless you really have a thing for sagebrush (and who doesn't!) and mill tailings. If there was to be an attraction, it would be the ride along the historic right-of-way, much as the current operation between Gold Hill and VC.

Dreams of casino and dinner trains will remain just that.


The Constitution of the State of Nevada
rogerc38@aol.com