Postcard of V&T 4-4-0 No. 11, taken before the fire that destroyed the coach behind and damaged the engine.

http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?d ... Tucson.jpg

As I understand it this engine was cosmetically restored for the "Wild Wild West" movie, yes?

Joshua

Bob,

I read that the engine parts that remained after the fire were scraped. Now I read that something was left to rebuild.

Do you anything about the current status?

I also have that card and a couple otheres in my narrow gauge collection.

Ted Miles

If you take a look at this section, on a page dedicated to amusement park trains, you see before and after photographs of the "Reno"

http://www.arizonaandpacificrr.com/spot ... ucson.html

Dave Crosby

Someone once told me of a rumor about the NSRM being interested in the locomotive. I asked, and apparently it had no grounds from what I was told. Oh well...

The "Reno" was indeed in "Wild Wild West" as part of the Golden Spike set, which had the "Jupiter" being V&T #21 "J.W. Bowker" (neither operable). As we all know, the William Mason, however, was restored to operation for feature in the film at the Strasburg Railroad Shops, and a fine job was done to say the least. The "Reno" received some cosmetic work after that horrible fire, though still a bit of a sad story for the eyes.

The "Bowker" I don't believe was ever repainted back (perhaps more recently?) to V&T paint. She was outside at Railfair sproting the movie paint. The museum also has three more major projects then paint anyhow; getting Sierra #3 back together, the 4466 overhaul, as well as the eventual new museum in the old SP Shops.

I believe that for one film shot in Tucson, "Reno" took back her old cap stack used on the last days on the V&T as an oil burner. I can't remember the film, however.

I've asked this question multiple times and never gotten a direct answer..
Several years ago, there was suposedly a plan at Old Tucson to convert the Reno to compressed air operation. This included installation of a diesel air compressor in the firebox area, with huge air reservoirs in the tender. Some say the firebox was partly gutted to begin this work and some modification was done to the tender. Others say no. So far, I have yet to hear from anyone who actually checked it out in person, seemingly incredible with all the interest in the old V&T.. Does anyone know the real truth about this locomotive?

Dave,

Thanks for that information. Steam locomotives like that don't grow on trees! Especially ones from the 1870s. And from the most famous of Western Short Lines, the Virginia and Truckee!

I am glad that they cleaned her up after the fire. I amagine the new cab is plywood but it does not look bad at all.

Ted Miles

Have you tried contacting Kyle Wyatt or Stephen Drew at California State RR Museum? They seem to know the latest on preserved V&T equipment and status of same. I'm sure they could furnish you answers on the Reno in short order.

I was at the CSRM in August, and the Bowker was still in "WWW" paint at that time. They moved her over to the shops when I went over to Old Sacramento to get a bite to eat (Imagine my shock to come back and her being gone!).
#3 is being slowly rebuilt in Jamestown at the old Sierra roundhouse. It's going to be a long time before we see #3 back in steam at the rate things were going when I was there!