Sunday, May 9th, started as a bright sunny day in Carson City, Nevada. Then the storm clouds came in, the temperature dropped, the wind came up and it even threatened to rain; but, this did not dampen the spirits of the crowd or dignitaries that came out to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the arrival of the Virginia & Truckee’s McKeen motor car with the dedication of the restored vehicle at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

Among the speakers were Nevada State Senators Mark Amodel and Richard Bryan; the governor was represented by Chief of Staff Robin Reedy (Ms Reedy later christened the car with a bottle of the bubbly) and V&T historian Stephen Drew spoken on the history of the car. The State Museum was represented by Peter Barton, Acting Administrator of the Nevada Division of Museums & History; Chris DeWitt, Restoration Shop Supervisor, and Dr. Michael E. Fischer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Recognition presentations and awards were given by the Museum and by The Friends of the Museum. Al Bernhard who donated the car body to the Museum spoke briefly and received recognition awards from both the Museum and the Friends.

Thanks for the photos, Brian! The restoration of the McKeen car is one of the more amazing stories in railway preservation. I saw it a few years ago when the Cat diesel engine was still in its crate. The idea that one of these units would be restored from what we traction fans call a "chicken coop" to a running relic would have caused much skepticism when the project first started. In the old days, train conductors were often called "Captain"--a term that certainly goes along with the nautical look of a McKeen. As a "fashion comment", the motorman's cap looks like something a "horseless carriage" motorist would wear in that era--rather appropriate.

Very nice!! I had no idea how huge that thing actually was.

For pictures of the restoration, etc. go to this page on the official Nevada State Railroad Museum website:

McKeen Motor Car No. 22

Also see:
Restoration Program