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Nevada Northern Railway Completes Restoration of 2-8-0

Nevada Northern Railway 2-8-0 81 ran for the first time in 63 years on Saturday. The crew that restored the locomotive stands with it and sister-engine 93. Photo Courtesy of Nevada Northern Railway.

Nevada Northern Railway Completes Restoration of 2-8-0

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

EAST ELY, Nev. — The Nevada Northern Railway has completed a multi-year restoration of 2-8-0 81, a Consolidation built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1917. The locomotive had not run in 63 years. 

Locomotive 81 is a little bit smaller than sister locomotive 93 but a little bigger than 4-6-0 40, which was recently taken out of service because it needs an overhaul. Executive Director Mark Basset calls it a “Goldilocks” locomotive because it’s just right for the operation.  

“In 1958, when locomotive 81 was donated to the White Pine Public Museum, most people believed that it would never run again,” Basset told Railfan & Railroad. “But I am proud to announce that Nevada Northern 81 is back in service. This remarkable achievement was done due to the combined efforts of a small army of passionate individuals. Thanks go to our supporters, members, volunteers and staff for making this possible.”

Locomotive 81 hauled iron ore on the NNRy from 1917 until 1958. After being displayed in town for decades, it was moved back to the rail yard in the 1990s, where it sat in the back shop waiting for its turn to run. In 2020, the locomotive was fired up for the first time in 62 years. 

Now that locomotive 81 is road-worthy once again, the museum plans on turning its attention to 4-6-0 40. 

Nevada Northern Railway 81 moves around the East Ely rail yard. Photo Courtesy of Nevada Northern Railway.

This article was posted on: September 20, 2021