Nevada Central: Sagebrush Narrow Gauge
$76 · Offered by eBay
Discover the captivating story of a remarkable narrow gauge railroad that played a vital role in the American West. This deluxe volume chronicles the fascinating history of the three-foot-gauge Nevada Central Railroad, which operated through the heart of the great American Basin for over six decades. Built to serve the booming silver and gold strikes, this line faced tremendous challenges yet persisted against all odds. Spanning 93 miles, the Nevada Central connected Battle Mountain—where it linked with the Central Pacific—to Austin, Nevada, traveling in a southwesterly direction. The route primarily used 35-pound iron rail and crossed 66 timber trestles along its journey through some of the most remote and rugged high desert sagebrush and mountain terrain. Construction began in 1879 with the goal of opening up the vast, largely unpopulated Silver State. Throughout its operational years, much of the original equipment remained in use, as the railroad could not afford to upgrade to newer technology. The line was ultimately abandoned in December 1937 and sold for scrap the following year. Notably, the narrow gauge equipment that now forms a significant part of the California State Railroad Museum collection originated from the Nevada Central. In 1938, Disney artist Ward Kimball purchased the railroad’s 1881-built #2 Mogul locomotive for $400. This historic engine, formerly known as Sidney Dillon, was transported to Kimball’s orange grove, where he and his wife Betty were buildi
- ISBN: 0911581618
- Condition: Fine
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