Last Day of the V&T

Nevada State Railroad Museum: Rushmer Collection

The final run of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad was on May 31, 1950. The train was made up of Locomotive #27, Combination Car No. 18, Mail, Express & Baggage Car No. 21, Mail & Baggage Car No. 23, and Caboose #24. Here the train is arriving at the Reno depot in the afternoon.

Date Uploaded: June 16, 2025

Permanent Link: http://wnhpc.com/details/fb1304681368331209

Contributor: Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City on Facebook

Source: Facebook: Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City

Source URL: https://www.facebook.com/NSRMCC/posts/pfbid0sUjaqANhgaLdrb4yD2UEvAgprEXHGW32ZwbnZXir6ZfGRD4JchnuhSzyrHdYtD2sl

Source Caption: Hundreds gathered on Commercial Row at the Southern Pacific Reno depot as the final regularly scheduled Virginia & Truckee train arrived on May 31, 1950, around 6:45pm. The train arrived later than usual due to all of the ceremonies that occurred throughout the day. Onlookers witnessed the final arrival, took photos of the final train, and said their goodbyes. Meanwhile, Postal Department employees unloaded several mail sacks from the V&T's Railway Post Office car, with the letters postmarked; "Reno & Minden, Tr. 1, RPO, May 31, 1950, Final Trip V & T Railway".
After the train was emptied, No. 27 shoved the train (consisting of V&T cars 23. second 21, 18, and 24), across the Truckee River to the site of the former Reno engine house that burned down on May 1, 1950. The V&T's regular operations came to a close.
All photos are from the Rushmer Collection.
Thank you for joining the museum on this commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the final day of Virginia & Truckee operations.

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