Then and now: Railcar returns to its original intent
This train started rolling more than 100 years ago. Photo/Nevada State Railroad Museum
According to the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the McKeen Motor Car Company of Nebraska built 152 gasoline-powered “railcars” between 1905 and 1917.
A new McKeen Motor Car (No. 22) entered into service for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad on May 9, 1910, and made round-trips between Reno and Minden. No. 22 was retired and sold 35 years later.
The train became a diner in the 1940s. Photos/Nevada State Railroad Museum
Its body became a stationary diner in the 1940s, and by the 1980s it had become Al’s Plumbing Supply office in Carson City.
The train becomes a plumbing business. Photo/Nevada State Railroad Museum.
In 1996, it was donated to the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City and now is the only restored and operable McKeen motor car in existence . It is also a National Historic Landmark.
Railcar returns to old glory. Photo/Nevada State Railroad Museum
Restored railcar. Photo/Bill Kingman
On National Train Day, May 10, the museum will offer rides on No. 22, celebrating its 104th anniversary date since being delivered to the V&T.
— Bill Kingman