A century after its debut, restored train car returning

CARSON CITY -- A restored train car is returning to the rails in Carson City, 100 years after it made its debut in northern Nevada.

The McKeen Motor Car, V&T No. 22 will be reintroduced next month on Mother's Day following a 12-year restoration project.

"It's great to be able to unveil this 100 years to the day," said Peter Barton, acting administrator of the state's Division of Museums and History. "The stars just lined up for us."

When the McKeen runs again, it will be the first time the car has been in passenger service since it was decommissioned from the Virginia & Truckee Railway in 1945, said Teresa Moiola, spokeswoman for the state's Department of Cultural Affairs.

"The Nevada State Railroad Museum has the only surviving, restored and operational McKeen Motor Car in the world," Moiola said.

An unveiling ceremony will begin at noon May 9, at the Wabuska Depot in front of the railroad museum in Carson City.

"We found some people who rode the McKeen in its last day of service, and they'll be there, too," Moiola said.

The depot will be transformed into what it looked like 100 years ago, with old cars and period re-enactors, she said.

Rides will be offered every half hour during the afternoon from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

"The McKeen is considered a valuable asset in the national records of our railroad history throughout the world," Barton said.