2. Great Western Railroad Safari 2010

Nevada Northern Steam Rental 10 Sep 2010

After a long drive from Boise, including an overnight stay at Cactus Pete's in Jackpot , NV, Sandy and I arrive in East Ely, NV for the first day of a 2-day adventure. Our first event is running a steam locomotive. We both passed the required safety test, and off we went to "our" locomotive for the afternoon. Deepest appreciation to Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor, fireman Levia Garcia, and student fireman Hank___(unfortunately I did not get Hank's last name.), who graciously allowed us aboard their locomotive. We were honored to be able to run this priceless historic artifact for a few hours, an experience not to be forgotten.
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  • Sandy looking good at the controls of #40.

    Sandy looking good at the controls of #40.

  • Sandy keeps a close eye on #40's speed heading uphill out of East Ely.

    Sandy keeps a close eye on #40's speed heading uphill out of East Ely.

  • I think Sandy could get used to this...

    I think Sandy could get used to this...

  • Heading back into East Ely, NV.

    Heading back into East Ely, NV.

  • The "Big 4 Ranch". 4 of what we never did find out...

    The "Big 4 Ranch". 4 of what we never did find out...

  • Hank keeping her hot...

    Hank keeping her hot...

  • Heading downhill back to East Ely yard.

    Heading downhill back to East Ely yard.

  • Engineer Ron Taylor takes over once again, as we turn # 40 on the wye track at East Ely.

    Engineer Ron Taylor takes over once again, as we turn # 40 on the wye track at East Ely.

  • Engineer Ron Taylor reverses # 40 on the wye track at East Ely.

    Engineer Ron Taylor reverses # 40 on the wye track at East Ely.

  • Sandy mans the locomotive bell heading into East Ely, as Levi Garcia, Nevada Northern fireman, touches up # 40's fire.

    Sandy mans the locomotive bell heading into East Ely, as Levi Garcia, Nevada Northern fireman, touches up # 40's fire.

  • Nevada Northern engineer Ron Taylor leans out of #40's cab after arriving back at the East Ely shops.

    Nevada Northern engineer Ron Taylor leans out of #40's cab after arriving back at the East Ely shops.

  • Fireman Levi Garcia (in the locomotive's gangway) and engineer RonTaylor consult with the Nevada Northern shop foreman on #40's condition after arriving back at East Ely yard.

    Fireman Levi Garcia (in the locomotive's gangway) and engineer RonTaylor consult with the Nevada Northern shop foreman on #40's condition after arriving back at East Ely yard.

  • Nevada Northern engineer Ron Taylor dumps #40's ashes at East Ely, as fireman Levi Garcia douses them with a hose.

    Nevada Northern engineer Ron Taylor dumps #40's ashes at East Ely, as fireman Levi Garcia douses them with a hose.

  • Tender of steam locomotive # 40.

    Tender of steam locomotive # 40.

  • Nevada Northern student fireman Hank___( unfortunately I did not get Hank's last name) keeps # 40 hot.

    Nevada Northern student fireman Hank___( unfortunately I did not get Hank's last name) keeps # 40 hot.

  • Nevada Northern fireman Levi Garcia instructs student Fireman Hank on the operation of the engine's injector.

    Nevada Northern fireman Levi Garcia instructs student Fireman Hank on the operation of the engine's injector.

  • Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor muscles #40 into reverse with the Johnson bar.

    Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor muscles #40 into reverse with the Johnson bar.

  • Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor sounds three shorts on the whistle as #40 backs up at East Ely yard.

    Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor sounds three shorts on the whistle as #40 backs up at East Ely yard.

  • Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor watches for obstructions ahead, as #40 reverses through East Ely yard.

    Nevada Northern steam engineer Ron Taylor watches for obstructions ahead, as #40 reverses through East Ely yard.

  • #40 heads out of East Ely into the Nevada desert, with your truly at the throttle.

    #40 heads out of East Ely into the Nevada desert, with your truly at the throttle.

  • Careful use of the independent brake keeps #40 under 15 mph coming downhill on the return to East Ely yard.

    Careful use of the independent brake keeps #40 under 15 mph coming downhill on the return to East Ely yard.

  • Climbing down off #40 so Sandy can take his turn at the throttle.

    Climbing down off #40 so Sandy can take his turn at the throttle.

  • Engineer Ron Taylor explains a few of fine points of #40's oeration to Sandy.

    Engineer Ron Taylor explains a few of fine points of #40's oeration to Sandy.

  • #40 near East Ely, Sandy at the throttle.

    #40 near East Ely, Sandy at the throttle.

  • Steely-eyed Casey Jones, I mean, Sandy Smith at the throttle of #40.

    Steely-eyed Casey Jones, I mean, Sandy Smith at the throttle of #40.

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    Sandy looking good at the controls of #40.
    Sandy keeps a close eye on #40's speed heading uphill out of East Ely.
    I think Sandy could get used to this...