Little Engine That Could Debuts

THE NEVADA COUNTY NARROW GAUGE Railroad Museum provides a glimpse into the region’s storied past, when a streamdriven train hauled more than $200 million worth of gold during the mining era.

The railroad, also the nation’s first with a woman president (Sara Kidder, 1901-1913), operated from 1876 to 1942.

Now you can experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive this romantic era: watching a newly built steam locomotive roll down the narrow gauge tracks at the museum in Nevada City.

Three years ago, the museum’s shop crew launched an ambitious project: the ground-up construction of a fully operational steam locomotive. It is one of the few projects of its kind anywhere in decades.

Known as Locomotive 13, or more affectionately “The Little Engine that Could,” the 15-foot long locomotive required nearly 10,000 volunteer hours and $35,000 in materials to complete, says Madelyn Helling, the museum’s executive director.

The design is reminiscent of an 1880s industrial engine.

On July 19, the locomotive makes its public debut, rolling down the track. Later, Engine 13 is expected to haul a rail car built for children to ride.

The museum also includes a collection of railroad artifacts, photographs and documents for visitors and historians. Exhibits include the railroad’s Engine 5, an early steam automobile and other examples of local transportation history.

Nevada County
Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
5 Kidder Court, Nevada City
530-470-0902

MAY 1- OCTOBER 31
OPEN FRI-TUES
NOVEMBER 1- APRIL 30
OPEN SAT & SUN ONLY
HOURS: 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
FREE ADMISSION • CLOSED HOLIDAYS
GIFT SHOP
#5 KIDDER COURT, NEVADA CITY


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