A LITTLE TRAIN & AN OLD STREETCAR

Barbara, Betsy, Patty, & Betty checking out the model railroad setup inside the Mills Park Depot Building.

The day started next to our motor home, with a selection of muffins (not $16 apiece), yogurts, fruits, pastries, and juices. A little after 10 am, the group of 23 piled into our vehicles, and we drove a short distance to Mills Park. The first order of business after arrival, was everyone checked out the model railroad inside the depot.

Then, we carefully boarded the two small passenger cars, and were taken on two circuits around the 1 mile of track through the park. Near the end of the second lap, the engineer stopped the train for a photo shoot.

Who says you have to grow up? This group of train enthusiasts enjoyed the short ride as much, or perhaps more, than a bunch of school kids. I must say that after sitting in the cramped quarters of the little cars for 15 minutes or so, it probably took this group of older kids a little longer to exit the train than it might for those much younger kids.

All loaded onto the train and ready to go.

After a lunch at Schat's Bakery, our next stop was the Nevada State Railroad Museum. I had arranged for a tour, and a ride on the Edwards 1926 Streetcar. Our tour guide took us through two buildings, and told some not so well known stories about some of the equipment, and the history of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

Bill and "D" Hall anticipating the departure of the streetcar from the depot.

Part of the group inside the streetcar.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum has about a half mile of circular track on the property, and we made a few circles around the perimeter before we unloaded near the main entrance. When we were all off the streetcar, they drove it onto the turn table, and a few of our members helped turn it 180 degrees.

Left to right, Kurt, Ken, Roger, and Bob manually pushing the streetcar on the turn table.

We capped the day with a super dinner at Red's Old 395 Grill. Everyone I spoke with, said the food was great, and the service was as good as it gets. When the food was served, it was all put on the tables within just a few minutes, and we all ate and finished about the same time. We were told this was a great place to eat, and we were not disappointed.

Today, the schedule is full, starting with a steam train ride from just outside Carson City, up to Virginia City. I feel like a little kid, anticipating the sound of that old steam engine pulling the cars up the steep grade. This is the last day of our rally, and with the outhouse parade and races on main street in Virginia City, it should be a day filled with quite a bit of laughter!