V&T Survivor: EMPIRE From the day it was formed in 1868 until its very last trip in 1950, a total of 29 steam locomotives served the legendary Virginia & Truckee Railroad. All but 3 of these engines were built before 1900, and many soldiered on for 50 or more years. Their lengthy service lives ensured their survival well into the 20th century, when preservation organizations and the movie industry began to recognize their historical significance. As a result, a total of 9 original V&T Locomotives survive today...nearly 1/3 of the company's fleet. A third of those are actually still considered operable. The California State Railroad Museum has custody of 3 V&T Locomotives, none of which is more elegantly displayed than the engine you see here. Number 13, Empire, was built by Baldwin in 1873 and was used by the V&T as a freight engine until 1918. After a brief stint at Pacific Portland Cement, she was fortunately donated to a preservation organization, and eventually ended up in the collection of the CSRM. There, she was restored to her original as-built look and has been displayed at the Sacramento facility since 1981.
