Fast freight to Cobre. Nevada Northern's ten-wheeler #40 stands ready for an imminent departure from the East Ely Depot on a cold, snowy morning in February. She'll be taking 4 loads of express freight north through the Steptoe Valley to Cobre, the northern terminus of the railroad. During its history, the Nevada Northern owned 5 of these 4-6-0 locomotives, 4 of which were built by Alco and the single Baldwin pictured here. Three of the 5 had drivers in excess of 60" in diameter and were primarily intended for passenger service, although they were occasionally used for express freights and in mixed service. When steam operations on this line wound down in the early 1950s, NN's fleet of steam engines, including most of the 10-wheelers, were sent to the scrappers at McGill in rapid succession. The railroad crews must have had a soft spot in their hearts for this one however, because they managed to keep the 40 hidden away in the back of the East Ely Engine House for quite a number of years.....long enough for the engine to be recognized as a historic treasure. Those men have long since departed our midst, but we owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts. Their care and affection for this machine ensured that it would live on for future generations to enjoy.
