Railroad seeking operator; big investment required

Train operators can now apply to run the future Virginia & Truckee Railway, a $40 million tourist track that's expected to draw 160,000 visitors a year.

The V&T Railway is expected to carry tourists on the historic right-of-way between Virginia City and Carson City by 2010. Several experienced companies are expected to apply for the right to operate the new railroad. The commission in charge of reconstructing the railway is looking for an operator who will invest financially into the V&T and contribute train cars.

The project is funded by private and public money. The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway has so far completed 1.8 miles of track in Gold Hill. The train will connect to Virginia City on existing track owned by Bob Gray.

"We're officially going out for an operator to operate the railroad between Carson City and Gold Hill," project engineer Ken Dorr said Tuesday.

Stone Consulting & Design Inc., of Warren, Penn., was contracted to find qualified operators for the railway. The consultant wrote the 31-page request for proposals and will direct it toward qualified railroad operators.

The commission decided to seek an operator before it finishes the rail, or makes construction decisions that could affect the operation. The board would like to include the operator in crucial decisions, such as the main depot construction in Carson City.

The V&T originated in 1870 as the supply line to the silver strike in Virginia City. It transported passengers, property, goods and lumber to support the mines. The Virginia City line was abandoned in 1938 because of the decline in the mining industry. The entire railroad was pulled up in 1950.

Applications are due to the commission by Aug. 21. For information visit www.stoneconsulting.com/new.html. A project map and conceptual depot design can also be found at the Web site.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.