Train will roll down the new right-of-way

For the first time since the dismantling of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in 1941, a train will rumble from Gold Hill to American Flat.

It's only 1.4 more miles on the Comstock-era right-of-way, but it means a lot to Tom Gray. His father rebuilt the track from Virginia City to Gold Hill in the 1970s.

The Nevada commission reconstructing the tourist line from Gold Hill to Carson City completed the first phase across the Overman Pit and up to American Flat in September.

The V&T Railroad diesel engine will take the first official ride down the new rail Saturday evening carrying Gray and engineers Jerry Hoover, Chuck Haynes and Bill Kohler. This test run will prepare the engineers for the Sunset Wine Train, a two-hour excursion set for Aug. 12.

Next month's event will be the first experience on the new track for tourists. The 7 p.m. ride is limited to 100 passengers.

"It's been a long time coming," Gray said Thursday. "It'll be the premier trip on it."

Passengers will be feted with live music, wine and appetizers. It is part of the two-day Virginia City/Carson City Rail Fest 2006 on Aug. 12-13, which includes rides aboard the No. 25 steam engine at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

"It's very cool to be able to ride the train at night, on the new track and then do a wine tasting," said Susan Sutton, executive director of the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority. "It'll be a treat."

A wine expert will teach a class on tasting when the train reaches the end of the track.

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

If you go

What: The Sunset Wine Train excursion, includes train ride, wine and appetizers

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 12

Cost: $40

Featuring: Wine makers Bob and Sheila Routon from Chateau Routon

Where: Train leaves from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad depot at F and Washington streets

For information: Call the Virginia City Visitor's

Center at 847-4FUN