Nevada Northern 81: Winter Steam Spectacular

The Nevada Northern Railway holds the distinction of being one of America's most historic and well-preserved railroads. Located in Ely, Nevada, the Nevada Northern is also one of the most remote tourist railroads in the United States. Among the many events the railroad hosts, many regard their "Winter Steam Spectacular" photo charters as the most iconic. For two weekends each February, the Nevada Northern uses much of its historic equipment to recreate scenes once a commonplace on the railroad.

Additionally, with the intelligent realization the railroad will not survive without captivating the interest of future generations, the Nevada Northern hosts a youth photographer's scholarship each year where contestants submit three of their best images for judging. The railroad selects two Grand Prize Winners and two Runner Ups in an effort to excite young adults, ages 18-30, about railroad preservation and the Nevada Northern. This year, I had the great honor and privilege of being selected as one of the Grand Prize Winners. All winners won free admittance to one of the weekends along with a variety of other rewards.

For 2023, Nevada Northern 2-8-0 steam locomotive number 81 ran exclusively for both weekends. With locomotive 93 in the shop for running gear work and locomotive 40 undergoing its 1472-day inspection, 81 shined the spotlight for its second February of charters after completing a multi-year restoration in September of 2021. Throughout the weekend, 81 pulled a variety of consists including a passenger train, an ore train, a freight train, and even a snow train pushing Rotary B through the yard. Additionally, the railroad ran a demonstration of their steam crane which is the only steam crane actually used by a railroad for active service in North America. Although 81 was built as the railroad's general freight engine, it looked right at home on all of the trains it pulled. For this particular weekend, 81 sported a beautiful-sounding Southern Pacific 6 Chime built by the Osborne Whistle Works based in Australia.

With cold temperatures, plenty of snow, and steep grades, 81 put on a fantastic show, allowing for a great three days of photography and videography of this iconic railroad. So sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing steam on the Nevada Northern at its best.

A very special thank you goes out to everyone who made this trip possible.

This video was filmed on Friday, February 17, Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19, 2023.

Filmed & Edited by Mark Turkovich

This film may not be reproduced or redistributed in any manner.

©MPT Productions 2023