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Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Nevada Northern Railway Unveils Locomotive 250 in Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, Nevada, has unveiled Locomotive 250 with a special paint scheme celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. Restored by museum staff and volunteers, the locomotive will operate in this scheme through 2027 and feature in the Hands-On History 'Be the Engineer' program, allowing visitors to operate it on a 14-mile round trip. The project was supported by the White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board and museum members. Ely, Nevada - On July 4th, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum proudly unveiled Locomotive 250, a striking tribute to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States—officially known as the Semiquincentennial—which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. This date marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress voted for independence and adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. To commemorate this historic milestone, the Museum has transformed its ex-Southern Pacific, ex-BHPSD-9 locomotive with a special patriotic paint scheme honoring America's 250th birthday. The winning design was created by Ryan Boettcher, who was named the Grand Prize Winner of our United States 250th Anniversary Paint Scheme Contest. Congratulations, Ryan! 'Locomotive 250 is more than just a paint job—it's our way of honoring America's story of independence, innovation, and resilience,' said Mark Bassett, President of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. 'It's also a fun and meaningful way to engage visitors, spark curiosity, and celebrate a major moment in our nation's history through living railroad heritage.' Before unveiling, Locomotive 250 underwent a thorough mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Museum staff and volunteers repaired electrical systems, performed essential maintenance on the prime mover, and prepped the locomotive for daily service. The new paint scheme was applied in-house by AngelaStevens, the Museum's Superintendent, ensuring historical accuracy and durability while capturing the celebratory spirit of the Semiquincentennial. The project not only preserved an important piece of American railroading but brought new life to this workhorse of the diesel era. The restoration was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board, along with support from the Museum's dedicated members. Locomotive 250 will remain in this commemorative paint scheme through 2027, after which the Museum plans to return her to her original Southern Pacific 'bloody nose' paint scheme and number 4428, as she appeared during her service with BHP Railroad on the Nevada Northern Railway. Beginning in early August, Locomotive 250 will join the Museum's popular Hands-On History Be the Engineer program. This unique program allows members of the public—ages 18 and older—to take the throttle and operate Locomotive 250 on a 14-mile round trip as the engineer! Learn more and reserve your experience at Proceeds from the Be the Engineer program directly support the ongoing preservation and operation of the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark. Located in Ely, Nevada, the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark is widely recognized as the best-preserved standard gauge railroad in the United States. The Museum features original steam and diesel locomotives, historic railcars, working machine shops, and over 60 original buildings and structures spread across a 56-acre rail yard. Visitors can explore exhibits, take train rides, and step back in time to experience the golden age of American railroading. Ely is just four hours north of Las Vegas and four hours west of Salt Lake City—and when you arrive, be sure to set your watch back a century.
Japan Today
07-06-2025
- Japan Today
See the evolution of train travel at Saitama's Railway Museum
By Abhijit Sen Japan's train service is famous for its efficiency and punctuality, connecting millions of commuters and travelers. As one of the largest public transportation systems globally, it links urban and rural areas. The country also boasts museums that highlight its railway history, showcasing the evolution of train travel. One excellent destination is the Railway Museum in Omiya, Saitama City. It's a great place to visit, especially during the hot summer or rainy days when you want to stay indoors. Opened in 2007, this museum by JR East features an impressive 'Rolling Stock Station'. It showcases 36 diverse pieces of rolling stock, including Japan's first train, Locomotive No. 1 from 1872, and the state-of-the-art Shinkansen. Visitors can admire the impressive size and power of these trains through engaging audio-visual displays at the 'History Station', which help bring history to life. The collection celebrates past technological achievements and shows how railway design and engineering have evolved over time. Railway professionals ensure passenger safety and timely train operations. The 'Job station' exhibit showcases the teamwork essential for smooth railway operations. Engage with videos highlighting the dedication, tools, and precision needed to maintain secure and punctual railways. The 'Future Station' invites guests to imagine the future of rail transport. Visitors can create avatars and brainstorm innovative railway concepts, envisioning what rail travel might look like in the years ahead. Museum Highlights Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Churchill's wartime train carriage restored
A luxury railway carriage used on the train that carried Winston Churchill during World War Two has undergone restoration work in Devon. The Pullman coach, named Lydia and originally built in 1925, has been in the workshop at the South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh after being bought by a private owner. Alasdair Page, customer experience manager at the heritage railway, said the carriage was "Winston Churchill's favourite" and was chosen by Churchill himself to be part of his train during the war. He said the carriage, which was also part of Churchill's funeral train, would be staying at the South Devon Railway. "This carriage was used by Churchill and [US President Dwight D "Ike"] Eisenhower for the D-Day preparations, which included travelling down to the West Country," he said. Mr Page added a lot of the restoration work focused on replacing brass fittings which were stolen a few years ago. He said: "All the light fittings, all the table lamps, the door hinges, the handles… everything that was brass and shiny was unfortunately stolen." William Derbyshire, the carriage and wagon manager at South Devon Railway, said it had been fantastic to get the chance to work on such a "prestigious vehicle". He said: "We've had to borrow bits off other Pullman carriages to get them replicated. We've had to make up some bits in our own workshop." Lydia was used during the state funeral of Winston Churchill in 1965, when his coffin was transported by train out of London to Oxfordshire where he was buried. Mr Page said: "This would have been one of the carriages that travelled behind the coffin." He said the carriage would be staying at the South Devon Railway for the "foreseeable future" and would be used on their trains for afternoon teas, lunches and themed evenings. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Railway marks 150 years since line opened Churchill's funeral car restored Churchill funeral carriage restored Railway Museum - Churchill's Final JourneyChurchill's Final Journey South Devon Railway
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Churchill's wartime train carriage restored
A luxury railway carriage used on the train that carried Winston Churchill during World War Two has undergone restoration work in Devon. The Pullman coach, named Lydia and originally built in 1925, has been in the workshop at the South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh after being bought by a private owner. Alasdair Page, customer experience manager at the heritage railway, said the carriage was "Winston Churchill's favourite" and was chosen by Churchill himself to be part of his train during the war. He said the carriage, which was also part of Churchill's funeral train, would be staying at the South Devon Railway. "This carriage was used by Churchill and [US President Dwight D "Ike"] Eisenhower for the D-Day preparations, which included travelling down to the West Country," he said. Mr Page added a lot of the restoration work focused on replacing brass fittings which were stolen a few years ago. He said: "All the light fittings, all the table lamps, the door hinges, the handles… everything that was brass and shiny was unfortunately stolen." William Derbyshire, the carriage and wagon manager at South Devon Railway, said it had been fantastic to get the chance to work on such a "prestigious vehicle". He said: "We've had to borrow bits off other Pullman carriages to get them replicated. We've had to make up some bits in our own workshop." Lydia was used during the state funeral of Winston Churchill in 1965, when his coffin was transported by train out of London to Oxfordshire where he was buried. Mr Page said: "This would have been one of the carriages that travelled behind the coffin." He said the carriage would be staying at the South Devon Railway for the "foreseeable future" and would be used on their trains for afternoon teas, lunches and themed evenings. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Railway marks 150 years since line opened Churchill's funeral car restored Churchill funeral carriage restored Railway Museum - Churchill's Final JourneyChurchill's Final Journey South Devon Railway
