The Reno: A Locomotive Legend The most popular of
the Virginia and Truckee Railroad (V&T) company's locomotives, the Reno rolled out of the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia on January 11, 1872 as locomotive No. 2816. The locomotive was delivered to Reno,
Nevada, where it was duly christened the "Reno" in honor of the city. The original price tag was $12,500. The 32-ton locomotive was the first American-type 4-4-0 locomotive built, and endures as one of only
two in existence. The Reno, with more polished brass fittings than any other locomotive, was the showpiece of the V&T and the nation. For many years, it was the most photographed and best known locomotive in the Old
West. The locomotive went to work hauling gold and silver through the mountains of Nevada making the V&T the world's richest short line as it worked Nevada's legendary Comstock Lode. Throughout its working days,
the Reno hauled more than $400 million in gold and silver. The locomotive also carried several American icons including President Ulysses S. Grant, President Theodore Roosevelt, Union General William
Tecumseh Sherman, and circus legend P.T. Barnum. After 65 years of hard service, the Reno got its first taste of stardom in the 1937 film Courage of the West, followed by a featured roll
in Cecil B. DeMille's 1939 epic film Union Pacific. In 1945, Metro-Goldwyn Mayer purchased the Reno for $5,000. Old Tucson Studios bought the Reno from MGM in September of 1970. Throughout its
continuing career, the Reno appeared in more than 100 movies. Memorable roles included appearances in Rawhide, Posse, How the West Was Won, Twilight Zone: The Series, Joe Kidd, and
The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean. Many people may remember the fire-damaged Reno as it looked after Old Tucson's 1995 fire, but the train was restored for use in Wild Wild West (1997), starring Will
Smith, Kevin Kline and Salma Hayek. The Reno received a new cab and a complete paint-job. The train now shows no evidence of its tumultuous life. Starring in a film is nothing new for
this 128 year-old movie-star that has co-starred with Hollywood legends John Wayne, James Stewart, Katherine Hepburn, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman and Michael Landon
during its 60 year movie career. |
