At the Throttle

Articles by Mark Bassett, Executive Director

A selection of reflections & research, and guest submissions, examining the history of the Nevada Northern Railway, the Ghost Train of Old Ely. Originally published in the weekly edition of the Ely Times. These articles are written by Mark Bassett, Executive Director of the White Pine Historical Foundation, operator of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.

Snow, Steam and Pink Shower Caps

It has snowed and snowed and snowed here in the high desert of east central Nevada. According to the National Weather Service, Ely received 20.4 inches of snow in December 2009, which was 13 inches above normal.

Read More »

A Steaming Miracle

It is 7:00 a.m. on a cold February morning. It’s not quite light yet.  The sky is threatening snow. Fog surrounds the entire rail yard. But magic is about to begin. In the century old enginehouse sits

Read More »

Starting with a Bang

Above Ely, you could see twelve railroad cars pulled by a 101 year-old steam locomotive creeping along at two miles an hour. Looking forward towards the cab of the locomotive every once in a while you would

Read More »

Twelve Days of Christmas at the NNRy

Everyone knows the English Christmas Carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” What would be more appropriate then the Nevada Northern Railway Museum version at this time of year? 2010 promises to be a busier year than normal

Read More »

Climb Aboard

Sitting in my office, I can hear locomotive 93 whistling for the schoolhouse crossing about a mile away. It is a reminder of why, “This Place Matters.” Locomotive 93 is only in operation today because individuals from

Read More »

Polar Express Steams Up

It is that time of the year again-the days are getting shorter, the weather is definitely colder, and we have had snow on the ground. The staff and volunteers are preparing the locomotive and the passenger cars

Read More »

Accessibility Toolbar

Hours of Operation

Monday - Saturday | 8AM - 5PM
Sunday | 8AM - 4PM

Our Location

1100 Ave A, Ely, NV 89301

Become a Member and Save!

Members get discounts on admissions, experiences, trains, tours, gifts and more.