Tickets aboard historic Comstock-era V&T Railroad line on sale now

Nevada's window into the Old West is now wide open with tickets available aboard the historic Comstock-era Virginia & Truckee Railroad which launches its 2013 season in May with runs from Carson City to Gold Hill and Virginia City through October.

The V&T Railroad offers two spectacular options with steam or diesel locomotives that pull Old West-era passenger cars through the rugged Nevada high desert. Rides include the world-renowned 28-mile round trip Carson City to Virginia City route and the 4-mile Virginia City to Gold Hill Historic Route. The V&T Railroad’s 21 miles of new track re-opened in August 2009.

Retracing the famous Comstock-era right-of- away, rides feature scenic vistas of the Carson River and majestic Sierra Nevada, with engines passing through two tunnels, abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries along country-side where sightings of wild mustangs are routine. The historic train travels the same silver route paved by the miners of the Wild West 1860s silver boom. In Virginia City visitors will be transported to an era of boot-clad men wearing chaps and sporting flowing beards and ladies clad in traditional garb that range from Victorian conservative to saloon risqué.

Weekend trains feature a 1916 Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 or a 1914 Baldwin-Built Mikado 2-8-2 steam engine leading three 1914 Pullman cars displaying the distinctive yellow and green of the V&T. Private group discounted charters for 20 or more passengers are also available.

The season begins Sunday, May 12, 2013 with the annual Mother's Day V&T Train Ride. This special edition train ride from Carson City to Virginia City will provide mom with a long stem rose, history, storytelling, shopping and dining in Virginia City to go along with the spectacular scenery. The train features a 1953 ALCO heritage diesel locomotive leading 100-year-old Pullman coaches.

The V&T offers a variety of ticket options and packages:

— Round-trip steam trains begin full operation with the first steam train of the season set for May 25. Trains depart Carson City to Virginia City on Saturday and Sundays at 10 a.m. Tickets are $48 per adult, $42 for veterans and seniors 65-plus, $28 for children ages 3 to 16 and toddlers and infants free.

— Beginning May 25, one-way steam train rides commence from Virginia City to Carson City on Saturdays and Carson City to Virginia City on Sundays for $29 per adult, $25 for veterans and seniors, $18 for children. The trips are especially good for history buffs looking for overnight stays who wish to explore both of the historic cities.

— Round-trips on the V&T diesel trains start June 7 and run every Friday. Tickets are $32 for adults, $29 veteran and seniors and $19 for children.

— One-way diesel trains running Fridays are $21 for adults, $20 veterans and seniors and $15 for children.

— In addition to the V&T’s Carson City-Virginia City Sisters in History 16-mile excursion, a 4-mile, 35-minute Historic Route loop through Virginia City and Gold Hill is offered. The V&T initially re-opened the Historic Route in 1972 under the ownership of the Gray family who have preserved the railway’s heritage. With their help, the reconstruction project between Virginia City and Carson City become a reality for future generations. For Historic Route schedule and ticket prices visit www.virginiatruckee.com or call 775-847-0380.

— Back by popular demand, the Toast of the Canyon wine and appetizer round-trip train rides from Carson City through nearby scenic canyons will run Saturdays beginning July 13. Designed for train enthusiasts with a taste for the finer things, guests can relax while enjoying a vintage train ride down into the canyon, indulge in gourmet food paired with a glass of wine and enjoy the spectacular high desert scenery. The Toast of the Canyon trip begins at 4:30 p.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person; $20 rate is available when continuing from the round trip ride to Virginia City.

Other special trips include a special July 4 roundtrip V&T Diesel Engine train from Carson City to Virginia City. Stroll along the wooden sidewalks, enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants and 4th of July parade.

The Carson City passenger station is at Eastgate Siding on Flint Drive off U.S. Highway 50 East, and has a gift shop with various V&T souvenirs to keep the memories rolling. For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets visit www.vtrailway.com call (877) 724-5007.