As many of you likely noticed, the Carson and Mills Park Railroad outdoor train, located in Carson City’s Mills Park, has not been running this season.
Operated by the Carson City Railroad Association (CCRA), the Mills Park train is undergoing upgrades to the railroad’s passenger cars. The passenger cars had been in service about 15 years before they were brought to Mills Park in 1983.
At the end of last season, CCRA decided to remove and examine the trucks and wheels under each of the cars, a total of six sets.
The old components were removed and sent to a company in Southern California, one of the only companies who work on small railroads in the country.
After inspection, it was determined that new trucks and wheels would be needed, and all of the parts had to be custom made to fit CCRA’s unique passenger cars.
The trucks and wheels were completed at the end of May, but when we attempted to install them, they did not fit correctly.
We are now redesigning, adjusting, and fitting the trucks to the passenger cars. The process has taken time, and many hours have gone into getting the new trucks to fit. It is our hope that we soon begin test runs and normal operation.
CCRA is a 100% volunteer-run and self-funded organization. CCRA receives no funding from the City Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department or the State, and many of the volunteers also work full-time jobs.
Because of this, projects can take longe than they seem they should. Thankfully, CCRA has been able to cover the costs so far, but we are already about $33,000 into the replacement effort, with a few thousand dollars more still expected.
CCRA shares your frustration with the delay and sincerely appreciate your patience.
Once the work is complete and all safety procedures have been met, we will let everyone know and the railroad will have another 40 years of service Carson City. CCRA and the Mills Park Station remain open Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day.
To learn more about the CCRA, or to get involved, you can visit http://www.carsoncityrailroadassociation.org/
