When Hollywood came calling, Nevada’s historic Virginia City steam train answered in style aboard five massive flatbed trucks.
In an extraordinary journey combining history, horsepower and a touch of Old West magic the Virginia Truckee Railroad’s vintage steam engine #18 and three classic passenger cars were transported over 900 miles from the Eastgate Depot in Carson City, Nevada to Butte, Montana, to serve as authentic period props in Paramount’s hit series 1923, prequel to the acclaimed Yellowstone universe created by Taylor Sheridan.
The journey itself was cinematic: crews loaded the 90-ton steam locomotive and its elegantly restored passenger cars onto specialized trucks and escorted them through rugged terrain and winding mountain passes to reach the Montana set-bringing a true piece of the American West to life on screen.
Before the cameras started rolling, movie crews traveled to Virginia City to outfit the Pullman passenger cars with special touches and décor that would suit the story line of the journey that Spencer Dutton would take to be reunited with his bride Alex in time to save the Yellowstone Ranch from the bad guys.
“Sending our train off to appear in a Hollywood movie was surreal” said Tom Gray, owner of the Virginia Truckee Railroad. “It felt like a full-circle moment- our trains have been telling stories for over a century, and now they’re helping tell new ones to millions of viewers.”
The appearance in 1923 highlights the railroad’s unique appeal as a living museum, and a dynamic film location. With a proven track record for working with production crews, the VTRR offers filmmakers a rare blend of authenticity and accessibility.
Other recent Virginia Truckee Railroad appearances include Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, filmed in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and Water for Elephants, in which Engine 18 was shipped to be filmed on location on the Filmore & Western Railway in California.
In 1995, Hollywood came to Virginia City to film scenes of Dead Man, directed by Jim Jarush and starring Johnny Depp and Robert Mitchum.
“We love collaborating with creative teams,” Gray added. “Our trains bring history to life, and if your script calls for authentic rail equipment, we’ve got it.” Virginia Truckee is always seeking future film partnerships. Whether it’s the romance of steam, the grandeur of the frontier, or the grit of the rails, this Nevada icon is ready for its next starring role.
About The Virginia Truckee Railroad
With depots in both Carson City and Virginia City, the VTRR preserves and operates one of the West’s few remaining steam railways. With a fleet of historic engines, vintage cars and scenic routes through high desert and mountain landscapes, the railroad utilizes the historic route from the 1870’s when gold and silver were first discovered in Virgina City. Ore was shipped by rail to Carson City to be milled and stamped into silver dollars at the historic Carson City Mint.
The railroad offers public excursions and custom charters, along with production support. Rides are available to the public from early May to October each year. The train set is available for its next starring role all year round. Schedule, fares and route maps are available at www.virginiatruckee.com
