A passenger climbs aboard the Death Valley Motor Car No. 5 on Saturday at the inaugural Motorcar Rally happening through Monday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. Credit: Photos and video by Jeff Munson

It was all aboard Saturday in Carson City at the Labor Day holiday weekend kickoff of the inaugural Nevada State Railroad Museum Motorcar Rally, bringing railroad buffs from the around region and across the nation to celebrate the west’s famed railway history.

The three-day event offers visitors a rare opportunity to see and ride a variety of historic motor cars gathered together in one location by bringing a unique collection of historic and replica motor cars from across the west.

The motorcars include: Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 7 from the Colorado Railroad Museum, Death Valley Railroad Brill Motor Car No. 5 from Laws Railroad Museum & Historic Site, Motor Car Sarah Kidder from the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Museum, and replicas of Virginia & Truckee Motor Car No. 24 and Nevada Central Motor Car 107-C.

Select motor cars are available for rides throughout the event, giving visitors the opportunity to experience these historic vehicles firsthand.

Visiting from Pittsburgh, Penn., Lorrie and Jim Gibbons said they were at Lake Tahoe and learned about the Motorcar Rally. Both avid train buffs, the couple said they enjoy spending their retirement traveling across the country to ride old trains, especially in the West.

“We were at Lake Tahoe and I started reading about the event at the railroad museum. The timing was perfect,” said Lorrie Gibbons.

“We really lucked out because I didn’t know this event was happening and apparently it only happens once in a blue moon. So I feel very lucky,” said Jim Gibbons.

Visiting from Torrance, Calif., Dan and Vicky Cathcart and son Dylan came to Carson City to see their son Tyler Cathcart, wife Danielle and granddaughter Sadie of Carson City.

Having previously attended the Railroad Museum’s annual fall Harvest Train event, the Cathcart family sat under a tree and dined on cheeseburgers from Candy Burger, one of a number of vendors at the event.

“We’ve come here to visit our kids and though we’re not exactly train buffs, we loved riding the train for the fall pumpkin event. It was a lot of fun” said Vicky Cathcart.

Danielle Cathcart said the Nevada Railroad Museum is a “hidden gem” in Carson City and its events like Saturday’s that keeps them coming back.

“It’s something that you just kind of drive by everyday but you know it’s there and it’s days like this where we can walk over here for the day,” added Tyler Cathcart.

Edwards Car Birthday Celebration

Visitors were not only treated to the unique collection of historic and replica motorcars but also to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the museum’s Tucson, Cornelia & Gila Bend No. 401, also known as the Edwards Motor Car.

The Edwards Motor Car was was built in 1926 by the Edwards Motor Car Company and hauled passengers in Arizona before being acquired by the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

Amanda Thompson, motorman driver of the Edwards Car for the 100th birthday, said she’s grateful to be tied to Saturday’s festivities.

“It’s an honor to be the motorman for the 100th birthday, which makes it more special because she’s one of our best,” said Thompson, a Nevada State Railroad Museum volunteer and a local accountant. “I’ve been driving it for 9 years now. She’s got a lot of pep.”

The three-day Labor Day weekend celebration continues Sunday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and features historic motor car rides, behind-the-scenes tours, food trucks, live music and more.

Event Schedule

Museum Access: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Motor Car Rides: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handcar Rides: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Motor Car Shuttle from Depot to Museum Buildings: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every 15 minutes
Behind the Scenes Annex Tour: 1 p.m.
Food Trucks: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Museum Partner Booths: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Live Music:

Sunday, Sept. 6

11 am – Rachael McElhiney

1 pm – Kat Heart

Monday, Sept. 7

11 am – Greg Gilmore

1 pm – Darren Senn

Ticket Info: One wristband covers everything for a full day of fun.

Adults: $25

Children (4–17): $15

Children (3 and under): FREE

Go here for ticket information. Please note, wristbands are required. The Museum will not be selling single rides or standard admission tickets during the event. Member discounts do not apply.