Virginia and Truckee 22 Inyo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inyo |
|
.jpg) |
|
| Power type | Steam |
|---|---|
| Builder | Baldwin Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 3693 |
| Model | 8-26 C |
| Build date | February 1875 |
| Configuration | 4-4-0 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 57 in (1,448 mm) |
| Locomotive weight | 68 short tons (61.7 t) |
| Fuel type | Wood |
| Boiler pressure | 75 psi (0.52 MPa) |
| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Cylinder size | 16 in × 24 in (410 mm × 610 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 6,870 lbf (30.56 kN) |
| Official name | Inyo |
| Retired | September 9th, 1926 |
| Current owner | Nevada State Railroad Museum |
| Disposition | Restored to operating condition |
| Official name: Virginia and Truckee RR. Engines No. 18, The Dayton; and No. 22, The Inyo | |
| Designated: | December 18, 1973 |
| Reference #: | 73002245 |
The Virginia and Truckee Railroad No. 22, also called the Inyo, is a special type of steam locomotive. It was built in 1875 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. This powerful engine pulled both passenger and freight trains.
The Inyo is an "American" type locomotive. This means it has four small wheels at the front, four large driving wheels in the middle, and no wheels at the back. It weighs about 68,000 lb (31,000 kg). Its large driving wheels are 57 in (140 cm) across. These wheels helped it pull trains with 11,920 lb (5,410 kg) of force.
In 1877, the Inyo got air brakes, which made it safer. Later, in 1910, it was changed to burn oil instead of wood. This was a common upgrade for steam engines. The Inyo was retired from regular service on September 9, 1926. It was kept in good shape to provide parts for another locomotive, the Reno.
Inyo in the Movies
The Inyo locomotive had an exciting second career in Hollywood! In March 1937, it was sold to Paramount Pictures for $1,250. Even though it wasn't rebuilt like another train, the Dayton, the Inyo was repainted and renumbered for movies.
Famous Film Roles
The Inyo starred in many films. Its first movie was High, Wide, and Handsome in 1937. After that, it appeared in Union Pacific and Red River.
One of its most famous roles was playing the Texas in Disney's The Great Locomotive Chase in 1956. In 1962, it was seen as Southern Pacific #9 in the John Wayne movie McLintock!. The Inyo also appeared in the 1960s TV show The Wild Wild West, sometimes as number 8 and sometimes as number 22. In total, this busy locomotive was in over 20 movies and TV shows!
After Its Movie Career
After its time in Hollywood, the Inyo continued its journey. In 1969, it took part in a special event. This event celebrated 100 years since the Golden Spike was driven. The Golden Spike joined the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.
For this celebration, the Inyo was decorated to look like the Central Pacific's Jupiter locomotive. It stayed at the Golden Spike National Historic Site for most of the 1970s.
A New Home in Nevada
In 1974, the State of Nevada bought the Inyo. However, it remained in Utah while a new replica of the Jupiter was built. Finally, in late 1978, the Inyo arrived at its new home: the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City.
Experts checked the Inyo and found it was in great condition. They decided to restore it so it could run again! The restoration was finished quickly, and the Inyo made its first run on May 29, 1983.
Today, the Inyo is still in Carson City. It steams up and runs around the museum's tracks on special days. One of its most notable appearances is every year on July 4th. In April 1984, it even visited Las Vegas for the opening of the railroad-themed Palace Station casino.
