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Nevada Northern Railway: Locomotive 81 cleared for service; foundation reports ridership and restoration plans
Summary
Nevada Northern Railway Foundation reported Locomotive 81 completed a successful test run and was cleared by the FRA on Feb. 4; the foundation listed ongoing restoration work on other locomotives and reported January ridership of 145 passengers, estimating $79,750 in passenger-generated economic impact.
Ely, Nev. — Nevada Northern Railway Foundation President Mark Bassett told the Ely City Council on Feb. 12 that Locomotive 81 recently completed its first trip after repairs and was cleared for service by the Federal Railroad Administration on Feb. 4.
"Locomotive 81 just completed its first trip up the hill and back again with no issues," Bassett said. He said volunteers and shop crews continue work on other locomotives and rolling stock: Locomotive 802 is being readied with a goal to return it to service this summer; Locomotive 40 remains out for heavy repairs and is expected to be unavailable until 2027, and other pieces are awaiting funding or repair.
Bassett reported January ridership at 145 passengers, a 15% decrease from the previous year, and used a $550 per‑visitor estimate from a rural Nevada visitor profile to calculate a January passenger‑driven economic impact of $79,750 (145 x $550). He also supplied large social‑media reach numbers in the foundation report.
The foundation is continuing restoration and maintenance work while seeking funding for heavier overhauls; the council was encouraged to view the ongoing photo‑shoot and restoration activity at the depot.
The foundation's report is recorded in the meeting materials; Bassett presented the operational summary during the council's reports section.
