Of all the historic places or things we have photographed over the years, nothing compares to the old trains and steam engines that once were seen all over America. Most rusted away years ago, but there is a growing trend to restore these special machines that first captured our hearts at a young age. In Virginia City, Nevada, we rode on old number 29 of the V&T Railroad. The engine — which has been in several films — is named after Robert Grey, who restored the old railroad. Between the sounds, the smoke, the steam, metal on metal squeals and the characters behind the controls, we got to go back a hundred years.

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad was built in the late 18 hundreds — linking the mining town of Virginia City with the Reno area — and connecting to the transcontinental railroad. Lumber and other raw materials went up the hill — and the valuable silver ore from the Comstock Lode came down the hill. The train was shut down in the 1930’s but restored in the 1970’s and is now a popular tourist attraction.