When the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway (N-C-O) arrived in
Lakeview, Oregon, in 1912 to complete its last northward
extension, several dozen automobiles were on hand to meet the
first train. Little did anyone there realize that the steam
trains were already being threatened by those gas buggies. The
"Northern California Outrage" lasted another 15 years beyond that
Lakeview ceremony, and operated its last narrow gauge train in
1927.
The N-C-O operated for almost 50 years. Its first trains ran
in 1881, when construction started in Reno, Nev. under the banner
of the Nevada & Oregon Railway. It was supposed to reach the
Columbia River in Oregon, and have a branch line to the central
Oregon coast as well.
As it turned out, it only reached Lakeview, with a branch
into the Feather River country ending at Clio.
The N-C-O has lived on in the hearts of residents of the
areas it served, as well as in the equipment scattered to other
western railroads.
I first discovered the N-C-O in 1973 while living at South
Lake Tahoe, Calif., I looked around for a "local" narrow gauge of
interest. I decided the N-C-O was the best bet for some
interesting three-foot gauge history and modeling potential. The
closest point on the line was been Reno, Nev., about 60 miles
from my home. However, I made many trips there and on up the line
to Chat, Constantia, Doyle, Wendel, Karlo, Madeline, Likely,
Alturas, Goose Lake, and Lakeview (about 290 miles away).
I hope you like this offering of N-C-O material. As time
permits I will try to add more, and will look forward to your
comments and additions.
The most detailed and widely available story of the N-C-O is
found in David Myrick's books "Railroads of Nevada and Eastern
California," Vols. 1 and 2. You can also find information on the
Internet at "Narrow Gauge on the Net," www.narrowgauge.net.
There is a great deal more information to be discovered on
the "Narrow, Crooked, and Ornery." There are court cases to read,
newspaper stories to find, photos to view, and stories to tell.
Enjoy what's here, and share this site with your friends.
I give thanks to Rick Blanchard for his help and the use of
his Slimrails site.
Tom Armstrong -- nco.railfan@gmail.com
Nevada-California-Oregon Railway
