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Nevada County Narrow Gauge
Published References

The following is a list of published references for the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad that I have put together over the last couple of years. I am offering it here as an aid to those interested the history and in the modeling of the NCNGRR. If you have noticed that I missed anything or that anything needs correcting, please feel free to drop me a line at scottkitts@mac.com. Please also note that any mention of errors in the following references is merely a reflection of my understanding of the prototype and not meant to be an insult to the author.

Many other references, both minor and major, can be found (in some cases, scanned in, in their entirety) at Google’s book search and Archive.org. This is an excellent source for government documents for any railroad. Valuation reports and financial records can be very helpful for any railroad what the railroad had for equipment, what they hauled, and how they moved it. Loretta Haines tells me that CountyOffice.org is a good starting point for those searching through local government sources.

A special thanks goes to those who have helped me put this list together. Including Bill Schaumburg, Sheldon & Stan Schwedler, Russ Reinberg, Denise Showalter, Kevin Miller, Doug MacLeod, Dan Downing, Woody Langley, Larry Jensen, Loretta Haines, and Sadie Loomis.

And no, this is not a catalog list of items for sale.

Scott Kitts

Original Company Documents:

Sierra Railway Audit No. 20651: Accounting of labor and material charges for the building a motor car for the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. (Jamestown, California: Sierra Railway Company of California, December 7, 1933) 3 pages, stapled and folded. A typewritten account of the labor and materials to build a 4 wheel motor car for the NCNGRR. Written by Sierra Ry’s Master Mechanic J. E. Taylor for Sierra Ry’s Auditor W. C. Cheney. Good quality scans of these documents are available here (click on the thumbnails to open a new window with the full-size image):

Waybills. (Grass Valley, California: Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Company, December 1905) 5 pages, stapled together. A collection of 5 waybills for loads delivered by the NCNGRR to the Idaho Maryland Mine in December of 1905. And, yes, we are related to the Kitts (by marriage) of the Kitts lumber branch. Good quality scans of these documents are available here (click on the thumbnails to open a new window with the full-size image):

Books:

Baldwin Locomotive Works, Illustrated Catalogue of Narrow-Gauge Locomotives, Burnham, Parry, Williams & Co., Philadelphia, PA., U.S., 3rd ed. (Philadelphia, Pennsyvania: J. B. Lippingott & Co., 1885) 10. Catalog of Baldwin narrow gauge locomotives. Gives specifications of several engine types used by the NCNG and is from the correct time period (data useful for engines #1, 2, 3, 5, 7, & 8 as originally built; but not #9 as it was built much later), as well as some information on the operations of some of those engines on various narrow gauge railroads. The real gem is the testimonial (on page 10) written by John Kidder about the operation of #1, the Grass Valley, and #2, the Nevada, on the NCNG. If you don’t have $3,000 for a real one (see valuation in front of book PDF) (who does?), you can get a PDF of the whole book at Archive.org.

Light Locomotives. H. K. Porter & Co. Pittsburgh, PA., 6th ed. (Buffalo, New York: Matthews, Northrup & Co., Art-Printing Works, 1889) 14-15, 97. Catalog of Porter locomotives. Gives specifications of Santa Cruz & Felton’s “Santa Cruz” (NCNG #4) as well as some information on the operations of that railroad.

Light Locomotives. H. K. Porter & Co. Pittsburgh, PA., 7th ed. (Buffalo, New York: The Matthews-Northrup Co., Complete Art-Printing Works, 1892) 14-15, 105. Catalog of Porter locomotives. Gives specifications of Santa Cruz & Felton’s “Santa Cruz” (NCNG #4) as well as some information on the operations of that railroad.

Beebe, Lucius, and Charles Clegg, Hear The Train Blow: A Pictorial Epic Of America In The Railroad Age. (New York, New York: Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, 1952), 273, 287. Brief mention of the NCNG with one picture.

Beebe, Lucius, and Charles Clegg, Mixed Train Dailey: A Book of Short-Line Railroads. (New York, New York: E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc., 1947), 198, 216, 222, 276. Minor mentions of the NCNGRR with one picture of Engine #9 with a mixed freight.

Beebe, Lucius, The Central Pacific & The Southern Pacific Railroad. (Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books, 1963), 24, 97, 99, 259, 582. Minor mentions of the NCNGRR and a few pictures. Not much of interest.

Beckstrom, Paul and David A. Braun, The Swayne Lumber Company, Narrow Gauge Logging in the Merrimac Forest. (Edmonds, Washington: Pacific Fast Mail, 1992), 111, 131, 142-143. Has picture of #9 and three flats unloading rotary at Colfax. Specifications and disposition of rotary. Also has two page article with pictures and drawings of rotary (one at Nevada City).

Best, Gerald M., Nevada County Narrow Gauge. (Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books, 1965). Has a good history of the NCNGRR, many photos, drawings, maps, and specifications and histories of the locomotives and rolling stock. Primary reference for all histories of the NCNGRR.

Best, Gerald M., The Pacific Coast Company: Ships and Narrow Gauge Rails. (Wilton, California: Signature Press, 1992), 95. History, photos, and rosters of PC equipment, some of which became NCNGRR equipment.

Browne, Juanita Kennedy, A Tale of Two Cities and a Train. (Nevada City, California: The Nevada County Historical Society, 1987). Has a good history of the NCNGRR and many photos.

Condor, Mike and Tim Mulina, Florence & Cripple Creek Narrow Gauge, 500-699 Class Boxcar, Era 1899 to Present. (O’Fallon, Missouri: Quick Pic Book/BHI Publications, July 2003). Has an exhaustive set of detail photos of the F&CC’s 30' box cars which eventually became the NCNG’s 30' box cars. An extremely useful modeler’s resource.

Dunscomb, Guy L., A Century of Southern Pacific Steam Locomotives: 1862-1962. (Modesto, California: Guy L. Dunscomb & Son, 1972), 352-353. Brief mention and photo of NCNG #9 (ex-2nd SP#1).

Dunscomb, Guy L. and Donald K. Dunscomb, Western Steam Pictorial. (Modesto, California: Guy L. Dunscomb & Son Railroad Books, 1988), 74, 85. Has a good photo of #5 and #8 with some history and roster information for each.

Fabing, Horace W. and Hamman, Rick, Steinbeck Country Narrow Gauge. (Boulder, Colorado: Pruett Publishing Company, 1985), 191. History and photographs of flats 87 and 109, and gondola 105/111 while on the Pajaro Valley Consolidated. Brief mention the NCNG in rolling stock disposition.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, Rails Around Lake Tahoe: Steam Trains and Steamboats. (Berkeley and Wilton, California: Signature Press, 2011). Contains roster information, history and a wealth of photos of C.&T.L.&F “Glenbrook” and “Tahoe” (Parts Engine #1 and NCNGRR #5, as well as their sister engine #3), and the S.C.&F.’s “Santa Cruz” (NCNGRR #4) before their service on the NCNGRR.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge. (Edmonds, Washington: Pacific Fast Mail, 1982), 207, 208, 246, 248. Contains roster information and a picture of SPng equipment before it became NCNG equipment.

Fleming, Howard, Narrow Gauge Railways in America. (Canton, Ohio: Daring Press, 1981), 30, 79-80, 109. Basic directory type listing of the NCNG. Brief biographical description of railroad on pages 79-80. Book is a reprinted, updated version of Fleming’s 1876 publication.

Floyd, Donald R., California Narrow Gauge: The Role of Narrow-gauge Railroads in California’s Transportation Network. (Mountain View, California: Gibson Press, 1970) 118 pages. Unknown information. Google books lists “Nevada County” and “Nevada City” as keywords for this book.

Griffiths, Morgan, Mine and Mill Modeling. (Corte Madera, California: Paradise Publishers, 1996). Has some history, photographs, and maps of the NCNGRR.

Griffiths, Morgan, Sawmill Modeling: Saw-milling from 1850 to 1960 in the Truckee River Basin of Northern California. (Corte Madera, California: Paradise Publishers, 1998). contains some photographs and a little history of Engine #5 and LTR&T #1 while they were “Tahoe” and “Glenbrook” on the C&T L&F.

Hilton, George W., American Narrow Gauge Railroads. (Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1990), 160-161, 228, 234, 235, 285, 326, 328-329, 359. Large volume on the rise and fall of narrow gauge railroading in America. Some minor errors in history and names, to be expected in a volume of this scope. Nice broad reference.

Jensen, Larry, Hollywood in the Mother Lode: The story of film work on the Sierra Railroad. (Burbank, California: LSJ Publications, 1973), 20, 21. Brief mention of NCNG #5 in regards to movie and television work. Has picture of #5 on a Universal Studios set which shows some of the sheet metal fill on the pilot deck.

Jensen, Larry, The Movie Railroads. (Burbank, California: Darwin Publications, 1981), 190-195. Historical and photographic account of the movie life of NCNG #5.

Kneiss, Gilbert H., “Quartz Gold and a Narrow-Gauge Crown,” Bonanza Railroads. (Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1941, 1943, 1947, 1954). A short history of the NCNG with a few pictures, references, and a locomotive roster.

Locke, Marvin Elliott, A History of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. (Unpublished. Copyrighted and submitted to the Library of Congress on Feb. 24, 1964. Assigned LOC# HE 3695 .C23 N45). An unpublished history of the NCNG. It is a typewritten, bound manuscript in the Library of Congress containing 143 pages, five photographs (subsequently published elsewhere), and an extensive list of references. Was written as a Masters Dissertation at UCLA.

MacGregor, Bruce A., The Birth of California Narrow Gauge: A Regional Study of the Technology of Thomas and Martin Carter. (Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 2003), 386-431, 595. A history of Carter Brothers, builders of the NCNG’s early passenger cars, flat cars, and box cars. Includes many photos and drawings. I’ll make it easy for you; if you model west coast narrow gauge or early standard gauge (SPC, NPC, NCNGRR, SPng, PC, SC&F, M&SV, WSLCo., etc.), you need this book.

MacGregor, Bruce A., Narrow Gauge Portrait South Pacific Coast. (Felton, California: Glenwood Publishers, 1975), 43, 45-51, 80. Has some info and pictures on some NCNG equipment when it was SPC equipment (Engine #6 when it was SPC #25). Includes some history of Carter Brothers, makers of original NCNG equipment and a series of drawings showing Carter Brothers construction techniques.

MacGregor, Bruce A., South Pacific Coast. (Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books, 1968), 52-53, 67, 76, 237 & 276 (Engine #6 when it was SPC #25). Has some info and pictures on some NCNG equipment when it was SPC equipment. Includes some history of Carter Brothers, makers of original NCNG equipment.

Myrick, David F., Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California, Volume 1. (Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books, 1962), 377, 417-423. Builders photo of Nevada-California-Oregon #14 (would become NCNG #9). Section on the Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming Co. includes several excellent pictures of NCNG #5 as the “Tahoe” before being sold to the NCNG.

Myrick, David F., Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California, Volume 2. ( Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books, 1963), 886-887, 890, 895-896. Roster and specification data for C&C-N&C-SPng #4 (became NCNG #7). Roster and specification data for “Tahoe” and #4 (became NCNG #5 and #4, respectively). Roster and specification data for NCO engines, including NCO #14 (would become NCNG #9) and “Santa Cruz” (would become Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming Co. #4 and NCNG #4).

Reid, Laurance S., Narrow-Gauge Locomotives (The Baldwin Catalog of 1877). (Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1967). Reprint of Baldwin’s 1877 catalog. Specifically mentions the “Nevada County Railroad” and “Lake Tahoe Railway” in descriptions of locomotive classes for NCNGRR Engines #1,2,3, and 5 (though Baldwin’s own records list #5 as being built for the Carson & Tahoe, Lumber & Fluming Co.; especially odd considering the Lake Tahoe Railway & Navigation Co. wasn’t incorporated until 1898).

Robertson, Donald B., Encyclopedia of Western Railroad History, Vol. IV, California. (Caldwell, Idaho: Caxton Press, 1998). Has maps, photographs, drawings and details about California railroading, including dates of operation, miles of track, maximum grade, gauge, rail weight, as well as locomotive and rolling stock types. Info on NCNG is incomplete. Has two Otto Perry photos (Engine #8 & Train and Motor Car #1).

Scott, Edward B., The Saga of Lake Tahoe (Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe, Nevada: Sierra-Tahoe Publishing Co., 1964). Information and pictures of NCNG engine #5 while on the Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming as their #2, the “Tahoe” and NCNG #4, their #4 as well.

Scott, Edward B., The Saga of Lake Tahoe, Volume II (Pebble Beach, California: Sierra-Tahoe Publishing Co., 1993). Information and pictures of NCNG engine #5 while on the Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming as their #2, the “Tahoe” and NCNG #4, their #4 as well.

Frederic Shaw, Clement Fisher, Jr., and George H. Harlan, “Old Man Kidder’s Narrow Gauge,” Oil Lamps and Iron Ponies. (San Francisco, California: Bay Books, Limited, 1949), 2-21. Has some history and a few pictures.

Signor, John R., Donner Pass, Southern Pacific’s Sierra Crossing. (San Marino, California: Golden West Books, 1985), 89-91. Photos of the NCNG in Colfax, map of the NCNG, and a drawing of the layout of the Colfax yard, including the narrow gauge tracks. Photo on page 89 shows train at transfer platform.

Smallwood, Charles, The White Front Cars of San Francisco, Interurbans Special 44. (Glendale, California: Interurbans, 1978), 343-344. Although doesn’t mention the NCNG, give a shot history of and has good pictures of United Railroads of San Francisco’s cable car no. 133. This car is identical to the two “Calhoun” cars used by the NCNG as excursion cars and cabooses between 1908 and 1923. These two cars were purchased from U.R. of S.F. when they became surplus after the 1906 earthquake.

Turner, George B., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad,” Narrow Gauge Nostalgia. (Harbor City, California: J-H Publications, 1965), 110-131. Has some history, pictures, and drawings.

Turner, George B., Slim Rails Through The Sand: A Graphic Presentation of the Carson & Colorado - Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge Railroad. (Long Beach, California: Johnston & Howe, 1963), 46, 50. Has some info and pictures on some NCNG equipment when it was SPng equipment.

Wagner, Jack R., Gold Mines of California. (Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books, 1970), 168, 171, 185, 204. Brief mention of railroad’s role in the history of the local mines. One picture on 204.

Westcott, Kenneth E. and Curtiss H. Johnson, The Pacific Coast Railway: Central California’s Premier Narrow Gauge. (Los Altos, California: Benchmark Publications Ltd., 1998), 242, 272. History, photos, drawings, and rosters of PC equipment, some of which became NCNGRR equipment (some of the tank cars).

Wolf, Adolf Hungry, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge RR,” “Will Whittaker on the Nevada County Narrow Gauge in 1937,” Narrow Gauge Railway Scenes (Skookumchuck, B.C.: Canadian Caboose Press, 1992), 154-159. Brief mention of the history of the NCNG with several pictures, some not published before.

Wyckoff, Robert M., Never Come, Never Go! (Nevada City, California: The Nevada City Publishing Company, 1986). Small volume on the NCNG containing a lot of reprinted information. Main text is from Bonanza Railroads.

Video Tapes/Movies:

Orem, James, Classic Collector’s Series, Volume I: Southern Pacific-1941. (San Diego, California: Video Rails, 1988). Quick views of NCNG right-of-way in Colfax and Oilville.

Phelps, Al, Nevada County Narrow Gauge. (Unpublished). Al Phelps’ home movies of the NCNG and a fan trip shortly before the end of service. Some shots are in color!

Sturgell, Ron - Video, Camera, Editing & Director; Tim O’Brien - Research & Writer; Ed Scofield - Narrator; Jerry Good - Tech Director; Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. (Nevada County Historical Society - Video Devision, 1997). Most of the movie footage is of #9 with a mixed freight along the line from Colfax, to Oilville, and all the way to Nevada City. Footage is of switching, riding the train and run-bys. There is some brief footage of the fan trip. #8 is also shown a little bit. 45% of the video is black & white movies with the rest being mixed stills with a mixture of present day photos and video of the narrator. The credits at the end run over 5 minutes long and are overlaid on top of some good movie footage.

Unknown, Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad, 1942. (Unknown, looks like comercial, 8mm film - Sandy River?, Blackhawk?). Short (3:41) B&W, 8mm movie of #8 with mixed freight. “From Grassy Valley we ride atop the caboose to Colfax.” Good stuff!

Government Publications and Documents:

APPLICATION No. 486: BEFORE THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA in the matter of the application of Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Company for the issuance of bonds. OPINION AND ORDER. and Supplemental Order. (Railroad Commission of the State of California, San Francisco, CA: June 18, 1913 and March 30, 1914). Opinions, legal documents, memoranda, correspondences, and exhibits pertaining to the NCNG’s application to the Cal. PUC to issue $500,000 worth of bonds for the purpose of standard gauging the line. Contains useful financial information; insight into its relationships with its customers; and data regarding its equipment, land, right of way, and track. The bonds were approved, but never issued.

CALIFORNIA RAILROAD COMMISSION Engineering Department Grade Crossing Report (California PUC: June 12, 1916). Grade crossing investigation report and recommendations for NCNG grade crossings between Colfax and Bear River. Report gives detailed descriptions and diagrams of the right of way and grade crossings in this area as well as their recommendations regarding improving safety and visibility for motorists.

Keesing, L. R., CALIFORNIA RAILROAD COMMISSION Engineering Department Grade Crossing Report (California PUC: August 3, 1916). Grade crossing investigation report and recommendations for NCNG (as well as one for the Nevada County Traction Co.) grade crossings between Nevada City and Grass Valley. Report gives detailed descriptions and diagrams of the right of way and grade crossings in this area as well as their recommendations regarding improving safety and visibility for motorists.

Law of The United States of a Local or Temporary Character, and Exhibiting the Entire Legislation of Congress Upon Which the Public Land Titles in Each State and Territory Have Depended. Volume II (Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.: December 1, 1880), 1075-1076. The congressional act that grants the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Company the land grants necessary to construct the railroad. Act No. 2402, June 20, 1874.

Thompson, B. A., ENGINEER REPORT UPON THE NEVADA COUNTY NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD SHOWING COST OF REPRODUCTION NEW AND COST OF REPRODUCTION LESS DEPRECIATION INVENTORY AS OF JUNE 30, 1916 (Interstate Commerce Commission, Bureau of Valuation, Washington, D.C.: 1916). Valuable report of the NCNGRR’s equipment, land, right of way, and track. Initial report.

Hood, Lewis, ENGINEERING REPORT ON THE NEVADA COUNTY NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY (Interstate Commerce Commission, Bureau of Valuation, Washington, D.C.: 1928). Valuable report of the NCNGRR’s equipment, land, right of way, and track. Revised report.

Esch, Fred, R. J. Meigs, Ralph H. Kimball, Paul E. Lesh, and Arthur G. Nichols, jr., “Valuation Docket No.313 NEVADA COUNTY NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD COMPANY,”Interstate Commerce Commission Reports, Vol 141, March-June, 1928, Valuation Reports (Interstate Commerce Commission, Bureau of Valuation, Washington, D.C.: 1928). Valuable report of the NCNGRR’s equipment, land, right of way, track, expenses, and income. Final, published report.

Magazine Articles:

Unknown Author, “By the Light of the Lantern: Ask us what you want to know,” Unknown Magazine or Newsletter, September 1934 issue. Clippings from an unknown magazine or newsletter answering a question by a P.D.H. of San Marino, CA “Give the history, equipment and valuation of NCNGRR.” The answer includes some inaccuracies and a picture of Engine #2 with a passenger train in Colfax “a couple of years ago.”

Beres, Pat, “Locomotive #1 of the Southern Pacific’s ‘Slim Princess Line’,” Slim Gauge News, Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1974, 54. Article on the history of that locomotive. Most of the information on its life as NCNG #9 is incorrect. See “NCNGRR Notes on No. 9,” Railroad Model Craftsman, September 1989, 62-67, by Herman H. Darr, Ed Gebhardt, and Al Phelps for corrected information.

Borden, Stanley T., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad,” The Western Railroader, Vol. 25, No. 8, Issue No. 272, August-September, 1962. A brief history of the NCNG.

Borden, Stanley T., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad,” The Western Railroader, Vol. 26, No. 3, Issue No. 278, March, 1963. An “Enlarged Edition” of Western Railroader that includes a reprint of the brief history of the NCNG from Vol. 25, No. 8 as well as a pictorial by Al Phelps. The Al Phelps pictorial was bound separately and also carries the Vol. 26, No. 3, March 1963, Issue No. 278 identification.

Brown, Bob, “Robert’s Ramblings...,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, July./Aug. 1985, 5. Tells of museum loan of NCNG #5 to historical society in Grass Valley (should have been Nevada City). Includes prototype picture.

Carter, Dave, “A Railroad Museum for Nevada City: Rebirth of the ‘Never Come, Never Go’,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1989, 64-65. Article on building of Nevada City museum for NCNG and other various NG equipment. Includes listing of historical society’s loan and owned equipment and a bibliography.

Darr, Herman H., “Third-hand boxcars: The ex-F&CC boxcars of the NCNG,” Railroad Model Craftsman, March 1993, 94-98. Some history, pictures, and drawings of the NCNGRR’s ex-F&CC 30' box cars.

Darr, Herman H., “A PC Ry,/NCNG narrow gauge tank car,” Railroad Model Craftsman, April 1994, 63-67. Some history, pictures, and drawings of the NCNGRR’s ex-Pacific Coast Ry. tank cars.

Darr, Herman H., “Product Reviews,” Finescale Railroader, May 2000, 25-27. Forget the review of the large scale toy itself, but contained in the review is some great information on NCNG #1 and 3; especially in the listing of overall dimensions for a Baldwin 8-16C (the Baldwin class to which these two engines belong).

Darr, Herman H., “Product Reviews,” Finescale Railroader, April/May 2001, 22-25. Forget the review of the large scale toy itself, but contained in the review is some great information on Baldwin moguls like NCNG #5; especially in the listing of overall dimensions for a Baldwin 8-20-D (the Baldwin class to which this engine belongs).

Darrell, Paul, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Company,” Railroadiana Vignettes, 1, No. 2, 1946. Unknown information, listed as reference in American Narrow Gauge Railroads. Darrell was an excellent photographer of the NCNGRR.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “Baldwin’s Narrow Gauge Moguls, Model and Prototype,” Finescale Railroader, May 2001, 32-41. History, prototype info, and photos (some from other sources, uncredited), of NCNG #5 during her history as well as many of her sister engines.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge: The Early Days,” Finescale Railroader: The 2007 Narrow Gauge Annual, September 2006, 4-44. Some NCNG history and reprints of a few drawings. Great collection of early NCNG photos, passes, and waybills (though some reprinted from other sources).

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge: The Later Years,” The Narrow Gauge Annual, Summer 2007, 4-57. Some NCNG history and reprints of a few drawings. Excellent collection of NCNG photos, especially of the Grass Valley turntable (though some reprinted from other sources). Includes article on the Nevada County Traction Company. (Note: the turntable shown on page 47 is not the Nevada City turntable, nor is it a NCNG turntable.)

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Locomotives and Rolling Stock: A Modeler’s and Historian’s Reference,” The Modelers’ Annual, Winter 2008, 16-59. Some NCNG history and reprints of a many of Herman Darr’s drawings. Some of the information is reprinted from other sources, and many of the drawings need some updating. Still an excellent collection of NCNG rolling stock and locomotive photos if you don’t have acess to the other books and drawings listed here though.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “Saga of the C-16. Part 4, The Depression Years,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, Nov./Dec. 2004, 56. Article on D&RGW’s C-16s. Photo of NCNG #8 in Grass Valley. Both caption and text mistakenly refer to engine as being rebuilt with SP style, oil tender because of damage caused by a shop fire. While #8 was damaged in a shop fire shortly after its arrival on the NCNGRR, the NCNGRR never bought D&RGW #283’s tender and always used engine #7’s whaleback oil burning tender.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “The Swayne Lumber Company’s Rotary Snowplow,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, Jan./Feb. 1993, 41-45. Article on building a model of said rotary. Includes history, prototype pictures (one at Nevada City), and a drawing.

Fisher, Clement Jr., “A ‘Days of Gold’ Railroad,” Railroad History, The Bulletin of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, No. 43, April 1937, 30-36. A brief history, contemporary report on the line, four photos (subsequently printed elsewhere), locomotive roster, and timetable copy.

?, “?,” Railroad History, The Bulletin of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, No. 34, Date Unknown, 50. Unknown information (Referenced in unknown magazine article listed at the start of this section).

?, “?,” Railroad History, The Bulletin of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, No. 66, April 1945. Unknown information (Referenced in Bonanza Railroads).

Hanft, Robert M., “N.C.N.G. End of the Line,” Railroad History, The Bulletin of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, No. 134, Spring 1976, 66-77. Description of a visit to the line during the scrapping operations. Includes four photos not published elsewhere.

Herman H. Darr and Keith Everett, “A tale of two stations: The story of Chicago Park,” Railroad Model Craftsman, March 1991, 73-78. Some history of Chicago Park, some pictures, and drawings of the depot and water tank.

Herman H. Darr, Ed Gebhardt, and Al Phelps, “NCNGRR Notes on No. 9,” Railroad Model Craftsman, September 1989, 62-67. Some history, pictures, and drawings of locomotive No. 9.

Herman H. Darr and Al Phelps, “NCNGRR Nevada City yard,” Railroad Model Craftsman, August 1984, 64-69. Some history, pictures, and drawings of the Nevada City yard.

Herman H. Darr and Ken Yeo, “NCNGRR Nevada City station,” Railroad Model Craftsman, September 1984, 84-86. Some history, pictures, and drawings of the Nevada City station, water tank, and oil bunker. Water tank drawing needs some corrections.

Jensen, Larry, “Tahoe Twins: The Tahoe and the Glenbrook,” Pacific RailNews, No. 281, April 1987, 10-15. History of the Carson & Tahoe, Lumber & Fluming Co.'s Tahoe and Glenbrook; from construction, to end of their service lives, to preservation by the Nevada County Historical Society and the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Has several good photos of the Tahoe (NCNG #5) throughout its life.

Lincoln, Wayne, “NCNG 2-8-0,” Model Railroader, November 1949, 30. Some history, two good pictures, HO drawings, and some modeling suggestions (note: unnecessary, a model was later imported in brass in both HOn3 and On3) for Engine No. 9.

Nealson, Rich, “NCNG boxcar No. 36: a 120-year old mystery solved?,” Railroad Model Craftsman, March 2011, 53-56, 100. Article on probable origins of box car no. 36, a converted flat car. Includes photos and a drawing.

Phelps, Al and Francis Guido, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad: Al Phelps Pictorial 1937-1942,” The Western Railroader, Vol. 26, No. 3, Issue No. 278, March, 1963. Sixteen page edition which includes 33 Al Phelps’ pictures and a timetable from April 8, 1937. Carries the same identification as the “Enlarged Edition” of Western Railroader listed above.

Roberts, Dick, “Spanning the Bear River: Modeling the NCNG’s steel span near Colfax, California,” Railroad Model Craftsman, October 2008, cover, 60-67. Nice article on modeling the Bear River Bridge in HO, based on the premise the NCNG had been converted to standard gauge sometime after 1913. Lots of good tips on modeling the structure, as well as giving a feel of just how big this bridge really was. Includes one prototype photo.

Schaumberg, William C., “Editors Notebook…: NCNG Memories: Bear River Bridge,” Railroad Model Craftsman, October 2008, 112-115. Good article on the history the Bear River Bridge, its construction, capacity, demolition, and what remains of its location today. Includes four photos of the bridge in operation and one photo of its former location today.

Vail, Jim, “Two HOn3 Nevada County Narrow Gauge Boxcars,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, November/December 1999, 76-79. A sctratchbuilding article on constructing a 26' outside framed NCNG box car in HOn3. Includes a drawing of car #32 as an outside framed car and a reprint of Herman Darr’s drawing of the 1930’s version of the NCNG’s 26' box cars (NCNG-6, 1982 version).

Wright, Malcolm K., Ed., “A Baldwin Veteran Stars in ‘The Spoilers’,” Baldwin Locomotives, Vol. 20, No. 1, June 1942, 25. Brief mention of NCNG #5’s role in the “The Spoilers.” Includes some pictures of the engine on location in the Big Tujunga wash (in L.A.) during filming.

Drawings:

Braun, David, NCNG-1: Excursion Car #8. (Sacramento, California: The Back Shop, 1966).A drawing of excursion car #8 with some painting and car data.

Braun, David, NCNG-1: 25' Flat Car #81. (Sacramento, California: The Back Shop, 1966). A drawing of flat cars 81 and 91.

Braun, David, NCNG-2: 26', 8 Ton Capacity Box Car 74. (Sacramento, California: The Back Shop, 1966). A drawing of box cars 70, 72, and 74.

Braun, David, NCNG-3: 25' Fruit Car #5. (Sacramento, California: The Back Shop, 1966). A drawing of fruit car #5. Lists some car data.

Braun, David, NCNG-4: 30' Union Oil Tank #181 (on NCO Flat). (Sacramento, California: The Back Shop, 19??).

Braun, David, NCNG-6: 28' Flats 201 (ex-Pajaro), 413 (ex-SP). (Sacramento, California: The Back Shop, 19??).

Cass, Ed., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge No. 11, Whitcomb 1928 Gasoline 0-4-0, 7, 8, & 10 Tons,” Finelines, Vol. 10, No. 3, Sept. 1973, 14-15. A 1966 drawing (3/8" Scale), some history, prototype photo, and some Whitcomb catalog photos.

Cass, E. H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Number 11,” Outdoor Railroader, October/November 1993, 43. Cass’s 1966 drawing of the NCNG’s Whitcomb 0-4-0 Gas-Mechanical locomotive #11. Includes some history of the engine.

Darr, Herman H., SP-200: C&C 4-4-0’s Nos. 1-8; N&C Nos. 1-8; and SP No. 4, 5, 7, & 8. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). Drawing of engine #7 as SPng #4, with whaleback tender. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-1: Box Car No. 134. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1962). A drawing of a typical ex-F&CC 30' box car. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-1: Box Car No. 138. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1980). A revised drawing of a typical ex-F&CC 30' box car. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-2: Caboose No. 1. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1964). A drawing of caboose #1 built by the NCNGRR’s Grass Valley shops in 1940. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-3: Rotary Snow Plow No. 1. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1964). A drawing of the ex-Swayne rotary plow. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-4: Gondolas #105, 111 & Flat Cars 87, 109. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1965). A drawing of the ex-PVC gondola #183. Incorrectly identifies gons #105 and 111 as two different cars. Gon #105 was actually rebuilt into 111. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-5: Box Car No. 4. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1964). A drawing of a typical 24' box car built by Carter Brothers. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-5: Box Car No. 4. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). A revised drawing of a typical 24' box car built by Carter Brothers. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-6: Box Car No. 50. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1964). A drawing of a typical 26' box car built by the NCNGRR’s Grass Valley shops. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-6: Box Car No. 50. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). A revised drawing of a typical 26' box car built by the NCNGRR’s Grass Valley shops. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-7: Shell Tank Cars A-10 & A-11. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1963). A drawing of tank cars A-10 and 11. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-7: Shell Chemical Co. Tank Car A-10. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). A revised drawing of tank car A-10. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-8: Flat Car No. 25. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1964). A drawing of flat car 25. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-9: Flat Cars 151, 167, & 401. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1965). A drawing of ex-NCO (151 & 167) and ex-SPng flat cars 151, 167, and 401. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-10: Tank Car No. 1002. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1965). A drawing of tank car 1002. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-11: Gondolas 15, 35, & 45. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 19??). A drawing of gons 15, 35, and 45, rebuilt from flats of the same number. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-12: Tank Cars No. 141 & 143. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1966). A drawing of tank cars 141 and 143. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-13: Bucker Snow Plow. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1979). A drawing of the Grass Valley Shop built bucker snow plow “Cyclops.” O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-14: Rebuilt Box Car No. 100. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1980). A drawing of rebuilt, ex-F&CC 30' box car 100. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-15: Flat Car No. 421. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). A drawing of ex-SPng flat car 421. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-16: Flat Car No. 413. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). A drawing of Carter Brothers built, ex-SPC, ex-SPng flat car 413. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-101: Engine #9, 2-8-0. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1962). A drawing of ex-NCO #14, ex-SPng #1 engine #9. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-102: Engine #5, 2-6-0. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1962). A drawing of ex-C&TL&FCo. #2 “Tahoe” engine #5. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-103?: Coach No. 8 and Baggage-Mail Car No. 9. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1961). A drawing of ex-C&C #2, ex-N&C #2, ex-SPng #2 coach 8 and ex-C&C #6, ex-N&C #6, ex-SPng #6 baggage car 9. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-104: Flat Car No. 21. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1979). A drawing of Grass Valley Shop built flat car 21. 3/8" Scale.

Darr, Herman H., NCNG-105: Coach No. 7. (Grass Valley, California: Darr’s Scale Models, 1982). A drawing of Carter Brothers built ex-SPC #22, ex-N&C #13, ex-SPng coach 7. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Flatcar Number 413,” Finescale Railroader, April/May 1998, 71. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-16. Includes some history of the car. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Gondolas #105, 111 & Flat Cars 87, 109,” Finescale Railroader, February/March 2002, 39. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-4. (And Yes, that is my father's work on the cover.)

Darr, Herman H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Boxcar Number 50,” Outdoor Railroader, September 1995, 82. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-6, 1982 version. Includes some history of the car.

Darr, Herman H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Bucker Snowplow,” Finescale Railroader, April/May 1997, 53. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-13. Includes some history of the car.

Darr, Herman H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Rebuilt Boxcar Number 100,” Finescale Railroader, February/March 1998, 41. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-14. Includes some history of the car. S Scale.

Darr, Herman H., “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad No. 5 2-6-0,” Finescale Railroader, June/July 2001, 46-47. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-102. O Scale.

Darr, Herman H., “Shell Chemical Co. Tank Car A-10,” Finescale Railroader, December 2003, 32. Reprint of Darr’s Scale Models’ plan NCNG-7. O Scale.

Caviglia, Gary, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad: Nevada, No. 2,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1989, 68-69. Sketches of #2 in 1875, 1906, 1912, and 1930. S Scale

Caviglia, Gary, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge Excursion Cars,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, May/June 1989, 38-39. Sketches of two different excursion cars. S Scale.

Gebhardt, Ed, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge 3-Foot Gauge Locomotive Fuel Tank Car,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, July/Aug. 1992, 50-51. Drawing of tank car #1002. Includes brief history of engine and prototype photo of Oilville. O Scale.

Gebhardt, Ed, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge #6, 3-Foot Gauge 2-6-0,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1993, 50-51. Drawing of NCNG #6. Includes brief history of engine. O Scale.

Gebhardt, Ed, “Nevada County Narrow Gauge #7, A 3-Foot Gauge 4-4-0,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1997, 54-55. Drawing of NCNG #7. Includes brief history of engine (forgets to mension tender change in listing of modifications) and two previously unpublished photographs (uncredited). O Scale.

Schlechter, Robert, Nevada County Narrow Gauge RR. Box Car No. 58, (1965). A good drawing of box car number 58, based on measurements by Oscar Neubert of car 58 in 1956. O Scale

Published Photos:

Cruse, Tom and Mallory Hope Ferrell, “Baldwin’s Narrow Gauge Moguls, Follow-Up: Ward Kimball’s Emma Nevada,” Finescale Railroader, October/November 2001, 50. Photos by Tom Cruse and from Ferrell’s collection (some from other sources, uncredited), of one of NCNG #5’s sister engines.

Deimling, Gene, from the collection of, “Gazette Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1986, 89. Picture of engine #8 with 3 box cars, 3 flats, one gon, and caboose (ex-coach) #7 on Bear River Bridge. Front 3/4 quarter view, engineer’s side.

Dill, Tom and Bob Searle, “Great Photographers Bob Searle: Born to railroading,” Classic Trains, Winter 2006, 43. Good, half-page photo of NCNG #8 with freight train in front of Grass Valley depot on November 5, 1940.

Ferrell, Mallory Hope, “Baldwin’s Narrow Gauge Moguls, An Album,” Finescale Railroader, June/July 2001, 43-49. Photos (some from other sources, uncredited), of NCNG #5 during her history as well as many of her sister engines.

Harrison, Larry, “Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1994, 86. Picture of baggage car #6, Colfax, 1934. 3/4 Side view.

Nevada County Nugget, Volume 38, Number 34, August 22, 1963, 1. Photo of Bear River Bridge and caption announcing the demolition of the bridge the next day. A scan of this page is available here: http://gallery.me.com/scottkitts#100094.

Reinberg, Russ, “Photos,” Outdoor Railroader, January 1996, 78. Photo of NCNG #5 on display at the Northern Queen Inn in Nevada City in March of 1995. Includes some history.

Stindt, Fred (from collection of Gene Deimling), “Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1992, 88. Photo of engine #1 the “Grass Valley” (incorrectly called the “Nevada’), Colfax, date unknown. Rear 3/4 quarter view, fireman’s side.

Vollrath, Harold K., “Gazette Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, July/Aug. 1978, 66. Top: Picture of engine #2, Colfax, 1908. Front 3/4 view, fireman’s side. Bottom: Picture of engine #5, Grass Valley, 1938. Front 3/4 view, fireman’s side.

Wurm, Ted, “Gazette Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, November 1976, 44. Photo of box car #134, Colfax, 4/10/1939. Side view, door open, front of #9 showing.

Wurm, Ted, from collection of, “Gazette Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1978, 82. Top: Picture of engine #8 pulling tank car train, Chicago Park, 1930s. Front view, fireman’s side. Angle shows water tank and end view of depot. Bottom: Picture of engine #8 pulling tank car train, leaving Chicago Park, 1930s. Front 3/4 view, engineer’s side. Angle shows water tank and end view of depot. Next page shows two abandoned, derelict U.R. of S.F. cable cars next to track. These cars were the two “Calhoun” cars used as excursion cars and cabooses on the NCNG, between 1908 and 1923.

Wurm, Ted, “Gazette Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, Sept./Oct. 1988, 84. Picture of engine #9, an ex-F&CC box car, and flat car #403 with lumber load, Grass Valley, 1939. Rear 3/4 view, fireman’s side.

Wurm, Ted, “Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 1994, 84. Picture of engine #1, Colfax, 1933. Side view, fireman’s side, angle shows nose to nose with S.P. cab forward #4145.

Wurm, Ted, from the collection of, “Gallery,” Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, September/October 1996, 85. Picture of engine #9, box car #100, and inspection car, Grass Valley, 1937. Rear 3/4 view, fireman’s side.

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©2011, Scott Kitts. Magazine and Books cover images are presented here only as an identification aid to the reader.

Compiled by Scott Kitts
Rev. 10/15/2016.